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Fear Not!

5/16/2022

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​Fear is a powerful thing. It can be good (like getting us to react fast to a poisonous snake, getting out of the road when a car is about to hit us, etc.) but it can also paralyze us. In today's social climate people fear so much that they just blindly obey the authorities and government to just get along. 

Love of God = no fear of man

The opposite of love is fear. 

"The Lord is my light and my salvation--
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life--
    of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1

"For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
    I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

Memorize those verses. 

Fear is the opposite of love. Fear can take us over and make us do things we don't want to do if we don't fight it with faith and love. 

We are never alone

1 God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.[c]" Psalm 46:1-3

God always was -- before time -- and always will be. This life on earth is just a wisp of life. Do what Jesus did. Jesus healed. Jesus preached. That is what the disciples did. This is what we are called to do.

Our worth is not measured on earth by God -- the way the world measures our worth.

26 “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.[a] 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Matthew 10:26-31

Christ is with us. Always with us.

​Peace of God vs the world's peace
"23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  John 14:23-27

The world says, "Be afraid and behave!""

God knows what is best for us. Seek him.

Fear Not

"So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

I called and you heard me


Those who were my enemies without cause
    hunted me like a bird.
53 They tried to end my life in a pit
    and threw stones at me;
54 the waters closed over my head,
    and I thought I was about to perish.
55 I called on your name, Lord,
    from the depths of the pit.
56 You heard my plea: “Do not close your ears
    to my cry for relief.”
57 You came near when I called you,
    and you said, “Do not fear.” Lamentations 3:52-57

If fear starts coming over you, call out to God. He is there. 

Therefore, be confident in power and love


 So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
    What can mere mortals do to me?”[a] Hebrews 13:6

"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."
2 Timothy 1:6-7

Love like Christ did. Self-discipline, read word; pray and listen -- 2 way conversation.

Jesus was not afraid ever.

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Storms

5/17/2021

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"35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”"
                                                                                                                                                   Mark 4:35-41

The disciples had been around for several miracles -- they saw the amazing catch of fish; the healing of lepers, the healing of the man who couldn't walk. Yet, none of them affected them like the storm did. Why? This miracle was a defining moment because it was personal for them! They experienced it -- both sides of it: the fear and the miracle. Prior to this miracle they were just spectators. 

Picture the scene: 
--Jesus was tired and sleeping.
--The storms on the seas of Galilee are known to be fierce. This one was called a squall -- same word that is used for hurricane.
--Several of the disciples were seasoned fisherman. This was their home turf, the place where they were probably most comfortable. And they were scared.
-- They woke Jesus up with an accusation.
-- Jesus "muzzled" the wind.
--And then the disciples are said to have been "terrified" of Jesus. 

Defining Moments in our lives:

Fear is an emotion -- instinctive, visceral; even animals experience it. 

Faith -- control over emotions, indwelling and knowledge of the power of God.

Jesus doesn't say we will not experience storms. The question is: how will we respond? In faith or in fear?
"I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
    he delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4

1. Seek the Lord for His deliverance.

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34

2. Jesus lived daily. We are to live this way too.  God has the future covered. Live for today.. And God for enough for today. Count on God to provide.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”" Joshua 1:9

3. Don't be afraid. Be strong. Be courageous.

The world is going to get harder and harder to live in for Christians. Be prepared. We are to be fearless, strong, courageous, loving. Never worry or fret. worrying and fretting are the world's ways/.

Out on the ocean away from any land sighting -- that is following Jesus. 

"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."
                                                                                                                                                   2 Timothy 1:6-7

4. Fan the flame of the Spirit within you.

Gotta add air to the fire. The Spirit gives us power, love and self discipline. Fan those flames!

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18

Love and fear cannot coexist. God's love, not the world's, conquers fear. It cost so much to love us. 

People hurt and disappoint.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

What is left to fear? Nothing. God will not allow you to be snatched from His hands. He says don't worry. He'll take care of it.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

The above verse was said right before Jesus was killed.  There is no defense, apart from Jesus, for sin. As Jesus went to the cross, Jesus gave us His peace. 

In Those Defining moments:

1. Seek God.
2. Commune with Him daily.
3. Be strong and courageous.
4. Fan the flames of the Spirit.
5. Dwell in love.
6. Remember who you belong to.
7. Accept and reflect the peace of Christ.

Get the Spirit flowing. Be known as a person of peace. Be the one who faces the threat. God's got this. We stand behind Him.

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What fear?

4/25/2021

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​ "6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:6

21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided," Exodus 14:21

Don't need to fear the night! God works in the night. God banishes all darkness.

"Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided," John 8:12

No need to fear snakes or spiders:

"I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." Luke 10:19

"Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,[a] 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”[b]" John 3:14-15

And many people fear Death:No need!

"Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

Death has no power here!

4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[a] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4

It's painful and we mourn but for Believers death means heaven! Being with Jesus! 

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:6-9

We are going to have struggles, but we can conquer any fear.

How to conquer Fear:

1. Be honest about the fear/challenge you have. Talk to God about it. Say, "I'm scared...."
2. Find the positive -- look into God's word
3. Act, confront the fear head on. Step out. Don't stay frozen and unable to move.
4. Live in God's will.

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True Freedom

2/7/2021

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26 They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes,[b] which is across the lake from Galilee. 27 When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” 29 For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places. 30 Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. 31 And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss. 32 A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. 33 When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. 34 When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, 35 and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 36 Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. 37 Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left. 38 The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him." Luke 8:26-39

This was a man bound spiritually and emotionally. We don't know what he was before. A father? A husband? Then, Jesus freed him. Like him, true freedom is what God intends for all of us. Adam had it but he gave it up. Freedom or Bondage. Freedom or slavery. Any choice other than Jesus will put you in slavery to someone or something. Only through Jesus Christ can we experience true freedom.

There are three things that Hinder our Freedom in Christ:

#1 The influence of Satan: he will affect us if we let him. He is a threat because he gets into our thoughts and tells us lies.

"The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work." 1 John 3:8

But we don't have to allow this to happen.

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7

God tells us to resist the devil. Through Jesus Christ we don't have to fall for any of Satan's lies. 

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10

All satan does is steal, kill and destroy.

“He has blinded their eyes
    and hardened their hearts,
so they can neither see with their eyes,
    nor understand with their hearts,
    nor turn—and I would heal them.”[a] John 12:40

If you allow satan to affect you, that is your choice. That is the choice of bondage and slavery. Instead, acknowledge he exists, but actively fight against him. Use the weapons God has given you. Use the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God).

"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes." Ephesians 6:11

Satan makes you look back. God wants us to look forward.

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
    because he has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
    and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free," Luke 4:18

#2. Love of Darkness:

People love living in darkness; doing their deeds where they think they are hidden.

"16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed." John 3:16-20

People don't want to be exposed. This is putting ourselves  back into captivity. People enjoy the darkness. They have their pride and their Self and their way there. So many want anarchy. They don't want anyone telling them what to do.

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23

"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves," Colossians 1:13

This is what God does for us. This is true freedom!

God is a "chain-breaker."

#3 Fear:

Fear is based on our own limitations.
Fear of the unseen, the unexplainable, the power of God.
Rejection of faith because of our own fear of loss (or because of love of Self and pride). 

We fear the loss of control of our Self. God doesn't want fearful followers. He wants us to come to Him in Love. We don't need to fear the future. The blessings will increase the more you are tormented by the world.

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18

Come to God first. Don't wait until you are "fixed." Jesus didn't come to condemn people but to receive them.

"The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[a] And by him we cry, “Abba,[b] Father.”" Romans 8:15

Fear will keep us from God's blessings and the promised land for us.

True freedom. Turn away from self-imposed slavery. Turn away from self to Jesus. Turn away from fear to freedom.

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

Freedom isn't free, but Jesus paid our price. A free gift from Him. He took our pain; our sin; our condemnation. Why fall back into slavery? When we don't live as Jesus calls us to live, we become slaves to Self.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

Choose to be free!
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A Hard Generation

1/17/2021

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 16 “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:
17 “‘We played the pipe for you,
    and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge,
    and you did not mourn.’
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” Matthew 11:16-19

Jesus compares the people He is talking to to spoiled children. John was one extreme. Jesus the other. Neither one of them affected them. The people just called them names and dismissed them both.

They were hardened by pride. They didn't want to change. They were quick to explain away the miracles. They were quick to condemn anyone who challenged them with a new way of life. They were incredibly blessed. They had everything, but they hardened their hearts!

20 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades.[a] For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.” Matthew 11:20-24

Chorazin and Bethsaida had been blessed with generations of teaching -- God's holy teaching. They knew the prophecies. They knew scripture. 

Tyre and Sidon -- pagan cities, godless. 

The former had it. They were given much but gave nothing.

Ninevah and Jonah -- Ninevah was the capital of the Assyrian Empire! Totally so far from God. But Ninevah repented when faced with the truth. 

Capernaum -- so blessed! It was:
-- Jesus' home during His ministry.
-- Had the Oldest synagogue (so worship of God had been going on a long time there).
-- Largest city in the area, located on the Roman road which led to Damascus.
-- A lot of trade, prosperous.
-- Where Peter, Andrew and Matthew were called by Jesus.
-- Where several miracles occurred:
         healing of the centurion's servant
         Peter's mother-in-law healing
         Paralyzed man healed
         Girl raised from the dead
         Woman with the bleeding issue.

Everyone in the town would have known about these miracles. The crowd followed Jesus to see what He would do -- for entertainment, but not to be His followers.Not to accept His message.

These towns were blessed towns. And they were falling into judgment. They were economically successful; had all the teaching and prophecy; Jesus' presence; and great communication. And judgment was coming because they had it all but never believed.

When there is a large group of people (think a big urban area):
-- communication increases and we start thinking highly of ourselves. We begin to get hardened to God. We get arrogant. 

Does this all sound familiar?
Look at our country. We have incredible access to knowledge. We have everything we need here in the USA. We have peace. We've never been invaded by a foreign country. We have been blessed by God from the beginning. 

The more comfortable we are, the harder our hearts get (if we don't examine them). 

How can we not fall under the same judgment Capernaum, Chorazin and Bethsaida did?

We're asking for the judgment! We have had every possible blessing and we have turned away. This is not just a historical story but it is an example of what will happen to us. God is speaking to us all. We serve a Risen Savior. He won't be mocked.

It's all about the heart!
The only thing I can give God is my heart, my life.

3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants." Matthew 13:3-7

Put this parable into context of us, the church. 

Sometimes we might be the path -- a well-beaten path, established routine of religious practices, no room for growth. This path can be a church ritual that means nothing. You must commit to Him. Where is the church?

The Rocky Soil: Shallow, no real depth, surface knowledge. Do we fall under this category? There's no discipleship for these people; no commitment. You take what Jesus did, but not what He says. 

He didn't come to heal the blind, raise the dead. He did it out of compassion. His main mission was and is our salvation. He told us what we needed to know. They had the knowledge and tried to stifle it. They don't want God. They just want their life the way they want their life. We have hardened our hearts to the truth and reality of Jesus Christ.

Thorns -- distractions, personal idols, baggage that we won't set down; white noise. We love our distractions. We love our entertainment and politics and fashion and whatever else we hold up as an idol in God's place. We are meant to bring the kingdom of God here. We are meant to be the solution (not part of the problem). 

The path, the rocky soil and the thorns are choices. We can be different than that. We can be Good Soil. Instead, are we choosing to reject Jesus and His way?

Where am I personally?
Be honest. Be vulnerable. Judge yourself objectively. Examine yourself to see if you are in the faith. Figure out where you and get right with Jesus.

The hope that is Jesus:

25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do." Matthew 11:25-26

Jesus came quietly, humbly, simply. Jesus came as a common man. Nothing remarkable except for what He said and did.

Love and Redemption are available to the uncomfortable and the pride-less.
27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:27-30

If you know you need Him, You can have Him. Find your worth in Jesus and nothing else. 

God wanted to keep it simple. He opened the way. Just step onto the right path.

Are you tired of what's going on in the world? Are you burdened? Are you weary? Exhausted? Go to Jesus. Go to Jesus now. 

8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.” Matthew 13:8-9

Can Jesus' love root take hold in you? Whoever has ears let them hear....

Spiritual ears -- ask for spiritual ears to hear Him. 

There is no place in my life Jesus shouldn't be present.

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Faith Over Fear

6/28/2020

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No notes for you this week (except the main scriptures were Hebrews 11:1-3 and Hebrews 12:1-2....I can post that part), but we now have the Facebook Live video up on Youtube. So, if you like you can watch Shannon deliver this message today rather than just listen!
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible." Hebrews 11:1-3

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2

If you do watch the Youtube Video please subscribe to the channel. We can go live on Youtube once we have enough subscribers. Thank you.
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Optimism in the Face of Fear

3/15/2020

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"So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

We live in a fallen world. This hasn't changed.
We serve a Risen Savior. This too hasn't changed.

#1 God is in Control!
"God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging." Psalm 46:1-3

Nothing happens on this earth without God aware of it. He's not worried.

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
"“Never will I leave you;
    never will I forsake you.”
 So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
    What can mere mortals do to me?”" Hebrews 13:5-6

Early Church -- began and flourished in Roman Empire which was not known for its tolerance. it too had tons of sexual immorality, abortion and infanticide. The church still flourished. We can rest in Him.

2. We have a God Who is Listening to us!
"I will extol the Lord at all times;
    his praise will always be on my lips.
2 I will glory in the Lord;
    let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the Lord with me;
    let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
    he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant;
    their faces are never covered with shame.
6 This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
    he saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
    and he delivers them." Psalm 34:1-7

He wants to hear from us!! So, Pray! -- we have the power of prayer!

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16

Pray for each other. 

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him." 1 John 5:14-15

God will always have our back.

#3. We can stand on His promises!

He says, "I will." "Let there be" "I Am"

"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

Know this. Claim it. God is working on you. He pays attention to you. He sees every sparrow (and bird and bug and animal) fall.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

We will have trouble, but Jesus has overcome it all.

"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." 2 Peter 1:3-4

Amen! We can get above the world. Fully God. Fully Man. The world didn't drag Jesus down. Jesus pulls us up. It doesn't have to drag us down either. We can escape the corruption of the world.

"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God." 2 Corinthians 1:20

Amen=Let it be!=yes!

#4 We will outlive the world

"The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:17

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Fix your eyes on Jesus. Praise Him first.

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
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Insurance vs Assurance

11/17/2019

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"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,[a] we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure." 1 John 3:1-3

Insurance -- we have insurance for everything. We get to just in case something happens. 

Assurance -- God paid the "policy."

We are called the children of God. We didn't earn this. What that means is we have no worries. Faith in Father. When you're a child it's natural to have faith in your parents. We need to hve this same kind of child-like faith (or even greater) in our Father.

It's not about you or me. God loves you.

"Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law." 1 Corinthians 9:19-20

So often we feel worthyless -- the world reinforces this feeling. This is a lie! I am valuable to God. You are valuable to God.

No matter what you think He says you're worth it.

"Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. 22 For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings." 1 Corinthians 7:21-23

God freed us to be more than who we are. God will correct us because He loves us. Celebrate His love for us.

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8

The Example of Gideon: Gideon was not a man of strength or wisdom or vision or anything. He was the weakest member of the weakest clan.

"When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.'" Judges 6:12

Gideon recognized the Israelites abandoned God.

"The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?'" Judges 6:14

I want you to go! I'm sending you. It isn't aobut your abilities. It is about Me (says God) and your willingness to go.

Gideon's faith and approval -- 32,000 down to 300 men -- this was God's plan (and of course it worked).

Gideon doesn't do it all super confidently -- he does what God tells him to do in the middle of the night so no one sees him....but he still does it.

And Gideon, in faith uses the 300 and the enemy is destroyed. Israel is freed!! He believed in the One who can change things. He used his own history to remember God is faithful.

Where's your faith coming from?

"For we live by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7

Our faith must be deeper than the surface. God doesn't bargain with us.

"know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in[a] Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified." Galatians 2:16

All God asks is that we believe in Him.

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." Romans 8:31-34

Our Assurance.

God doesn't want us to try and work things out without Him. What are we to do?

Draw Near to Him! That is assurance.

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:7-8

"let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water."
Hebrews 10:22

"Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16

"I, in my Savior, are blessed." 

Insurance is doubt. Assurance is faith.

We are at war with the world. Jesus says rest in Me. The world wants to deny it all. Jesus is our battle standard. If you keep your eyes on Jesus....It's God's battle. Not ours. Draw near to Him.

"Filled with His goodness. Lost in His love." 

"This is My story!"

Each of us has a story, unique and precious. God has a story being written in my life, in your life. Common thread -- Jesus!

"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—" John 1:12

"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:15

Read the story God is writing in your life rather than trying to write it yourself.
​
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The Beginning of Wisdom

11/3/2019

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"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:7

We have a tendency to panic and fear. This doesn't need to be how we react. God gives us a better way.

Why should we fear God?

3 kinds of Biblical fear:
Terror: fear of the power of God
Respect: as a servant servicing a master.
Reverence: Understanding who He is and who we are.

Reverence is a deep, deep respect. Knowing who God is, who we are -- what God is capable of.

The benefits of fearing God (as in the reverence kind):
1. Hate Evil.
"To fear the Lord is to hate evil;
    I hate pride and arrogance,
    evil behavior and perverse speech." Proverbs 8:13

The world has a problem of saying something is evil -- like sin. We need to look at the world through God's view. We get understanding when we look with God's perspective.

2. Live a "Long" Life (abundant, full life)
"The fear of the Lord adds length to life,
    but the years of the wicked are cut short." Proverbs 10:27

When God disciplines us He is loving us.
 "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all." Hebrews 12:7-8

"Because He said so" is somehting we should accept from God.

Healthy vs. unhealthy fear:

Healthy fear: "Good judgment wins favor,
    but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction." Proverbs 13:15

Unhealthy fear: "Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”" Genesis 3:8-10

Unhealthy fear can be based in shame or blame or condemnation.

We continue to hide in sin. You can't hide anything from God. 

Godly sorrow vs Worldly Sorrow:

"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." 2 Corinthians 7:10

Choose Him or don't choose Him. Admitting sin is uncomfortable. We have a choice on what or who we fear. We can fear God or fear people. If I hide the good news from other people, if I don't share the "Cure" to fallenness, I am a coward, a selfish coward (those are Jane's words speaking to herself). 

“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven." Matthew 10:32-33

Those verses should scare us!
When we fear God we don't need to fear anything or anyone else. If we fear the world more than we fear God we distance ourselves from Jesus.

Jesus came to bring us home.

 “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." Matthew 12:30

Am I gathering or scattering?

It's not multiple choice. It's true or false. Is there something stopping us from living for God?

The fear of God leads to a life of fearlessness! Halleluia!!

"The fear of the Lord leads to life;
    then one rests content, untouched by trouble." Proverbs 19:23

If we find contentment in God everything will be provided. We serve a living God who is here right now.

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so great is his love for those who fear him;
 as far as the east is from the west,
    so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
 As a father has compassion on his children,
    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;" Psalm 103:11-13

"For those who fear Him" has to be part of the equation. It's okay to "rock the boat." It's okay to "stand alone." If you fear God, He'll take care of everything. We need not to have any fear of Satan or the future:

"We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them." 1 John 5:18

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

God is a jealous God. He won't let anyone take you from HIm.

#1. Everything we do is seen by God.
#2. If I repent God will take care of me.
#3 We have to choose to fear God and not people. God or people. That's it.

Who do you choose to fear?

"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
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Breaking the Chains

8/4/2019

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We are all bound in some ways, but we don't need to be.

"Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he saved them from their distress.
14 He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness,
    and broke away their chains.
15 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
    and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
16 for he breaks down gates of bronze
    and cuts through bars of iron." Psalm 107:13-16

We all are meant to be free!

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." 1 John 3:1

This love is a strange, foreign love to anyone who doesn't know Jesus. We have no way to comprehend it without the Spirit.

5 Steps to Breaking the Chains:

1. Remember who you are. You don't have to give in.

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm,then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

2. Rely on God's strength, not your own.

"I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

3. Fight the lies. Focus on the Truth. Don't deceive yourself. Don't justify sin.

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

4. Be willing to be set free.

Jesus asked the man at the pool of Bethsaida: "Are you willing to be healed?"

Do you want to lose your chains?

5. Leave the chains at the altar. Don't pick them up again.

"For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with,[a] that we should no longer be slaves to sin-- 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin." Romans 6:6-7

If we grab that sin willingly that is disobedience. Don't let sin become your normal. The norms of the world aren't the norms of God's way of life.

God handles it for me. Walk away from the chains.

If you have a habit that is sin, you need to lose it.

God wants us to be free.

Take your chains to God.
Pray often.
Pray specifically.
Pray for others.

You don't have to do anything alone.  Bring sin to the light. Then, it will lose its power.

"So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists." Acts 12:5-7

God is the same always! What He did for Peter He can do for you, for me. 

God wants us to come to Him, pray and believe.

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them,because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

There is no problem, no chain that God can't overcome for you.
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    Shannon Hinrichs

    Dupree Baptist Church Pastor

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