Sun, Jul 12, 2015
Duration: 39 mins 20 secs
It was neither exile nor the threat of loss that caused the elderly John to fall on his face as if dead (Revelation 1:17). Rather, a face-to-face encounter with the risen Jesus siezed John with terror. All other fears melt at the fear of God, whose holy justice and holy love are enough to stop our hearts or keep them beating at His word. Fortunately, God does not wield His power flippantly, but He exercises awesome, loving, and gracious authority over His church. This sermon calls us to bow before the risen Jesus, elevating our awe of Him to eradicate all lesser fears.
Sun, Jul 05, 2015
Duration: 39 mins 53 secs
Loss haunts us at every stage of life. We lose teeth and hair, innocence and trust, games and jobs, time and money, life and loved ones. The suffering and pain that come with our losses is not easy to face. But God, who is merciful, remains with us amid the losses. And King David serves as a mentor in loss, teaching us how to hold his assets (e.g., power, wealth, family) loosely to lessen the fear of loss. (NOTE: He learned the hard way.)
Sun, Jun 28, 2015
Duration: 39 mins 53 secs
Anxiety begins at a young age. It carries through adulthood. So much of life - from schedules to job markets to health issues - is beyond our control. Matt talks about his battle with anxiety, and several truths from the Bible that have helped him face the future in faith.
Sun, Jun 14, 2015
The fear of rejection grips many of us. We reject ourselves and deflect compliments. We reject God and doubt His work in our lives. We reject others in anticipation that they will reject us. And we are not alone. Moses felt the fear of rejection descend on him when God drew him to the burning bush. Their dialogue (Exodus 3-4), showcases the fear of rejection and how the nearness of God can overcome our fears.
Sun, Jun 07, 2015
The fear of failure likely affects more people than the fear of success. But the dark side of success touches many of us. Those who have tasted success, or watch others experience it, have noted themes that emerge from Gideon's life. After gaining confidence from God of certain victory over the Midianites (Judges 6:11-7:23), Gideon gives chase to his enemies. In the following narrative (Judges 7:24-8:35), we find three reasons to fear success: it breeds critics, feeds conceit, and leads to change/corruption. While we cannot control our critics (and we better not be one), we can fight conceit and resist corruption, so that our work retains its virtue. For true success is leveraging our work for God's glory, not ours (Psalm 115:1).
Sun, May 31, 2015
Duration: 42 mins 15 secs
The fear of failure haunts us all. We may fear failing as parents, spouses, workers, or Christ-followers. We may fear failing in a project, task, or commitment. Fortunately, we can overcome the fear of failure.
Gideon serves as our model. He was a Hebrew leader during a dark time in Israel's past. Foreigners routinely attacked them and devoured their harvest (Judges 6:1-10). God uses reluctant Gideon to fight of the Midianites and model courage (6:11-7:23). Like us, Gideon is not a fast learner, but requires a series of tests (smashing altars, shrinking armies) and proofs from God (laying fleece, spying) to march forward. Ultimately, Gideon illustrates a big God, clear goals, and strong group can diffuse the fear of failure.
