What is fear?

Fear is the #2 problem emotion

Fear is a response to feeling we aren’t in control

Fear brings feelings of loss of control and doubt God can/will help

Fear prevents expression of honest feelings

Fear stops us from appropriate responses to threatening situations

Fear is the absence of faith – 211 Bible references to fear

So are you afraid?

Do you fear loss of security, status, finances, friends?

Do you fear uncertainty in circumstances?

Do you fear being alone?

Jesus Christ is the remedy for all your fears!!!

Around 90 A.D. John was living in exhile on to the Isle of Patmous. Many decades had passed since Jesus Christ returned to Heaven. John was aged. When John saw the resurrected, glorified Jesus Christ, he was afraid!

Revelation 1:¹² And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; ¹³And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. ¹⁴His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; ¹⁵And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. ¹⁶And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. ¹⁷And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead.

John knew Jesus Christ well. John left his fishing livelihood to follow Jesus. John travelled with Jesus Christ for 3 years of ministry. John saw Jesus Christ die on the cross at Calvary. John saw Jesus Christ physically resurrected and eating. John talked with the resurrected Jesus Christ. John saw Jesus Christ ascend into Heaven.

Look what Jesus said to John, when John was afraid:

Revelation 1:¹⁷ And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: ¹⁸I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

What do His words mean to you?

What does it mean to you that Jesus is the first and the last?

What does it mean to you that Jesus lives and was dead?

What does it mean you that Jesus is alive for evermore?

What does it mean to you that Jesus has the keys of hell and death?

What tone do you think Jesus Christ used? Was it a loving tone? Was it a harsh tone?

What do these words tell you about Jesus?

How can you use Hs words to remedy your fears?

Will you ask Jesus Christ to remedy your fear?

Why do you think Jesus Christ laid His hand on John?

What is the significance of Jesus Christ’s right hand?

Our focus – Hebrews 12:¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, ²Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti