Because He Lives Week 2 - All Fear Is Gone
Read
Luke 24:36-53
36 As they were saying these things, he himself stood in their midst. He said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost. 38 “Why are you troubled?” he asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see, I have.” 40 Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate in their presence. 44 He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 He also said to them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day, 47 and repentance for forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. As for you, stay in the city[e] until you are empowered from on high.” 50 Then he led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51 And while he was blessing them, he left them and was carried up into heaven. 52 After worshiping him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they were continually in the temple praising God.
Summary
Welcome back to Community Group, we are in week 2 of our Because He Lives Series. This week’s sermon was entitled All Fear Is Gone and it came from Luke 24:36-53. The older I get; the more health issues are an issue. At times I begin to feel certain things that make my mind run to the question “What If”. We begin to question things when we are fearful. That being said, if we truly believe what we say, we should run to God, no to the what if. When you realize that you are not in control, that you were never meant to be in control, we run to God who, casts out fear, gives peace, is ever present, and keeps His promises.
There were five points in this week’s sermon: The resurrection casts out fear through; PEACE, PRESENCE, PURPOSE, PROMISE, and PRAISE.
In verses 36-37 we read:
36 As they were saying these things, he himself stood in their midst. He said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost.
As the two that spoke to Jesus on the road to Emmaus were talking to, Jesus shows up and they were terrified. Jesus comes so that we can have peace. In Psalm 23 we read that he leads us beside still/quiet waters. When the storm is raging in our life, He gives peace.
In verses 38-43 we read:
38 “Why are you troubled?” he asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see, I have.” 40 Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate in their presence.
When Jesus appeared to them, he wanted to make sure they knew it was him. His PRESENCE is what we desire, it’s what we need. Again, in Psalm 23 he says that when we walk thru the valley of the shadow of death, he is with us. Those of us who have children know, when there is thunder, kids are in bed with you. They find peace in their parent’s presence. We should find our peace in our Father PRESENCE. Especially when Jesus tells us, “I am with you always, even to the end of time.”
Our next point is found in verses 44-48, which reads:
44 He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 He also said to them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day, 47 and repentance for forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.
The PURPOSE is be informed through scripture. He opened their minds to understand all that they had previously learned. He helped them connect the dots. It’s time we realize that we do not define our purpose, the Lord defines our purpose. Purpose is not always a linear thing; it includes ups and downs. Jesus had a purpose, and before the triumph, there was suffering. Purpose is found in the green pasture of the valley of shadows.
Our fourth point is found in verses 49-52, which reads:
49 And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high.” 50 Then he led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51 And while he was blessing them, he left them and was carried up into heaven. 52 After worshiping him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy.
It is at this point that Jesus promised them the Holy Spirit. He also tells them that the Holy Spirit comes with power. It is now an earthly power, but rather a supernatural power that comes from above. This news of a promise brought great joy.
Our final point is found in verse 53, which reads:
53 And they were continually in the temple praising God.
After being with Jesus, after understanding scripture, all they could do was praise him. It our praise that brings us joy and keeps fear at bay.
Discussion
How do you find PEACE is troubling times? Share
How is the PRESENCE of Jesus evident in your life? Share
How has scripture given you PURPOSE? Share
How does the PROMISE of the Holy Spirit bring you joy? Share
When was the last time PRAISE came after a time of darkness? Share
Announcements
Join me as we pray, that everyone who calls BT their Church will be a part of our Renovation Initiative.
Pray that we meet and exceed our secondary financial goal.
We are planning a series to promote Community, please help me pray for new CG leaders that will lead new CG’s that will form during this next series!
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Pastor Isuaro Medina
Isauro.medina@bt.church
Cell: (956) 984-9380
