Leaving Beyond – Grounded In Scripture

Courage as the Fruit of Conviction

“Courage is the fruit of conviction.”

At first glance, this may seem inspirational—but it also exposes us. We love to think of ourselves as greater than we are.

I often think of 2020 and the good that came out of that year. Many of God’s people, who had believed false doctrines, began to see their bankruptcy. Beliefs were tested. Men were tested. Much was proven false. But where faithful men stood solidly upon Biblical truth and conviction, they displayed courage and did not waver. Many in the pulpit capitulated to the culture, hiding behind powerless and empty messages that offered no real hope, no assurance, and no true peace.

That year was hard for many. While there was loss, suffering, and hardship, there was also the grace of God in revealing truth from error and demonstrating the absolute dependability of His unchanging Word.

Testing Reveals True Faith

Many sit every week hearing weak, man-centered, felt-need, superficial messages. When their faith and beliefs are tested—and they will be—they may think they will stand, but many will fall. Yet God graciously allows His own to experience the loss of much they previously believed that was not true and to see the few faithful who stand firmly upon His Word. He will bring them out into the truth.

As J. C. Ryle wrote:

“The test of true faith is not in words, but in trial. Many who speak boldly will fail when their faith is tested; only those rooted in the Word will stand.”

Many talk about their faith and the power of their words, thinking they possess some inherent strength. When tested, many fail. 2020 exposed numerous false teachers, prophets, and apostles. That many still follow them is further proof that Scripture is true. Many are deceived, but God will bring His own to the truth.

Courage Rooted in the Word

Courage is not some mystical force that spontaneously appears. It is the result of sitting under the faithful exposition of God’s Word. It is the result of a pastor who studies, submits, and faithfully communicates Scripture. Courage flows from Biblical conviction; it is humbling, not man-exalting. It demonstrates that God’s Word is true, trustworthy, and unchanging. It glorifies God, not man.

R. C. Sproul reminds us:

“True courage is the fruit of obedience to God’s Word, not the applause of men.”

Many have spoken of John MacArthur’s courage over his 56 years of faithful ministry. What they see is the fruit of a life submitted to Scripture. Many claim to love God’s Word, but when they enter the pulpit, they neither fear nor tremble. They preach shallow messages with no sustaining power and leave many in despair when tested.

Seek Faithfulness, Not Trendiness

Do not look for a church that is trendy, relevant, or claims God speaks a new message just for you. Seek a church where the pastor submits to the authority of Scripture and faithfully exposits the Word of God. Find a church with a plurality of Biblically qualified elders. Find a Biblical church.

As John Owen wrote:

“It is not the novelty of a message, but its fidelity to the Word, that nourishes the soul and produces steadfastness in the believer.”

Grace and peace, y’all.

Soli Deo Gloria

April J. Buchanan