Holy Hypocrites

John 14:15-31. Three waves of reasons to NOT be afraid. Jesus is leaving the disciples soon. He has been their counter to fear so far, so how can they NOT be afraid without him? He gives three reasons they do not need to fear in his apparent absence. 

Matthew 28:1-10. If Jesus is the counter to fear, and he died, Jesus as a story, as someone who lived a long time ago and said and did cool stuff doesn't do anything for my fear right here and now. But Jesus, risen from the dead, alive TODAY, with me TODAY, loving me TODAY… if I think about it, that counters my fear TODAY…

Matthew 17:1-8. Sometimes Jesus told his followers not to fear, and he gave them reasons. Other times, like today’s passage, he showed them something and told them not fear as a result. Today, some of Jesus’ disciples see a glimpse of his glory, and the level Jesus really belongs on… That glimpse behind the curtain then is concluded with, “rise and have no fear.”

Matthew 14:22-27. What happens when faith overcomes fear? People walk on water. What might Jesus do with you, if your faith in him grew to overcome the fear that stops you from obeying him and taking steps to make disciples?

Psalm 28. This week's Sabbath in the Psalms sees the Psalmist begin with urgent requests, but in the middle of the chapter, the tone changes, as if his prayers have been answered mid-sentence, and we are reminded again of the Lord's promises. As we ask him to hear us, he does, and as we ask him to guide us, he does. His mercies are new every morning, great is his faithfulness (Lamentations 3). 

Matthew 10:16-23. Ever been afraid of talking to someone about Jesus because you don't know what to say? This fear stretches all the way back to Jesus' followers, and even further, back to Moses. And the answer is the same, because the source of answers is the same. 

Matthew 10:26-33. Fear not, because the all-powerful, all-knowing creator of the universe is also your father, who loves you more than you can imagine. And if he is taking care of the sparrows, and none of them falls without him knowing, then you better believe he is taking care of you too. 

Mark 5:21-24, 35-43. Can you imagine the fear and pain of losing a child? Jesus' counter to fear is not only for the future, "the hope of glory" but it's for right now, for fears TODAY, in our minds and hearts, troubling us every day. This is one powerful example of Jesus as the counter to fear every day, and also for eternity. 

Matthew 6:25-34. Consider the birds and the lilies. They don't seem too worried about their next meal or promotion or outfit, but they still seem well fed and beautifully dressed. And then consider yourself, made in the image of God. Any chance he doesn't provide his absolute best for you? 

Psalm 27. The creator of the universe is your light and salvation and strength and shelter... what could we possibly fear? Rest in who he is today.

Luke 5:1-11. Peter was afraid of Jesus power, but the counter to that fear is not Peter’s own power but a role, a purpose within Jesus’ power. Fear not because HE has a purpose for you.

Luke 2:8-14. The angel’s counter to the shepherd’s fear wasn’t about the shepherds. It wasn’t about what they could do, but it was about who Christ is. Do not fear — not because of your own ability — but because of who he is and what that means for you and me.

Luke 1:26-33. If God was done with you, you’d be dead. And if you are part of God’s plan, what could possibly get in the way? That fact you’re alive means God still has plans for you, so you don’t need to fear. No matter how scary your circumstance appears, be certain the sovereign God has it under control.

Luke 1:5-15. The presence of God is a powerful counter to fear. As we remember who it is that is listening to and answering our prayers, so many of our fears melt away.

Fear and peace. The Bible talks a lot about both... and so will season 2 of Word in Motion. Episode 1 coming Monday, January 13.

Merry Christmas! As we conclude season 1, may these questions lead you to intentionally fulfill your purpose on Earth. That each day, through scripture and prayer we would live and love a little more as God intended.

Acts 28:17-31. Paul meets with the Jewish leaders in Rome, the very kinds of people who have been threatening him the whole time. And he proclaims Christ “with all boldness.” Full circle we come from the prayer in Acts 4:29-30.

Psalm 24. Just who is this God we are allowing to drive our lives? If our mission comes from him? Our marching orders come from him, it bears remembering just who he is as we head into the weekend.

Acts 28:1-10. What God-moments are you missing? What disciple-making opportunities are you crediting to luck or coincidence or your own competence? How can those instead be chances to point people to Jesus?

Acts 27:13-44. Paul’s calm in the midst of apparently certain death can only come from knowing who really is in control, despite the wind and the waves. When we recognize who our Father is, there is peace.

Acts 27:1-11. Who are you listening to? And are they the people who will give you Godly advice? Paul speaks up here, logically, wisely, with wisdom from God and is ignored. His advice is passed over for that of others... Whose advice are you listening to?

Acts 26. Paul again shares his testimony, this time with King Agrippa and he is not shy or subtle with his intent, that all who hear would come to a saving relationship with Jesus. What is the purpose of your life and your relationships and how does it to compare to that purpose?

Psalm 23. What better Sabbath than recalling the Lord as our very best shepherd...

Acts 25. If you do what Jesus did, prepare to go where Jesus went. A life of making disciples was never promised to be easy or “successful” by the world’s measure. What are you willing to do for the cause of Christ?

Acts 24:22-27. Paul spends two years with the Governor Felix, having deep, gospel-centered discussions. Every relationship you have is a disciple-making opportunity. Are you making the most of it?