FROM FEAR TO FAITH
A. The Nature of fear
1. Fear is the emotion brought on by a perceived danger or threat, real or perceived.
2. Fear is a good emotion to warn us, but on the negative side can also be debilitating, paralyzing, controlling and can bind us up.
3. There is also a spiritual dimension of fear that the enemy can use to further his agenda to ‘steal, kill and destroy’ ~ John 10:10.
B. Jesus’ Powerful Words
1. Jesus walking on the water to His disciples in the boat, they “were terrified”. Jesus said to them, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” ~ Matthew14:27
2. On mount of transfiguration, when the disciples heard the voice of God say, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” They fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” ~ Matthew 17:7
3. When the news came that the ruler of the synagogue’s daughter had died, Jesus said to him, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” ~ Mark 5:36
4. In Revelation when John saw Jesus in all His splendor, he wrote, “And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen.” ~ Revelation 1:17-18
5. Jesus said: Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. ~ John 14:27
WAYS TO OVERCOME FEAR
A. The Word of God, God’s Presence, and Trust
1. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts… and be thankful. ~ Colossians 3:15
2. Fear not, don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. ~ Isaiah 41:10 3. You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.~ Isaiah 26:3
B. The Name of Jesus - Jesus – the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ~ Philippians 2:9-11
C. Singing
1. Singing releases spiritual dimensions of warfare that defeats the enemy (2Chron 20:1--23)
~ Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated ~2Chronicles 20:1-23
2. Singing breaks bondage and brings release – Paul & Silas ~Acts 16:22-32
~ At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed ~ Acts 16:25-26
3. Singing advances deliverance
~ You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance ~ Psalm 32:7
4. Singing helps sustain Holy Spirit fullness
~ Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord ~ Ephesians 5:18-19
~ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.~ Colossians 3:16
