Our Witness: One of Faith Or Fear?

-Food Pantry (volunteers needed to help with Easter meal distribution 3/20) & Mudd ES collection bins

-Avert Women’s Retreat Registration (9 spots already filled, 15 ladies max)

-Easter Weekend! 3/29 (Good Friday Fish Fry) Volunteer Sign up, Egg/candy Collection

-Sunday the 10th teens will be filming what Easter means video w/CJ

-Wednesday Night Bible Study (at the building and on zoom @7pm)

-Thursday Night Prayer @6:45

-Offering/Giving, Online or in the black box.

-Family Talk, First Time guest connect with Pastor Manny and I.

Pray!

-We were introduced to Isaac last week. The long awaited son of promise for Abraham and Sarah.

-Though much of Isaac's story is narrative without many readily applicable lessons to our lives, we do see in Isaac a heart surrendered to God's will. Isaac discovered God’s ways are not like ours, we, too, must remember that God’s ways are not our ways or His thoughts the same as ours (Isaiah 55:8).

-Isaac's story also demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises—He had made a covenant with Abraham and would continue to uphold it with Isaac and with Isaac's son Jacob. -Though there are no great achievements to speak of concerning Isaac’s life, it was Isaac whom God chose to continue the covenant line, the same line that would produce the Messiah, Jesus. And for many generations the Jewish nation described their God as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

A little background on Isaac:

-His mother Sarah died when Isaac was in his late thirties. After her death, Abraham sent one of his servants to find a wife for Isaac from their clan, as Abraham was determined his son should not have a Canaanite for a wife (Genesis 24:1-51).

- Abraham's servant prayed to have success in finding a suitable wife, and God directed his quest. When he was forty, Isaac married his cousin Rebekah (Genesis 25:20). The Bible tells us that "he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death" (Genesis 24:67). -At age sixty, Isaac became the father of twins—Jacob and Esau. -Abraham died when Isaac was about seventy-five and left everything to him (Genesis 25:5). Though Ishmael had been sent away when Isaac was weaned, both Isaac and Ishmael buried Abraham (Genesis 25:9). The Bible does not talk specifically about their relationship, and the descendants of Ishmael and those of Isaac have historically been enemies; animosity remains to this day. But it is interesting to note that the two men apparently united in mourning their father. -When there was a famine in the land, God appeared to Isaac and this is where we are gonna pick up today in Genesis 26.

Famine & Obedience Section:

Read Genesis 26:1-6

-One doesn't have to wonder to much why God appears to Isaac here. A famine is here, one can guess that fear may have started to creep in for Isaac and he stated to try and figure out the best thing to for himself and his family.

-Yahweh appears and reminds him that he will give him the lands and offspring He promised his father, but to stay and the land he was in and do not go to Egypt.

-Despite the adverse circumstances, Isaac's obedience to God's command was a powerful testimony of faith. In our lives, we are often faced with difficult situations, but our steadfastness in following God's guidance can be a witness to His faithfulness.

Fear & Poor Choices Section:

Read Genesis 26:7-11

-First off, Looks like the apple doesn't fall to far from the tree. Fear comes in and leads Isaac to make a rash, self-preserving choice just like His father Abraham. Lie and tell everyone your wife is your sister so you wont be killed. A move to protect your life but it would put his wife in potentially unfortunate situations.

-Fear can be a very powerful motivator! Leading us to make questionable choices, that could harm us and others.

-Something we forgot often when it comes to us making choices is The choices we make today can have a lasting impact for many years. So when we make a choice out of fear that choice could impact us and others for a long time.

-Fear is a common human emotion or experience. Many fear the unknown. Many fear death. Yet God calls believers not to live in fear. Rather, we are to fear God alone, Reverence for Him alone.

-Lets talk about worldly fear though and some Common Reasons for Fear:

Physical Threats: Fear can be a natural response to physical danger or threats to one's safety and well-being. This can include fear of accidents, natural disasters, or violent acts.

Emotional Threats: Fear can also arise from emotional threats, such as rejection, criticism, or failure. The fear of not being accepted or loved can be particularly strong.

Existential Threats: Fear of death, the unknown, or the meaninglessness of life can also be powerful sources of fear. These existential fears can be deeply unsettling and difficult to confront.

Social Threats: Fear of social judgment or ostracism can lead people to conform to societal norms or avoid certain behaviors or situations.

Trauma: Past experiences of trauma or abuse can create a sense of fear or anxiety, even in situations that are not inherently threatening.

Uncertainty: Fear can also arise from uncertainty about the future, such as fear of the unknown or fear of making the wrong decision.

Loss of Control: Fear can stem from a loss of control over one's life or circumstances. This can include fear of losing a job, a relationship, or one's health.

-For some reason as i was thinking about fear I remembered Jesus words found In Mark 5:36, Jesus responds to Jairus’ fear and says, “Don’t be afraid; only believe”. -Jairus, a synagogue leader, had come to Jesus because his young daughter was dying (Mark 5:22). He pleaded that Jesus come to his house to heal her so she would live. As they were walking, some people came from Jairus’ house to inform him that his daughter had died. Seeing no hope, they told Jairus, “Why bother the teacher anymore?” . Jesus overhead them and told Jairus, “don’t be afraid, only believe” (Mark 5:46). They continued to Jairus’ home. There, Jesus took the girl by the hand and said to her, “‘Talitha koum!’ (which means ‘Little girl, I say to you, get up!’)” (verse 41). At that, she immediately stood up and began to walk around (verse 42). Jesus had raised the girl from the dead. Up until this point, Jesus had revealed His authority over disaster, demons, and disease. He had calmed a raging storm (Mark 4:35–41). He expelled a legion of demons (Mark 5:1–13), and He healed many people with diseases including a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years (Mark 5:25–29). With Jairus’ daughter, Jesus showed His power and authority over death. Jesus waited until the girl was identified as dead before telling Jairus, “Don’ be afraid ; only believe,” and before raising her from the dead. -The Bible often says things like “Do not fear,” “Do not be afraid,” and “Fear not.” Jesus’ words “Don’t be afraid; only believe” meant that Jairus was not to allow anxiety or worry to take root in his heart. Jesus’ command indicates that fear and faith cannot peaceably coexist. Believers do not need to live in fear because God has given us “a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV). We are to be people of faith, not fear. -The command “Don’t be afraid ; only believe” does not contradict the command to fear God we talked about last week.

-In fact, it is in fearing God that we are able to believe in Him and live without fear. The one who fears God is able to say, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” (Psalm 91:1–2). Those who trust in God can live fearlessly: “You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you” (Psalm 91:5–7). Jesus commands believers to fear the Lord, not our circumstances.

-Faith allows us to live out what Jesus instructed: “Don’t be afraid; only believe.” To believe in God is to have assurance in who God is and what He has done. He who gave Himself for us (Titus 2:14) is trustworthy and worthy of our faith.

-Our faith does not have to be big (Matthew 17:20; Luke 17:6). It just needs to be placed in the right person , be persistent , and have the right intent . Jairus trusted in Jesus and witnessed the miracle of Jesus bringing his daughter back to life.

-This does not mean that everything we pray for will be answered the way we want. When Jesus told Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; only believe,” He did not promise Jairus that He would raise his daughter from the dead. He did not even tell Jairus whether the outcome would be favorable.

- When we pray, we must pray according to God’s will: we must be open to whatever time and whatever way the Lord chooses to answer our prayer. First John 5:14–15 tells us, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” In the case of Jairus, it was God’s will for Jesus to heal his daughter.

-Believers need not fear, only believe that God will work all things “for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). God is right, faithful, and true (Psalm 33:4), and we can trust in Him. We need not fear anything that comes our way, including death, because our hope ultimately rests in Him (1 Peter 1:3).

Now that we took little detour lets get back on track with Isaac..

Read Genesis 26:12-25

-We have now witnessed not just one, but two divine encounters between God and Isaac. These encounters are not merely historical anecdotes but carry profound lessons for our spiritual journey today.

-The first encounter occurs when Isaac finds himself in Gerar during a time of famine. In fear for his life, he contemplates going down to Egypt. However, God intervenes, instructing him not to go to Egypt but to remain in the land that He would show him.

-This encounter serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. It teaches us that God's plans are higher than our own, and His guidance is always trustworthy.

-The second encounter unfolds as Isaac settles in Gerar. As he digs wells, he faces opposition from the Philistines, who filled the wells that his father Abraham had dug. Yet, Isaac persists, undeterred by the hostility he faces. Eventually, he unearths a well of fresh water,.

-Through this encounter, we learn the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. Isaac's determination to dig wells despite the obstacles before him reflects his unwavering faith in God's promises.

But why did God appear to Isaac twice?

-Firstly, it underscores God's continuous presence in our lives. Just as He appeared to Isaac twice, God continually reaches out to us, guiding us through every season of life. His presence is not limited to a singular moment but extends throughout our journey, offering comfort, guidance, and assurance. Once we have made Jesus our Lord and Saviour we now have the Holy Spirit (the third person of the Trinity) living within us!

-Secondly, these encounters highlight the significance of obedience. Isaac obeyed God's command to remain in the land, even when it seemed counterintuitive. His obedience positioned him to receive God's blessings and protection. Likewise, our obedience to God's word opens the door for His blessings to flow into our lives abundantly (don’t think soley wordly blessings).

-Lastly, these encounters serve as a testimony to God's covenant faithfulness. Despite the failures and shortcomings of Isaac, God remained faithful to His promises, just as He had to Abraham. It reminds us that our relationship with God is built not on our merits but on His steadfast love and faithfulness.

Our Witness Section:

Read Genesis 26:26-33

-When Abimelech and his men said “we have clearly seen the Lord has been with you” i was hit hard. and it led me to ponder does my life reflect that i have faith in Jesus and live for Him alone? or does my life reflect a man marked by fear and selfish ambitions? People can see how we live our lives.

-This led me to really think about our witness as believers… We can tell people about Jesus all day, we can talk the good christian game, but do we truly believe it, does our life truly reflect what we say believe.

-As Christians, we are called to live lives that reflect the character and love of Jesus Christ, not conforming to the patterns of this world but being transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

we who have experienced new life in Christ give an account of His love and forgiveness, both verbally and in the way we live our lives. This is witnessing. To be effective in our witness, we should remember several basic things: 1) the THEME of our witness is Jesus Christ. Paul defined the gospel as the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). If we aren’t explaining the sacrifice of Christ, and what that means for humanity in our broken condition then we’re not really sharing the gospel. An important part of this theme is the fact that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation, not just one of many ways. “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). 2) the POWER of our witness is the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit who transforms a life (Titus 3:5), and a transformed life is evident to all. As we witness, we should spend much time in prayer, appropriating the Spirit’s power so that we are enabled to let our light shine in such a way that others will recognize the power of God in us (Matthew 5:16). 3) the VALIDITY of our witness will be shown in how we live our lives. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, urges believers to "shine like stars in the universe" (Philippians 2:15). This imagery of stars illuminating the dark sky is a powerful reminder that our lives should stand out as beacons of light in a world that is often characterized by darkness. Our actions, attitudes, and words should all point to the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

-It is not enough for us to simply talk about our love for Jesus; our lives must be a living testimony to His transformative power. The way we treat others, the way we respond to adversity, and the way we live out our faith in our daily lives all serve as a witness to the world around us. As the saying goes, "Actions speak louder than words."

-The world is watching us, and our lives are a reflection of the Gospel message. As followers of Christ, we are called to be ambassadors of His love and grace. Our lives should be so deeply rooted in Christ that when people see us, they see Jesus.

-Let us not be content with merely talking about our love for Jesus. Instead, let us strive to live lives that reflect His love, compassion, and grace. Let us be intentional about the way we live, knowing that our lives are a powerful testimony to the world around us.

-We must be familiar enough with the Scriptures to be able to accurately and coherently present the gospel to others. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). Always being prepared means diligent Bible study, memorizing Scripture, and praying for God-given opportunities to share with those whose hearts have been prepared by the Lord to hear His message of salvation.

-May our lives shine brightly for Jesus, illuminating the darkness and pointing others to the hope and salvation found in Him.

QUESTIONS:

1. What are some common reasons for fear that were mentioned in the sermon? Do you struggle with any of these fears?

2. In what ways can fear influence our decision-making? Can you think of a time when fear led you to make a poor choice?

3. How does our witness as believers reflect our faith in Jesus Christ? What does it mean to be an effective witness?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that our lives reflect the character and love of Jesus Christ? How can we encourage one another in our faith journey?