Courage is easy to talk about until obedience starts costing us something. It is one thing to follow Jesus when the road is clear, the crowd is supportive, and the outcome feels safe. It is another thing to keep walking when obedience leads into misunderstanding, opposition, false accusation, and pain. But mission was never promised to be comfortable. It was promised to be worth it. In this message, Pastor John Rogers continues our On a Mission series by looking at Paul’s journey to Jerusalem in Acts 21:27–36, 22:22–29, and 23:11. Paul knew that chains and afflictions were waiting for him, but he obeyed the Spirit and went anyway. When he arrived, a riot broke out. He was falsely accused, dragged out of the temple, beaten, and bound in chains. From the outside, it looked like everything had gone wrong. But in the middle of the barracks, Jesus stood by Paul and said, “Take courage.” Not because the crowd had calmed down. Not because the chains had fallen off. Not because the accusations had disappeared. Jesus told Paul to take courage because Paul was not alone, and his mission was not over. As he had testified in Jerusalem, he would also testify in Rome. This is what it means to live on mission when following Jesus costs you. Your courage cannot come from comfortable circumstances, public approval, or guaranteed safety. Those things can change in a moment. Real courage comes from the presence of the One who stands by you when everything around you is shaking. When obedience costs you your comfort, your reputation, or even your freedom, stand firm. The mission is still moving. Jesus is still near. And the same Savior who calls you forward is the One who stands beside you. Stand firm in the faith. In This Message: ► Bound for the Gospel: Why Paul kept obeying even when he knew suffering was ahead. ► False Accusation and Opposition: How to remain faithful when you are misunderstood, attacked, or treated unfairly. ► Take Courage: The power of Jesus standing by Paul in the middle of uncertainty and chains. ► Stand Firm in the Faith: Practical ways to draw courage from Christ’s presence instead of your circumstances. Next Steps: ► New to New Post? We’d love to connect with you: https://www.newpost.church/contact-10 ► Need Prayer? If you’re ready to tear down an altar today, our team would love to stand with you: https://www.newpost.church/care ► Give: Support the mission of making disciples by visiting: https://www.newpost.church/give ► Join a Group: Don't swing the axe alone. Find a community to walk with: https://www.newpost.church/life-groups Subscribe to stay updated on the latest messages from New Post Church. #Sermon #BibleTeaching #BibleStudy #Jesus #Christianity
