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About two months ago I preached a sermon titled, "Fear Not". I preached on the topic of fear because lately I've talked to many Christians who are afraid. They're afraid because terrorism is on the rise. The tragic incidents of San Bernardino, Paris, Chattanooga, Boston, and Fort Hood have caused a great deal of unrest. Terrorism has made us feel uneasy, unprotected, and unsettled.

People are afraid of going into big public places like the mall, a football stadium, or a movie theater. As we watch 24/7 news, it seems like all we hear about are Presidential candidates talking about the war on terror, and we often see mass shootings and bombings take place. We are living in a reign of terror, and people are in a panic.

If we're not careful, we can let fear control us and run our lives. Dr. Smalley Blanton said, "Fear is the most subtle and destructive of all human diseases." 

fear

Well, let me tell you something: I'm not afraid. Neither should you be.

From a practical standpoint, I'm not afraid.

A few months ago I joined the Air National Guard. I am serving as a Chaplain to over 1,200 Airmen at the 134th Air Refueling Wing at McGhee Tyson. Do you know why we have an Air Force? The mission of the Air Force is to fly, fight, and win…in air, space, and cyberspace. Because of technological advances, the Air Force can attack anywhere, anytime, and do so quickly with great precision than ever before (Air Force).

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I've been so impressed with the men and women who serve at the 134th ARW. They are highly skilled, highly trained Airmen who are ready to protect our interests both foreign and domestic at a moment's notice. If that doesn't calm your fears, let me remind you that we have a highly professional Army, Navy, and Marine Corps to protect us as well. Our military is the strongest in the world, and our military is one whom nations fear. I'm not afraid. Neither should you be. 

If you're still concerned about terrorism, let's take this a step deeper.

From a Biblical standpoint, I'm not afraid.

We have nothing to fear because the supernatural is real. 

There is a greater battle going on every day around us than we can ever imagine, and that is the battle of the supernatural. This supernatural battle is a battle for our souls. Satan and his demons are always fighting the angels of God, and they are trying to bring terror in our lives. But, what do the Scriptures say about angels?

Angels are powerful and mighty (Psalm 103:20). Angels are immortal (Matthew 22:30). Angels protect us (Psalm 91:11-12; Daniel 6:22; Matthew 4:11; Acts 5:19-20). Although there are many demons who try to reign havoc in our lives, we have a multitude of angels who fight for us (Revelation 5:11; see Deut. 33:2; Psalm 68:17). A multitude means a majority. So that means if you are Christian, you have the majority of God's angels who protect and watch over you, keeping you safe.

The supernatural is real, and we know one day Jesus and His angels will fight Satan and his demons and win (Revelation 12:7-9). 

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If you're a Christian, you don't need to fear terrorists. You have an army of angels by your side. Chris Tomlin sings in his song, "Whom Shall I Fear?":

Whom shall I fear

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The truth is, even if Christians were attacked by terrorists, we still don't need to fear. We don't need to fear any man because they cannot destroy our souls. They may destroy our bodies, but they can't destroy our souls. 

Matthew 10:28: “Do not be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they
cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, Who can destroy both soul and body in
Hell (NLT).”

We must turn our fears not to terrorists but to the One Who can destroy both our bodies and our souls. We need to fear God in two ways. The first way we fear God is to fear Him because He has the power to send us to Heaven or Hell. The second way we fear God is to be in awe and wander of how magnificent and powerful God is. We must be awestruck at the power of His name.

When you fear God you have nothing else to fear.

You may not be afraid of terrorism, but you may be afraid of the economy. You may be afraid of where our culture is going and its moral decline. You may be afraid of your health declining or leaving a loved one behind. You may be afraid of your kids and their futures.

Whatever you're afraid of, that Word of God is clear. In the Bible, God promises that He is with us, and that He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5). Jesus provides unconditional, perfect love, and this perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18).

We have nothing to fear because the Word of God is clear.

The Bible tells us 365 times, "Do not be afraid." It's as if we needed to hear this message every single day.

Fear has no room for the people of God (see What Are You Afraid Of?).

I'm not afraid. Neither should you be.

 

 

 

 

 

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