NOVEMBER 13, 2022
CREATING A HEALTHY CHURCH
“HEALTH NEEDS COURAGE”
John 16:33

John 16:33 – In the world you will have hardship, but be courageous, I have conquered the world!

HOW CAN I LIVE COURAGEOUSLY?

1. By owning up to my sin.

John 1:8 – If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

Pr.28:13 – You’ll never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins.

James 5:16 – Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

2. By standing up for what is right.

I Cor. 16:13 – Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong.

Ezek. 3:18 – If you don’t speak out to warn the evil person to leave his evil way, he will die in his sin. But I’ll hold you responsible for his death.

Pr. 14:13 – Sure, those people appear to be having a good time, but all that laughter will end in heartbreak.

Ps. 119:41, 45, 46 – Let your love, God, shape my life. Then I’ll be able to stand up to mockery because I trust Your Word, as I look for Your truth and Your wisdom, I’ll tell the world what I find, and speak out boldly in public unembarrassed.

3. By speaking up for Christ.

II Tim. 1:7-8 – God doesn’t want us to be shy with His gifts, but bold and loving and sensible. So don’t be embarrassed to speak up for our Master.

II Tim. 1:8 – Don’t be ashamed to tell people about our Lord Jesus.

I Peter 3:15 – Always be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always do it with the utmost courtesy.

HOW TO BUILD YOUR COURAGE

1. Go public through baptism.

Gal. 2:27 – Your baptism in Christ was not just washing you up for a fresh start. It also involved dressing you in an adult faith wardrobe – Christ’s life!

2. Pray for boldness.

Eph. 6:20 – Pray and ask God to give me the right words as I boldly tell others about the Lord.

3. Expect God to use me.

Phil. 1:20 – I expect and hope that I will have the courage now, as always, to show the greatness of Christ in my life here on earth.

Josh. 1:9 – Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

4. Remember the end of the story.

James 5:8- Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.

Job 11:18 – You’ll have courage because you will have hope.

Luke 9:26 – If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of man will be ashamed of hem when He comes in His glory.