Acts 18: Handling our Fear

Finding Peace in Fear: God's Promise to Be With Us

Have you ever found yourself gripped by fear? Whether it's the common fears like spiders and heights, or deeper anxieties about failure, sickness, or the unknown - fear is a universal human experience. But how does God address our fears? What is His solution when we find ourselves afraid?

What Causes Fear in Our Lives?

Fear comes in many forms. For some, it's the basic phobias - spiders, snakes, clowns, or heights. For others, it's deeper concerns:

• Loss of control

• Being judged or looked down on

• Sickness and death

• Financial troubles

• Global concerns

• Not being good enough

• Being alone

• Fear of change

• Fear of the unknown

• Rejection

• Failure

When we're afraid, our natural response is to seek comfort and safety. Children instinctively run to their parents when scared. Similarly, as believers, our response should be to seek God's presence when fear grips us.

How Paul Faced His Fears

In Acts 18, we find the Apostle Paul in a frightening situation. He had been preaching in Corinth for a year and a half when the Jews brought him before the Roman proconsul Gallio. When Gallio dismissed their case, the crowd turned on Sosthenes, the synagogue leader, and beat him severely while Gallio showed no concern.

Paul had already experienced beatings, imprisonment, and even stoning in his ministry. Seeing Sosthenes beaten, Paul likely wondered if he would be next. It would be completely normal for him to feel afraid in this situation.

But before this incident, God had already addressed Paul's fear:

"One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: 'Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.'" (Acts 18:9-10)

God's solution to Paul's fear was simple yet profound: "I am with you."

How Do We Typically Handle Fear?

When fear strikes, we often try various approaches:

• Talking to someone

• Finding practical solutions

• Developing better habits

• Seeking distractions

• Exercise or physical activity

• Creative outlets

• Prayer and Scripture

While these can be helpful, God's ultimate fear fix is the promise of His presence: "I am with you."

God's Consistent Promise Throughout Scripture

This wasn't a new promise. When God called Moses to confront Pharaoh - a terrifying assignment - Moses asked, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" God's response was the same: "I will be with you" (Exodus 3:11-12).

When Joshua faced the daunting task of leading Israel into battle against nations with giants, God told him: "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).

Isaiah 43:1-2 reinforces this promise: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."

Why Doesn't God Just Remove Our Troubles?

Some might ask: If God is with us, why doesn't He just remove our difficulties? The daughter of the Kansas City Chiefs' owner, who lost a cousin in a tragic accident, put it this way: "Following Jesus doesn't spare us from pain, but it means we never face it alone."

God doesn't always remove our struggles because:

1. Our faith shines brightest in difficult times

2. Our perseverance through trials encourages others

3. We develop strength and character through challenges

4. Our response to fear demonstrates who we trust

The promise isn't that we'll avoid all hardship, but that God will be with us through it all.

The Ultimate Promise in Christ

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives the Great Commission, calling believers to make disciples of all nations. This can be a frightening task - sharing our faith, entering messy situations, and stepping out of our comfort zones. But the promise remains: "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Paul himself later wrote in Romans 8:38-39: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 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."

Life Application

What fear is gripping you today? Whatever it is, God's solution remains the same: He is with you.

This week, practice bringing Jesus to the center of your fears:

1. Identify your fears honestly. What's really causing your anxiety, worry, or anger?

2. Invite God into those fearful places. Rather than trying to escape or numb your fears, bring them to God.

3. Meditate on God's promise of presence. Remind yourself daily: "God is with me in this situation."

4. Step out in faith despite your fears. Remember that God's presence gives you courage to face what scares you.

5. Look for evidence of God's presence. Where do you see Him working in your situation?

Ask yourself: Am I trying to handle my fears alone, or am I truly believing that God is with me? What would change if I fully embraced the truth that the Creator of the universe is by my side through this challenge?

Remember, following Jesus doesn't mean we won't face scary situations, but it does mean we'll never face them alone. His presence with us can carry us through our deepest fears.

What Is A Christian: Week 1 - Who Is God?

Understanding Who God Is: A Deep Dive into His Nature and Character

When we try to define who God is, our human minds often struggle to fully grasp His nature. While some might picture a figure in the clouds, God's true nature is far more complex and magnificent.

God as the Holy and All-Powerful Creator

Genesis 1:1 reveals God as the creator of everything - both the physical and spiritual realms. With just His words, He spoke the entire universe into existence. Consider this: our galaxy alone contains around 300 billion stars, and scientists estimate there are up to 2 trillion galaxies in our observable universe.

This creative power demonstrates God's unlimited authority and might. He is not just powerful - He is all-powerful, able to create entire realms of existence with mere words.

God's Holiness and Our Response

In Isaiah 6, we see a profound vision of God's holiness. Even mighty seraphim cover their faces in His presence, crying "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty." Isaiah's response to this vision was immediate recognition of his own unworthiness - an appropriate response to God's perfect holiness.

God as King and Authority

As Creator, God has rightful authority over His creation. This can be challenging for humans, especially in our independent-minded culture. Yet His kingship is fundamentally different from human authority - it's perfect, just, and motivated by love.

The Patient and Merciful Judge

While God is judge, He is also:

1. Compassionate and gracious

2. Slow to anger

3. Abounding in love and faithfulness

4. Patient with His people

As stated in 2 Peter 3:9, He is "patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

God as Our Loving Father

Perhaps most remarkably, this all-powerful, holy God desires to be known as our Father. John 3:16 demonstrates this paternal love - He gave His Son to save us, not to condemn us. His ultimate goal is our redemption and restoration.

Life Application

Understanding who God is should transform how we live. Consider these questions:

1. How does your view of God affect your daily life and decisions?

2. Does your prayer and worship reflect an understanding of both God's majesty and His fatherly love?

3. Are you living in response to God's patience and mercy toward you?

This week, challenge yourself to approach God with both the reverence He deserves as Creator and King, and the confidence He offers as our loving Father. Let this understanding shape your worship, prayer, and daily walk with Him.

Remember: When we truly know who God is, it naturally leads us to repentance and transformation. As Romans 12:1-2 teaches, our proper response is to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, being transformed by the renewing of our minds.

If you’d like a reminder, click here to download this image you can use on your phone to remind you of who God is every time you look at your phone! https://www.hopesummitchurch.com/wiac

Presents or Presence: Week 2 - Security

Finding True Security in God's Presence

As we navigate the holiday season, with all its joys and challenges, it's essential to remember the promise Jesus made to us: He came to give us life, and life abundantly. This abundant life is full of both good and tough times, twists, and turns. Today, continuing in our theme of “Presents or Presence” we explore how we can find true security in God's presence, especially during uncertain times.

The Desire for Security

We all have an innate desire to feel secure about our future. This longing becomes even more pronounced during challenging times. Reflecting on personal experiences highlights our deep need to know that everything will be okay. This desire for security is a fundamental part of our human experience. 

God's Promises to Us

Jeremiah 29:11 - A Promise of Hope

One of the most cherished promises in the Bible is found in Jeremiah 29:11: "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 a hope and a future." These words offer immense comfort for many, assuring us that God has good plans for us, even when we face difficulties. 

The Full Blessing of Jeremiah 29:11-14

However, the true blessing of this promise is found when we read beyond verse 11. Verses 12-14 reveal that our security is found in seeking God's presence: "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord." Our true security lies in our relationship with God and His presence in our lives. Pastor Jeff reminded us of the context in which the promise of verse 11 was given. 

Heroes of Faith and Their Security in God

David's Trust in God's Presence

David, despite being pursued and facing numerous challenges, found his security in God's presence. In Psalm 16:11, he says, "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." David's trust in God as his refuge and fortress is evident throughout the Psalms.

Isaiah's Steadfast Mind

Isaiah, who prophesied during a time of impending doom, found peace in trusting God. Isaiah 26:3-4 states, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal." Isaiah's security came from his unwavering trust in God.

Jeremiah's Hope in God's Faithfulness

Jeremiah, known as the weeping prophet, witnessed the destruction and exile of his people. Yet, in Lamentations 3:22-26, he declares, "Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.' The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him." Jeremiah's hope and security were rooted in God's faithfulness.

Modern-Day Idols and False Security

In today's world, we often seek security in temporary things like money, relationships, or entertainment. These modern-day idols can never provide the true security that only God can offer. Isaiah 41:22-23 mocks the idols, highlighting their inability to predict the future or provide real security.

The Futility of Wealth

Psalm 49:12-19 reminds us that wealth is temporary and cannot provide lasting security. True security comes from trusting in God, who will redeem us and take us to Himself.

Life Application

Seeking God's Presence

To find true security, we must seek God's presence with all our hearts. This involves a committed prayer life, regular Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. When we prioritize our relationship with God, we experience the peace and security that only His presence can provide.

Questions for Reflection

1. Where do you currently seek security in your life?

2. How can you prioritize seeking God's presence this week?

3. What steps can you take to deepen your prayer life and Bible study?

Challenge for the Week

This week, challenge yourself to seek God's presence intentionally. Spend time in prayer, read your Bible, and connect with fellow believers. As you do, trust that God will provide the security and peace you need, regardless of your circumstances.

Conclusion

True security is found not in the temporary things of this world but in the eternal presence of God. As we navigate life's challenges, let's remember to seek Him with all our hearts, trusting in His promises and finding peace in His presence. You're going to be okay, Church, because even if your circumstances aren't okay, God's presence ensures that you are. God loves us even in the midst of our messy lives, and wants to share life together!