One of the books that I read this summer was "Fearless" by Max Lucado. It is an outstanding book, and I highly recommend it. I have never met a person that did not fight some kind of fear.
We fear being sued, finishing last, going broke; we fear the mole on the back lawn, the new kid on the block, the sound of the clock as it ticks us closer to the grave. We have investment plans, created elaborate security systems, and military might, yet we depend on mood-altering drugs more than any other generation in history. For all the noise fear makes and room it takes, fear does little good. - Lucado
This week I read an article in the Tribune that stated America's religious faith is waning. This made me sad, but also makes sense as I look at the mess our country is in. Isn't it interesting that as our country's faith decreases, we see our economy doing the same? When we don't have Godly people running local and big businesses, banks, our state, or country, we have dishonesty, selfishness, and corruption. When people don't seek God's will in their life, or turn to scripture for instruction on how to treat others, our world gets out of balance.
"Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold." Matthew 24:9-12
As I write this, I am watching the news on hurricane Irene. There was an earthquake on the east coast this week. We had the worst tornado season this year. This is not news to God. This was foretold thousands of years ago.
"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains." Matthew 24:6-8
In Max Lucado's book, there is a chapter called "Fear That God Is Not Real." Max shares about the time that he doubted the story of Jesus. He was getting ready to give an Easter sermon and was looking at the story of Jesus perched on the cemetery stone, burial clothes in a heap, Roman soldiers scared stiff, and Max wondered if it was all a bit of a stretch. Was this urban legend or gospel truth?
The story of Jesus' resurrection becomes real when we look at how He reacted to the doubts of His scared disciples. We can also take note of this when we doubt him. Jesus did not leave them alone with their doubts, he showed himself in flesh, and then he sat them down for a Bible class explaining the Old Testament and the fulfilment of scripture. Jesus makes our doubts His highest concern.
While Jesus was talking to his disciples, they felt their hearts burning within. The power of what had been done changed them forever. From that moment on they were obligated to share the gospel at all cost.
Pastor Jim has had a wonderful sermon series this summer called "Truth". I highly recommend going onto www.glenkirkchurch.org and listening to the sermon pods. A couple of weeks ago he talked about how we are obligated to live a certain way when we come to know Christ as our savior. The word "obligated" has rung in my ears since I heard that message. Jim pointed out that many will not come to know Christ because they are afraid of that obligation. People know that if they take that step, their lives will change. We want to hold on to what is familiar and we don't like change. We don't want to be obligated to anyone. Doubts about the validity of scripture is a good reason not to be obligated to read it for yourself. I am amazed at how many people say they don't understand scripture, but they have never really attempted to read it. I think they are afraid of how it will change their life.
Pastor Jim laid out five reasons why he believes, and I think Jim nailed it on the head for me.
1. We are hard-wired for morality - immorality goes against our grain
2. We are hard-wired for religiosity - we search for a God
3. Creation - grey whales, redwood trees, roses, giraffes, babies...need I say more.
4. The story of the Jewish Messiah - Why would anyone make-up a story like Jesus?
5. We can have a healing experience from God (physical & spiritual) - I can vouch for this one
What is holding you back? What do you fear?
The answers are all in God's Word.
Read it and doubt no more.
God never wants us to be afraid.
Sandy
