How To Develop A FAITH That Overcomes Your FEAR

John 20:19-22; Selected Scriptures By D.Z. Cofield, Th.M., D. Min. April 16, 2023 Responsive Reading – John 20:19-22 (ESV) Leader: 19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” Congregation: 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Leader: 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” Everyone: 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” 1. You need to RECOGNIZE His PRESENCE. John 20:19 (ESV) – On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” John 7:8-13 (ESV) – You go up to the feast. I am not going up to this feast, for my time has not yet fully come.” 9 After saying this, he remained in Galilee. 10 But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private. 11 The Jews were looking for him at the feast, and saying, “Where is he?” 12 And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, “He is a good man,” others said, “No, he is leading the people astray.”13 Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him. Hebrews 13:5 (ESV) – Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 2. You need to RECEIVE His PEACE. John 20:19-21 (ESV) – On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” Glad – John 14:27 (ESV) – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 16:22 (ESV) – So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 3. You need to accept His PURPOSE for your LIFE. John 20:21 (ESV) – Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” John 15:16 (ESV) – You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 4. You need to RECEIVE His POWER. John 20:22 (ESV) – And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. A. HE GIVES YOU HIS POWER IN THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Receive – B. HE GIVES YOU HIS AUTHORITY IN THE PROCLAMATION OF HIS WORD. L.I.F.E. Group Questions 1. What’s something that a lot of people are afraid of? 2. Did you have a favorite hiding place when you were growing up or wanted to get away? Explain. 3. Where is it dangerous to openly follow Christ today? 4. Who have you not seen in a while that you would be really glad to see again? 5. What does it mean to know that Jesus is present with you? 6. What does it mean to know Jesus gives peace to you? 7. What does it mean to know Jesus has a plan and purpose for your life? 8. What does it mean to know Jesus makes the Ho...