FAITH OVER FEAR

In today’s world, fear has become a dominant emotion affecting humanity. Through my limited experience in pastoral counseling, I have found that fear often serves as the root cause of many issues faced by parishioners. Although it can be challenging to recognize, fear is a leading cause of spiritual decline. Moreover, fear is the catalyst of sin, and we know that full-blown sin leads to death.

 Here is a list of fears that will stunt your spiritual growth or even destroy your spiritual walk with Christ; 

 1. Fear of letting go of the old you(the past)

 2. Fear of change (the new)

 3. Fear of letting go (trusting God)

Becoming a new creation in Christ involves more than just being baptized or joining a church; it requires us, according to the spiritual law of Christ, to be made whole. To put on the new self. 

**Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV):**  You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Being made whole can consist of a daily spiritual routine. Here is a list of some healthy routines that will destroy fear and increase your faith.

 1. Reading the word of God.

 2. Meditation on that word.

 3. Prayer. Ask God to help you understand His word.

In addition to this, there is one more essential component: putting it into practice. The more you apply it in your daily life, the less fear you encounter each day.  Romans 10:17 (NIV) states, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” This verse emphasizes the importance of engaging with the Scriptures to build and strengthen one’s faith.

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV): “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

In other words, believing that God’s word will do what He says it will do. 

YOU MUST BELIEVE! BELIEF DESTROYS FEAR!

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV): “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Faith destroys fear every time!  When faith comes,  fear has to flee!

Peace and Love,

—Pastor Dwayne