Canaan Fellowship

Courage in the Face of Opposition

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Canaan Fellowship
Canaan Fellowship
Courage in the Face of Opposition
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Bruce Hempel delivers a sermon on courage in the face of opposition, emphasizing the need for believers to boldly shine their light for Christ despite persecution or societal pressure. He connects this theme to earlier messages on the “fear of man” and the disciples’ denial of Jesus, urging listeners to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength. The sermon draws heavily from Matthew and Acts, showcasing examples of early Christians who stood firm under persecution.

  • [00:00] Introduction ties the sermon to prior messages on fear and denial, setting up the theme of courage.
  • [00:49] Key text: Matthew 5:14-16 (light under a bushel) applied to modern secular or hostile environments.
  • [04:01] Matthew 10 (Jesus’ instructions to the 12) is a prophetic call to endure persecution, not just for the disciples but for all believers.
    • Matthew 10:16-23: Warns of betrayal, flogging, and divine provision for speech under trial.
    • Matthew 10:32-33: Eternal stakes of acknowledging or denying Christ.
    • Matthew 10:34-39: Jesus brings division, even within families.
  • [10:43] Examples from Acts:
    • [11:15] Acts 2:22-23, 36: Peter boldly accuses the crowd of crucifying Jesus, leading to repentance.
    • [13:15] Acts 3:13-15: Peter repeats the accusation, offering forgiveness through repentance.
    • [14:31] Acts 4:1-13: Peter and John defy the Sanhedrin, filled with the Spirit’s boldness.
    • [18:18] Acts 5:17-23: Apostles jailed but miraculously freed, continuing to preach.
    • [20:22] Acts 7:51-60: Stephen’s martyrdom after condemning Jewish leaders’ resistance to the Spirit.
    • [21:38] Acts 13-14: Paul and Barnabas face repeated persecution but plant churches.
  • [23:50] Exhortation from 2 Timothy 2:1-13:
    • Endure suffering as a “good soldier”; God remains faithful even if we falter.
  • [28:22] Application:
    • Radical faithfulness is nurtured in persecution (e.g., Iranian Christians).
    • Avoid busyness that distracts from God’s mission (Matthew 10:19-20: Holy Spirit gives words).
  • [34:19] Closing prayer for courage, light-bearing, and solidarity with persecuted believers.

Scripture References

  • Matthew 5:14-16
  • Matthew 10:16-23, 32-39
  • Acts 2:22-23, 36
  • Acts 3:13-15
  • Acts 4:1-13
  • Acts 5:17-23
  • Acts 7:51-60
  • Acts 13-14
  • 2 Timothy 2:1-13

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