Marysville Nazarene Church
Fear Not - The Hope of Mary
Fear is an unpleasant (and often strong) emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger. For some fear is defined by darkness, heights, roll coasters or spiders. For others fear impacts on a deeper level. Fear of unfulfilled hopes and dreams. Fear of disappoint, shame, and judgment. Fear of the unexpected, of being inadequate or unworthy, unloved or forgotten. Fear attacks us where faith begins and prevents us from experiencing the fullness of life found in faith. "Fear Not" will help us overcome our fears and compel us to choose faith and obedience. From God’s messages to the prophets to the angels' visits to Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds - we will be assured God is still with us!
Locations & Times
The Well Nazarene Church
1126 N Maple St, Marysville, OH 43040, USA
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 10:30 AM
Fear. An unpleasant or disturbing feeling caused by the presence or imminence of danger. Fear, some say, is the opposite of faith. Fear is not of God.
In his letter to Timothy, Paul writes; “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Tim 1:7).”
As we enter the Advent season, we are reminded that the fears we face are not new. Three times we are encouraged in the account of Jesus’ birth to “fear not!”
Mary, the mother of Jesus, was betrothed to be married. She had dreamed of children, had hoped for a family. Yet, God interrupted her plans. Unfulfilled hopes often lead to fear, but Mary was about to learn where true hope is found.
Luke 1:28-31, 38;The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”
This mirrors the words spoken to the prophet in Daniel 10:19; “Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said…When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.”
The very nature of our need for hope implies we find ourselves in situations that create fear in our lives. This First Sunday of Advent we light this candle as a reminder that the words to Mary, and to Daniel, God also speaks to us through Christ… “fear not! You have found favor with God.”
2 Timothy 1:7; For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
diatarassō (dee-at-ar-as'-so)
to agitate greatly, to trouble greatly, to disturb wholly
What we call God's disturbing interruptions are often God's divine invitations!