Uncommon Courage | Jill Johnson | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Uncommon Courage

Red Rocks Church • Oct 8, 2024 • 42 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this message from the Uncommon series, Jill Johnson teaches that fulfilling God's call to make Heaven more crowded requires uncommon courage. Uncommon courage means daily choosing uncomfortable steps for the benefit of others rather than comfortably benefiting ourselves. By interceding for others through bold, specific prayers and stepping out in faith, believers reflect God's character and help hurting people encounter Jesus.

Themes

Uncommon CourageIntercessory PrayerCharacter of GodServing OthersBoldness

Key Points

1.
Living an uncommon life focused on making Heaven more crowded requires believers to walk with uncommon courage.
2.
Uncommon courage is defined as daily choosing to do something requiring courage for the benefit of others rather than living comfortably to benefit yourself.
3.
When reading difficult or uncomfortable scriptures, believers can trust God's goodness by viewing His character through the lens of Galatians 5:22–23 and the fruit of the Spirit.
4.
In Numbers 16, Aaron demonstrated uncommon courage by running into the middle of a deadly plague carrying burning incense, standing between the living and the dead to purify the people.
5.
The burning incense carried by Aaron symbolically represents intercessory prayer, showing that interceding for hurting people takes active effort and courage.
6.
Isaiah 55:6 urges believers to seek the Lord while He may be found, recognizing that today is a season of salvation when God is near and accessible.
7.
Praying specific prayers and asking God for supernatural encounters creates opportunities for people to encounter Jesus in unexpected, powerful ways.
8.
Believers are equipped by the Holy Spirit with a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind rather than a spirit of fear.

Sermon Moments

“Jill's illustration of feeling uncomfortable and standing awkwardly at a pastors' dinner party until a guest named Billy introduced herself and made her feel welcome.”

“The definition of uncommon courage: daily choosing courage for the benefit of others rather than living comfortably to benefit yourself.”

“Comparing working through hard, messy Bible passages to cleaning out a cluttered garage or closet—it feels overwhelming at first, but brings lightness and clarity on the other side.”

“Viewing difficult Old Testament accounts through the lens of Galatians 5:22–23 to remember that God's character is defined by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

“Aaron making an exhausting sprint into the middle of a deadly plague with burning incense, symbolically standing between the living and the dead to intercede for the people.”

“The story of buying a heart necklace after a quick prayer, which turned out to be the exact specific item a young woman returning to Mexico had asked God for.”

“Jill's three-part bathroom prayer before facing an intimidating room: "Lord, help me to be brave, help me to be bold, and help me to be a blessing."”

This Week

Pray daily asking God: "Lord, please help me to be brave, help me to be bold, and help me to be a blessing."

Step into uncomfortable situations—such as attending a group, youth gathering, or church event—to be a source of encouragement for someone else.

Offer bold, specific intercessory prayers for hurting people in your life who need God's hope and healing.

Ask God to orchestrate supernatural encounters throughout your week that create opportunities for others to experience Jesus.

When reading difficult or unsettling Bible passages, remember God's good character through the lens of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22–23.

Look for simple, practical ways to bless strangers or acquaintances, such as offering a warm introduction or asking if you can pray for them.

Refrain from harmful words, complaining, or gossip, choosing instead to use your words intentionally to build others up.

Remember This

Uncommon courage means daily choosing to step into uncomfortable situations to pray for and serve others so they can experience the hope and love of Jesus.

A Challenge for You

"Lord please help me to be brave, help me to be bold, help me to be a blessing. Let's on the daily ask God to help us bravely step into uncomfortable places for the sake of people meeting and experiencing and enjoying a rich relationship with Jesus Christ."

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.