Making the Message Meaningful to Me
"The Fear Factor ... Beyond Easter to Everyday"
Numbers 6:22-27; Luke 24:36-43; 1 John 1:1-4; John 20:19-23
Five Ways to Face Fear - John 20:19-23
Embrace His Peace
Instead of blasting them, Jesus blesses them - v. 19 "Peace..."
The New Testament describes three kinds of peace:
Peace with God - Romans 5:1
Peace of God - Philippians 4:6-7
Peace with others - Matthew 5:9
You can be at peace with your past / present / future.
Examine His Proof
v. 20 - "He showed them His hands and side... (they) were overjoyed."
1 John 1:1 - The disciples heard, saw and touched.
Fear fades in the face of the proof that Jesus is alive.
Engage His Purpose
We are saved to be sent - v. 21- "As the father sent me, I send you."
We must take initiative / speak up / live what we say / be prepared.
Christianity doesn't simply say "come", it gets up and goes!
Embody His Presence
v. 22 - "...receive the Holy Spirit." We are empowered for our work.
Jesus gives us a commission, and He gives us a companion.
Exclaim His Proclamation
In v. 23 verbs are in perfect tense - what is described is already done.
The disciples didn't provide forgiveness, they proclaimed forgiveness.
Focusing on fear paralyzes; focusing on faith energizes.
