God’s Solutions for Our Fears

By Jeff Curtis

The Bible often speaks to our deep-seated fears.

“Does my life have any purpose?” Some people panic because life seems to be passing them by and they have accomplished so little. As a result, they feel useless to others and often useless to God. Most Christians can find some part of their lives in the story of Deborah and Barak, in Judges chapter 4. Whether their dread arises out of nervousness or shyness or the sense of being an outsider, those with such fears can comfort in the ways God used these people.

“Can the church survive the evil in the world around us?” Some Christians live in apprehension because of what they see as the rise of a culture that is hostile to their faith. Church members may complain about the decline of church attendance or morality or character. At times, they begin to think that Christians can’t function or even survive in such a foreign environment.

The story of Deborah and Barak took place in a time in which God’s own people rejected Him and often seemed hostile to Him. However, rejection and hostility didn’t prevent Deborah and Barak from living out their faith. Really Barak’s faith earned him a mention in Hebrews 11. This story gives all Christians hope that, no matter what our environment may be, we can always rely on the faithfulness of God.

“I am beyond God’s mercy. Is there any hope?” Others fear they have drifted so far from holiness, purity and even God that they are beyond redemption. At the core of their fear is the sense that they have crossed a point of no return with God.

They believe their sins have been so terrible, their deceit too costly, and their denials too loud. And they find themselves in company with the Israelites of old who had done the same and more. In the story of Deborah and Barak, God called them to rescue just those kinds of people. The word “mercy” doesn’t appear anywhere in this story, but the events of this episode shout that God’s mercy is available even for those who feel helpless.

Establishment of the Kingdom / Church

By Jeff Curtis

The kingdom / church existed in purpose. Throughout eternity, it existed in the plans and purposes of God (Ephesians 3:10-11).

It existed in promise. Throughout the Old Testament, the kingdom/ church existed in prophecy and promise. Isaiah said that in the last says the Lord’s house would be established and the Word of the Lord would go forth from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:2-3); Paul identifies the Lord’s house as the church in 1Timothy 3:15. Daniel prophesied that God’s kingdom would be established in the days of the Roman empire (Daniel 2:44).

It existed in preparation. Christ began His personal ministry during the days of the Roman empire. During His personal ministry, the kingdom/ church existed in preparation. Both Jesus and John the Baptist preached that the kingdom was “at hand” or almost there. (Matthew 4:17; 3:1-2). Jesus stressed that His kingdom was a spiritual institution (John 18:36) and used the terms “kingdom” and “church” interchangeably (Matthew 16:18-19).

Jesus said that His kingdom would come “with power” (Mark 9:1). After His resurrection, He told the disciples that the power would come when the Holy Spirit came and that they would be His witnesses beginning at Jerusalem (v.8). They were to wait in Jerusalem until that power came. At that time repentance for the remission of sins would be preached in His name “beginning from Jerusalem (Luke 24:45-49).

It existed, and continues to exist in power. The Holy Spirit came on the first Day of Pentecost after the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (Acts 2:1-4). The power came; and so, the kingdom/ church was established.

As Isaiah and Jesus had foretold, the preaching of the gospel began at Jerusalem (Acts 2:29-38). People who believed, repented, and were baptized were added to the kingdom / church (Acts 2:41,47; KJV). From that point, the kingdom/ church was spoken of as being in existence (Acts 5:11; 8:1,3; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 12:28; Revelation 1:6).

Christ is now reigning in heaven over His kingdom, and He will continue to reign until He returns at the end of time (1Corinthians 15:24-27) to take His faithful followers with Him to heaven (John 14:1-3).

Not Ashamed of the Power of the Gospel

by Leland R. Ping

One of the most quoted and powerful verses of Paul’s letter to the saints in Rome is found in Romans 1:16 when the inspired apostle wrote the following: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”

Packed into this short passage are three valuable lessons that apply to us today.

First, there are ZERO reasons to be ashamed of the gospel. But, because we’re humans, we are sometimes prone to “shying” away from it and perhaps wanting to substitute its simple message for a man-made set of ideas. The gospel message of salvation for all men is simple, straightforward, and easy to grasp. But, we as men sometimes complicate its simplicity.

Second, the power of the gospel is the gospel itself. Not you – not me. You may be good at presenting its contents and I may be talented in explaining it all. But the credit belongs to the Lord and His good news. That’s where the power lies – always has and always will be.

Finally, the gospel’s power does not discriminate. We might show partiality as humans and, we sometimes do. But not the good news of the Lord and Savior. It is powerful enough to see through race, gender, cultural differences, and the like. We must remember this fact when we think about teaching someone or inviting them to study or worship. Let’s be aware of the gospel and its great power to save all – and that means ALL – mankind.