35 Day Challenge
35 Day Challenge | From Cowards to Courageous Leaders | Week 6
September 28, 2025 | By Jim Burgen
From Cowards to Courageous Leaders, the story of the early church in Acts shows how ordinary people found courage, boldness, and true freedom in Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.
This message wraps up the 35-Day Challenge and sets the tone for Be Free, Flatirons' next bold step of faith. Jim gets real about leadership, unity, and what’s coming next for the church. Drawing from Acts, he shows how the early church exploded with courage and power, not because they were perfect, but because they were filled. Filled with the Spirit. Filled with boldness. Filled with a mission.
The same Spirit that transformed Peter and Paul is calling us, right now, to something bigger. If you’ve ever felt disqualified, disillusioned, or afraid, this is for you. This isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a calling. Jesus didn’t build His church with polished professionals; He used screw-ups, cowards, and skeptics who got filled and went first. And that’s the plan for Flatirons moving forward. It’s time to decide: Are you in? Fully in? Because the next move of God might come through your story, your scars, and your obedience.
Set List
"Jehovah" by Brandon Lake, Chris Brown, Mitch Wong, and Steven Furtick
"Who You Say I Am" by Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan
"Jesus Have It All" by David Funk, Edward Rivera, and Jeremy Riddle
"I Know A Name" by Brandon Lake, Hank Bentley, Jacob Sooter, and Steven Furtick
"I Speak Jesus" by Abby Benton, Carlene Prince, Dustin Smith, Jesse Reeves, Kristen Dutton, and Raina Pratt
"The Blood" by Dante Bowe, Jenn Johnson, and Mitch Wong
"We Praise You" by Brandon Lake, Brian Johnson, Matt Redman, and Phil Wickham
"All Hail King Jesus" by Jeremy Riddle, Peter Mattis, Ran Jackson, and Steffany Gretzinger
"Glorious Day" by Jason Ingram, Jonathan Smith, Kristian Stanfill, and Sean Curran
Message Discussion Questions
35 Day Challenge Conclusion
Jim Burgen
Sep 29th, 2025
// Bible References: Matt 28:18-20; Acts 2:1-4, 36-41, 4:3-4,7-20; 5:27-29; John 17:20-21
// Community Question: Do you have any phobias or irrational fears? How has it affected the way you live?
// Discussion Questions
- The sermon mentions three common fears people have when fully committing to following Jesus: losing people's approval, financial/social costs, and physical safety. Which of these do you think is the biggest challenge for Christians today and why? Which of these three fears most affects your own willingness to be bold in your faith?
- Peter and John stood firm when threatened by the authorities. What gave them courage, and what can we learn from their response? When have you had to choose between trusting God or pleasing others?
- Lost and broken people are drawn to authentic “me too” stories of transformation. How could sharing your own story help others connect with Jesus?
- Going Deeper: Read John 17:20-21. Jesus prayed for unity among believers so the world would believe. How does unity in the church impact how non-believers see Jesus? What’s one step you can take to promote unity in your church community?
// Challenge: Matt Chandler said “There are only two groups of people in the world. “Followers of Jesus and Not Followers of Jesus. There isn’t a third group.“ How might our life look different if we went “all in” for Jesus? What would it cost us, but how would life be better if we made a full commitment to Jesus today?