Courageous Disciples
What does it look like to step out of safety and into the unknown for the sake of something greater? In Esther chapter 5, we find a woman who does exactly that — living in relative comfort as queen of the most powerful empire in the world, she chooses to risk everything by approaching the king uninvited.
Associate Pastor Ben Christensen walks through Esther's bold move and pairs it with the true story of Master Sergeant John Chapman, a U.S. Air Force Combat Controller who, mortally wounded during the Battle of Takur Ghar in Afghanistan, stepped out of cover to draw enemy fire away from an incoming helicopter — saving over 23 men at the cost of his own life. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Both stories point to the same truth: courage is not the absence of fear, but the choice to act in faith despite it.
This message unpacks three calls to action for every disciple: stepping out of the safety of complacency, approaching God's throne boldly in prayer, and actively resisting the enemy through spiritual preparation and gospel proclamation. Because we are already raised and seated with Christ in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:5-6), we can walk in that identity today — equipped with His armor, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and sent to proclaim the good news.
Speaker: Associate Pastor Ben Christensen
Series: Book of Esther, Part 4
Chapters
0:00 – Chapter 1: The Call to Courageous Action
11:40 – Chapter 2: Climbing Out of the Bunker: Preparation and Favor
25:50 – Chapter 3: Coming Boldly to the Throne
31:02 – Chapter 4: Resisting the Enemy and Proclaiming the Gospel
Scripture Referenced: Esther 5:1-14 | Ephesians 2:5-6, 10 | Ephesians 6:13-17 | Colossians 3:12-13 | Hebrews 4:14-16 | James 4:7-10 | Joshua 1:7 | Luke 12:5-12 | Mark 1:14-15 | 1 Samuel 15 | Acts 25-26
Calvary Crossroads Church | Grants Pass, OR
Making Disciples Who Love God and People
Join us Sundays at 10:00 AM — 1051 SE M Street, Grants Pass, OR 97526
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