Thursday, April 2, 2020 Fear#17

Dear Trinity Baptist Church Family: The book of Isaiah is often divided into two parts. In chapters 1-39, the prophet preaches pre-exilic messages of judgment and warning. In chapters 40-66, Isaiah brings messages of consolation and future blessings. In chapters 40-41 God “struts His stuff” by comparing Himself to worthless idols. Then God addresses Israel – His chosen servant, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ 11 “Behold, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced;
They shall be as nothing, and those who strive with you shall perish. 12 You shall seek them and not find them—Those who contended with you. Those who war against you shall be as nothing, as a nonexistent thing. 13 For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ 14 “Fear not, you worm Jacob, You men of Israel! I will help you,” says the Lord and your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.”

When Mike Manor preached from this text at TBC, he said we did not need to fear because we have: 1. The Presence of God (I am with you.) 2. The Power of God (I will strengthen you.) 3. The Promise of God (I will help you. I will uphold you.) 3 times in these verses God assures His people, “I will help you.”

Regardless of the circumstances Christian ought not be paralyzed or defeated by fear. We cannot avoid opportunities to serve because of fear. Fear must not keep the believer from glorifying God.

The statistics continually bombarding us foretell rougher days ahead for many. This virus will negatively affect many of us and our families. In our current exile, we must look to the God who says, “I will help you.”

I want to thank Shad for the excellent overview on the doctrine of the Holy Spirit last evening. I really liked his sidebar reminding us in these potentially stressful times to “Plant grass. Don’t pull weeds” in our relationships – especially in our families.

The bulletins for this coming Sunday are already in your box in the auditorium. The church church doors are open most days from 7:00 a.m. to mid-afternoon

Pray for one another and for our country. Pray for the salvation of people – perhaps God would use this to direct many to the Savior.

Embracing Truth, Pastor