Hello friend, and thank you for joining us. This program is produced by Heralds of Hope; we are a gospel media ministry whose main focus is the Bible. We are committed to teaching the Bible and distributing the Bible. Each week this teaching is broadcast around the world via radio, and for this year, we are on track to distribute 100,000 copies of the Bible. Psalm 19 says God’s words are to be desired more than gold. This shows us God’s Word is one of the most valuable possessions someone could ever have. Here at Heralds of Hope, we are thrilled to partner with many of God’s people around the world as we teach and distribute the Bible.
The title of today’s lesson is Haunting Fear, and it is taken from the first ten verses of John 20. Before we go there, let’s think about fear. You know there are many things people fear. Children usually are scared of the dark and fearful of storms. Adults generally fear death or cancer, and public speaking. However, it varies; some people have many fears; others seem to have no fears.
The one thing our fears have in common is a small view of God. When our God is a big God who controls disease and death, and when our God is bigger than our enemies and bigger than the storm we are currently in, then our fears decrease. As God becomes bigger, our fears grow smaller.
The disciples experienced this firsthand when Jesus came to them walking on the water. They saw Him and were terrified because they thought they saw a ghost. He immediately said to them, “Take Courage! It is I, don’t be afraid.” He climbed in the boat with them, and the storm became still.
This is a great example of what Jesus can and wants to do with our fears. Allow Him in, and He will bring His peace. He is our refuge. The things we were afraid of don’t disappear. They are still there, but since Jesus is with us, we are not afraid. We know that if He allows disease or persecution, or if our fears actually happen, He is big and will help us. So instead of fear, we choose to trust Him.
The next time you are afraid, remember the words of Jesus, “It is I, don’t be afraid.” Allow Jesus in and watch your fears shrink as Jesus becomes bigger and closer.
Thanks again for being here; we’re glad you joined us on Hope for Today. Now, let’s go with Pastor J Mark to John 20 for a look at the disciples and their struggle with fear.
All of us have certain fears that keep nagging us. In letters we get, some people write like this: “Please pray for me so I will have a prosperous life.” Others say, “Please pray for me so that I may pass my exam.” Still others ask us to pray, “So that I might find a good wife.” You see, all of us have certain fears that keep nagging at us.
And fears can be very distressing. They sap our vitality. They make us tired and misdirect our lives. Why do fears come? Are fears normal? Is it possible to overcome fear? The disciples in Jesus’ day also had fears. They had what I call HAUNTING FEAR, the kind that kept nagging at them.
In the sorrow and disappointment of the death of Jesus, fear was the normal response of those who loved Him. This is recorded in John 20:1-10.
1. The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
2. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have t...
