Afraid no more

October 09, 2022

No Comments

197

Fear is everywhere.

We can be afraid of death, afraid of being alone, afraid of criticism, afraid of suffering, afraid of evil, afraid for our families, afraid of the future, afraid for our future, afraid of hell, and even afraid of despair.

A woman was mourning for Lazarus, her newly-deceased brother. She confronts Jesus. If only he was here he could have helped, she says. “I am the resurrection and the life,” Jesus responds. “Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Fear may fill the world, but it doesn’t need to fill your mind. Jesus’ response is an invitation to experience a life not governed by fear. Why? Because fear can’t rule you if God already has the job.

This sermon on John 11:1-27 explores this enigmatic text, and shares practical ways to push back against the many fears that can so quickly suffocate our hearts and pillage our perspective.