fear on SermonAudio

Solomon's words here are not sarcasm. They are counsel for believers who live under the sun. Eat your bread with joy. Drink your wine with a merry heart. God has already accepted your works — not because we earn it, but because our lives are in His hands. Wear the garments of praise. Live joyfully with the spouse He has given. And whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, because the race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong. Time and providence happen to them all. This is not a call to self-centered pleasure. It is a call to thankful contentment and diligent labor — for the glory of the God who gives both the bread and the breath. Life under the sun is short. Do the work. Enjoy the gift. Fear God.

When tragedy strikes, God invites his people to cry out to him in grief and lament. Psalm 56 shows us that we can bring our fears, sorrow, and even our cries for justice before the Lord, trusting that he sees our tears, remains faithful through the waiting, and can bring good even from evil. In our deepest pain, we can find hope in the God who cares for us. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.

This sermon explores the narrative of Jesus walking on water and Peter's attempt to follow, emphasizing that the central purpose of the event is not merely the miracle itself but the revelation of Jesus' identity as the Son of God. The speaker highlights how the disciples' fear during the storm contrasts with Jesus' authority and comfort, illustrating that crises often test faith rather than result from disobedience. Peter's experience serves as a model for believers who may feel overwhelmed by life's circumstances, showing that looking away from Jesus leads to sinking, while crying out for help results in immediate rescue. The passage concludes with the disciples' worship, which the speaker identifies as the true climax, affirming that Jesus is worthy of adoration regardless of one's current situation. The message calls the audience to trust in Jesus' sovereignty and to prioritize their relationship with Him above all else, recognizing that their hope rests in His power to sustain and save them. Outline: 1) Our Circumstances Can Create a Crisis 2) Our Circumstances Can Bring a Command 3) Our Circumstances Can Lead to a Confession

When we are taught by our culture how to think about shame, be mindful of what God says to be true about it, not what sinful man says. In doing so be instructed like the man who fears the Lord. The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him. Trust in God alone, he is our refuge and the only one who can remove our guilt and shame.

The sermon explores the believer's confidence in God by examining 1 Peter 1:17, which calls Christians to live with reverence during their earthly sojourn. It contrasts the fragility of worldly systems like government and education with the unchanging nature of God, who is both a loving Father and a righteous Judge. The message emphasizes that God is not a respecter of persons, judging everyone impartially according to their works, which provides comfort to those facing unjust persecution. By recalling the example of Isaiah and the assurance of redemption through Christ's blood, the preacher encourages the audience to maintain a focus on God's holiness rather than their immediate trials. This perspective fosters a healthy fear of the Lord that strengthens faith and sustains believers through seasons of testing.

Sunday Morning Service Title: Fear Not! Speaker: Rev. Paul Hanna Reading: Luke 5:1-11