Eric and Pastor Clay wrapped up the Unafraid message series by talking more about the fear of the Lord. During the writing process, Pastor Clay was nervous that this message was unnecessary, but it wasn't. It is good for us to think about what it means to fear the Lord but also remember that God isn't scary.

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Scripture: Proverbs 1:7 & 2 Timothy 1:3-10

Series: Unafraid

Over the last few weeks, we have been exploring our fears and how God's work in our life can help us overcome those fears. But the question remains: what is worth fearing? What fears should we not "get over"? Solomon highlights one of those fears in the book of Proverbs: the fear of the Lord. Join us as Pastor Clay helps us understand what the fear of the Lord is and isn't and why we should never "get over" this fear.  

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Notice that it's not an "if" but a "when." Failure is bound to happen. In life, at work, with family. Even if it is something we do all the time. How do we respond when that Pastor Clay and Eric met up to talk about some of those times and how we respond to being in a "funk" of failure. Who encourages you when failure happens?

Scripture: Exodus 3:1-12 & Joshua 1:1-9

Series: Unafraid

As we continue looking at fears and God's willingness to be with us in the midst of them, we turn our attention to the fear of failure, that voice in the back of our minds that tell us that we will fail if we even try. It's a real fear with which we all struggle. It's a fear that can take over and make us miss out on God-given opportunities. God's people have been dealing with this fear from the start, and a fear that God has been addressing the whole time.

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Pastor Clay met up with Pastor Peggy Hanson from the Madison United Methodist Church to discuss both Sunday's message and the entire sermon series based on fear. Together they discussed why this sermon series is important for the moment in which we find ourselves and how their friendship has kept them from moments of feeling monophobia, the fear of being alone.

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Scripture: John 13

Series: Unafraid

Autophobia, or monophobia, is the fear of being alone. As we think about heading to new schools or new seasons of life, it may be natural to experience some level of autophobia. As Jesus' disciples were about to face life without Jesus, they may have been feeling the same way. Jesus spent so much time preparing them and helping them see that even without him, they were not alone. And neither are we! 

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Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48 & 1 John 4:18-19

Series: Unafraid

We are not all the same; the world is complex and diverse. And sometimes we recognize the beauty in diversity, but other times we see people as a challenge and their views as a threat. How do we address this fear? Jesus knew because this fear is as old as humanity itself. Let's listen in as we learn about our differences and Jesus' desire for us to show love not just to those with whom we agree but also those with whom we disagree.

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Pastor Clay & Eric are back together after a few weeks off to discuss the start of a new message series based on fear. Things are changing, which can be a fearful reality, so how do we overcome fear?

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Scripture: Isaiah 41:1-10 & Psalm 56:3-4

Series: Unafraid

As summer gives way to fall and our schedules prepare to adjust to a new rhythm, it is not unheard of to be a bit anxious or fearful about all that is going to happen next. What does God's word have to say about times when we are fearful? Quite a lot, actually. Over the next few weeks, we are going to be talking about things we are afraid of and how God helps us overcome our fears so that we can live with hope and courage.

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Scripture: Matthew 10:26-33

Series: Summer Setlist

What is the strangest thing you have ever bragged about? (Or what's your weirdest flex?) Are you double jointed? Can you perform an amazing party trick? How about this one from Jesus: you are worth more than many sparrows. Imagine your next corporate mixer: "Name one fun fact about yourself." I am worth more than many sparrows! But according to Jesus it's true. Let's explore what that means and why it matters today.

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