Concordia Adult Bible Class

Fear often arises because we feel as though something or someone is stronger than us and is out to get us. Daniel knows this feeling when he faces his adversaries in the Persian Empire. They want to destroy him, and almost do, when they get him thrown into a lions’ den. But Daniel’s God is stronger than any fear or foe – and He still is!

Peter utters three simple words to Jesus: “Lord, save me!” And Jesus does. When we are afraid and cry out to Jesus, Jesus hears and helps. Instead of worrying because of fear, we are called to pray – to cry out to God – in the midst of our fears.

This past week was the Jewish festival of Purim, which is based in the book of Esther. Esther’s story is unique in that God is never mentioned in this biblical book. Nevertheless, He is working behind-the-scenes to help and save His people. He is with them. In a time like this, it can feel like God is absent. But He is not. He is working to help and save us. He is with us.

Struggles in life can quickly melt into the hopelessness of despair. Even the apostle Paul struggled with this feeling. But even in despair, his comfort was in Christ.

Shame makes us want to conceal what we should be willing to reveal. Adam and Eve, when they fall into sin, are immediately ashamed and physically seek to cover ourselves. When we are tempted to hide, we must rest in the reality that we cannot hide from God, for He knows everything about us, and still loves us.

Anger is everywhere! But anger is also dangerous because it leads us to try to solve the problems with face by our own means instead of by God’s guidance. Moses, in his anger, disobeys God and it costs him dearly. What might your anger cost you?

Packed calendars and piles of responsibilities can cause stressed hearts. The apostle Paul reminds us that even when we can’t change our circumstances, we can change our focus. We can focus on what brings us peace instead of what stresses us out.

News stories cause it. Politicians peddle in it. There is fear everywhere. When the Israelites wind up surrounded by an enemy force, they are terrified. But the prophet Elisha knows that no matter how much fear there may be around us, we have God with us – and His love can drive out our fear.

When writing to the church at Corinth, Paul assumes that there will be unbelievers in their midst and so encourages them to consider them. Do we consider those who have doubts and questions when we are worshiping each weekend?

It is always difficult to share your faith with a family member who does not believe. As we seek to share God’s love with those who we love most, it is not just about our words, but about our lifestyles.