Courage and Fear

Pastor Bill Bush · May 29, 2023

Drawing on lessons from his father, a decorated combat veteran of three wars, the pastor challenges Christians to move beyond passive, benefit-seeking faith and engage as active soldiers in the spiritual battle God has called them to. Using five military principles — embracing difficulty, maintaining a combat rhythm, holding plans loosely, refusing to whine, and acting with courage despite fear — he argues that genuine discipleship means choosing hard things, centering plans on God's purpose, and stepping out in faith whenever the Lord's will gives the green light.

Pastor Bill Bush · Aug 13, 2018

Drawing from Nehemiah's example and Jesus' words in John 12, the sermon argues that a life aligned with God's purposes requires more than good intentions or a solid plan — it demands a personal commitment that involves real sacrifice. Just as Nehemiah surveyed the broken walls, rallied God's people by modeling commitment himself, and asked them specifically to join the work, followers of Jesus are called to a 'death to self' that mirrors Christ's own courageous surrender to the Father's mission. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is choosing to act faithfully in spite of it.

Pastor Bill Bush · Jul 31, 2018

Drawing from Nehemiah 1–2, this sermon argues that courageous, radical faith is not the absence of fear but the willingness to act in spite of it. When a dislocated heart (longing for what God longs for) combines with a broken, repentant spirit, the result is absolute surrender — a readiness to step out of every safe harbor and into God's clearly revealed will at personal cost. Just as Nehemiah risked his life before the king in a terrifying, unplanned moment, God regularly opens doors in frightening ways so that His people can experience the privilege of being part of His plan and sharing in the victory.