The video I did not want to post

Fear And The Time In Between The Crucifixion And The Resurrection

Fear stinks.

Oh I know, there are situations in which fear serves a useful purpose. If a hungry lion escaped from the zoo and he’s been following you on the walking trail for the past couple of minutes you should have some fear or else you’re not taking the situation seriously enough.

But oftentimes fear is not good. Some people live with an unhealthy sense of dread and fear which prevents them from living life and doing the things they need to do and want to do. They live with a basic sense that they are alone, helpless, vulnerable and with the sense that whatever happens next will probably not be good.

I’m thinking about fear today because in between the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus it seems pretty likely His disciples were caught up in fear. Jesus had given them words of reassurance. He told them what would happen. He even said these specific words to His disciples, “Do not be afraid.” Jesus made it possible for them to experience peace and assurance but they tended toward fear instead.

It happens, doesn’t it?

In between the crucifixion and the resurrection, it looked dark. It seemed that, perhaps, evil would prevail. There was tremendous sadness, disappointment and confusion. I suspect some words to this effect were spoken: “What just happened? This is not how we thought this would go.”

Fear seemed reasonable.

Remember, though, it is not God’s intention that we live in fear.

Do not be afraid. Darkness doesn’t win.

God loves you. He loves you completely and perfectly. He loves you more than you can imagine. This is the truth. The more you know and genuinely recognize this truth the less fear you will experience.

And remember, even when things look grim, the story is not over. Easter is coming! 

Is It Possible That Fear Isn't Always Such A Bad Thing, After All?

Fear can be troublesome.  Fear can prevent us from experiencing the fullness of life.  Fear can dominate a person’s life in very unhealthy ways.  I have spent more time than I would like to admit experiencing unhealthy fear.  It was not a good thing for me and I don’t like it.

It would not be good for a person to live in continual fear.

However, it’s helpful for us to remember that fear can have a useful purpose in life, too.  Fear is part of the natural alert system that is wired into us.  The emotion of fear exists for a reason.  There are times in life when it is reasonable, natural and even helpful to experience fear because there is something that demands the kind of focus that only fear brings.

Occasionally people have told me they don’t want to turn to God purely out of fear.  I understand that comment and I would be quick to point out that there are many valid reasons to turn to God that are not motivated by fear—His unfailing love for us would be a great example.  No one will ever love us more than God loves us.  That’s a very good reason to turn to God and walk with Him.

We would be wise not to underestimate the usefulness of fear.  Fear can, sometimes, help us identify what we really understand to be true.  Fear, in the right context, can help bring tremendous clarity regarding what we genuinely believe.

There are 16 instances of Jesus saying, “don’t be afraid” in the gospels.  The God who loves us does not want us to experience needless fear.  (I feel compelled, for the sake of clarity, to write again, that fear is often unhealthy and unhelpful.  It is not good for a person to live in continual fear.  A life of perpetual fear is not God’s desire for anyone.)

But Jesus also mentioned an example of a healthy fear that we should have.  He put it this way, “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.”  Matthew 10:28

We live in a culture which has influenced us to believe that anything that makes us feel bad or uncomfortable is morally suspect.  So fear is almost never considered to be a good or helpful emotion.  I’m suggesting it is important for us to recognize the value of fear and respect the truths that fear can reveal.

There are some things we ought to be afraid of.  If you are in the woods and a bear is running toward you at full speed and you feel absolutely no fear at all, you are not brave or courageous, you are a fool. 

In the right time, place and context fear may not be such a bad thing, after all.

When We Realize That We Need A Savior We Appreciate Christmas

When we realize and admit that we need a Savior then the arrival of the Savior brings great gladness and joy.

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”  Luke 2:10-11

We are going to be gathering today to joyfully celebrate the arrival of the Savior.  I’m excited.

If you’re in the area you are invited to join us!

First Church of God

4600 W. 111^th Street

Oak Lawn, IL

Service times:  9am or 11am

Perfect Love And No Fear

In the Bible stories, over and over again people are told, “Do not be afraid.” There’s a lot that could be said about fear, but the simple point of this brief post is this: God loves us.  And God’s love is perfect and complete.  “…Perfect love casts out fear…” 1John4:18.  …So, do not be afraid.

E-Flash From Dan, 11/3/12

Dear E-Flash Friends;

There were quite a few times that Jesus said this phrase: “Do not be afraid.”  It is interesting that he said the phrase in situations where we wouldn’t find it unusual for a person to experience some fear.  We’re going to talk about this challenge to “not be afraid” at the services this Sunday.  I hope you’re planning to join us!

And since you’ll be here, already.  Make sure to hang around for the Annual Chili Cook-Off after the 11 o’clock service.  The Chili Cook-Off is a fundraiser for our Closed Captioned Youth Group; it’s a tasty lunch; and it’s a good way to get to know some folks at church.  It’s a terrific event and you’re invited!

Oh, and don’t forget that we change the clocks this weekend, too.  Set you clocks back one hour before you go to bed Saturday night.  (If not, I’ll see you early Sunday morning!)

Love and blessings,

Dan

P.S.  Check out the latest “Dan and Vic Podcast” it’s fun way to spend 12 minutes.

Link…

http://visitusonline.org/scmedia.php?type=mediaplayer&loc=visitusonline.org/media/media/mediaplayer.php&id=201211031211009FCE5C