Sermon Theme for 2023-Acts 29 Church- Set Free

The opinion is nearly universal - let's not repeat 2020. As we prepare to enter the new year, the old one leaves us with residual baggage. How can we, as Christ followers, prepare to meet a future left even more uncertain by the events of 2020? If any people can sail through any event the world throws at them with poise, courage, exhibiting love and comapssion for those around them - it is Christ followers. 

It could be said that our present culture exhibits much in the way of fear-based behavior. Interestingly enough, the Bible has much to say about fear. One of the most common phrases in both the Old and New Testaments is, "Do not fear." In the Old Testament alone, there are over 500 references to fear. When the phrase "Do not fear" is used, it is almost always said by an agent of God, or God Himself to a follower of God. Often, it is in response to the meeting of human and heavenly being, and answering the natural response to meeting a supernatural being. However, as often as not, it is to calm the fear of the child of God while facing a fearsome event. By the time we get to the New Testament, a surprising transformation takes place among the Christ followers - an amazing boldness of action is evident in all. Plus, though others around them tremble during catastrophic events, the Christ followers face the same events with little or no concern.

Let's grow together into the bold, fearless children of God facing a far better future than those we minister and mission to - the lost children of God. For them - fear, uncertainties, driven by the circumstances which arise and facing a far darker future.