Courage Under Fire | Pastor Bryan Carter | Mark 6:14–29

Main message: The sermon urged believers to have “courage under fire” by speaking truth to power, standing for righteousness even when it brings opposition, and trusting God through suffering. John the Baptist was held up as the key example of prophetic courage, and Jesus’ resurrection was presented as the ultimate hope that God vindicates faithfulness.

Key points:

• John the Baptist confronted Herod’s immorality without fear, showing that disciples must speak truth even to powerful people.
• Courage has a cost: speaking truth can bring enemies, rejection, imprisonment, and even death.
• The sermon connected John’s witness to a broader prophetic tradition of standing against injustice and corruption.
• It emphasized civic engagement and justice work, especially voting, protecting institutions, and staying involved beyond elections.
• Black institutions and leadership were highlighted as important in preserving culture, education, wealth, and community power.
• The sermon closed by pointing to Jesus’ death and resurrection as the assurance that God is faithful and will sustain his people.

Scriptures mentioned: John 6, Mark 1, Mark 6, Matthew 14:12-13, Matthew 11:11, Hebrews 11:6, Hebrews 11:36, Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, 2 Timothy 1:7, Revelation 7:9