Fear (2)

Greeting in person (and online)

The theme of today’s worship service is fear. We all experience it, but God has this to say:

Isaiah 43:1 “Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.”

Living in fear affects every aspect of our lives, including worship. Whatever we’re experiencing, we don’t have to give up our joy. Sing this with us: Old Church Choir

(LOOK at the CAMERA.)

I’m beginning a series titled Barriers to Belief. What are our barriers? What keeps us from taking that bold step and following Jesus? Answering the call to ministry? Putting our full trust in Christ, not in ourselves. The barrier we are discussing this morning if fear. Listen to this story about fear:

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Story

The key to that story is fear. The disciples have shut themselves up in a house because of fear. Its a perfectly rational fear - Jesus was executed, so it makes sense that the Roman authorities would come after his followers. Our fear is just as real.

Our series is about barriers to belief, and fear is a tough EMOTIONAL barrier to trusting God.

(LOOK at the camera and PRAY) What are people the most afraid of? Those in front of computer, put your suggestions in the comment section.

There are a lot of emotions in that room. Emotions play a huge part of our lives.

If we don’t confront our fear, we won’t be all we were created to be.

John tells us the disciples have shut themselves out of fear.

Fear is paralysis. Keeps us from deeper relationships. pursuing goals. Fear paralyzes churches: we tried that before and it didn’t work. So we stop taking risks and let fear control us.

we lock ourselves in a room. We live in fear. Keep our distance.

(How is fear affecting you? Fear makes us less than we were created to be.)

3 things that help us overcome fear - this barrier to belief.

Fellowship Overcomes Fear -

Greek proverb: Great minds think alike? You and I are intelligent, which is evident by our arriving at the same conclusion…? The rest of that proverb? .But fools rarely differ. 2 people can arrive at the same conclusion, and reinforce their collective ignorance.

Support group: common experience, pain, and fear. Addiction, abuse, medical condition. you need a strong facilitator. a distinction between encouraging and reinforcing. The disciples have fear in common. And they are not encouraging- they are reinforcing fear. E.g. I can relate to your fear...but I overcame it.

Peace Overcomes Fear (Eagles, more than a feeling of calmness) Not always safety (disciples still in danger), not a removal of pain (persecution), but confidence in God. (e.g.). Jesus does not encourage it, he gives it. Peace is not something we attain, it is something we receive. How to get it? Ask for it.

Forgiveness overcomes fear.

Forgiveness liberates the soul. It removes fear. That is why it is … powerful ~ Nelson Mandela imrison for 27 years; Unforgiveness, resentment is a fear of being hurt, of being treated unjustly.

Summary Application - barriers take awhile to tear down.

(Here’s one thing you can start doing right now.Start with naming your fears. Identify them.)

Seek a prayer partner, form godly fellowship, assess relationships

Pray specifically for peace (you have not because you as not)

Forgive - a tough one, necessitates another study or sermon series, and it’s plain hard. But at least acknowledge how unforgiveness makes you fear relationships.

Benediction

Deuteronomy 31:8 “He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”