Preaching Goes Viral

Help stop the spread of fear

R1: Main claim or thesis (supported by much of the sermon or primary source)

Theodicy (M): Misc. beliefs about why God lets a pandemic happen

It wasn’t until recently, though, that I realized that this passage isn’t just a command not to be afraid; it’s also a how-to. We don’t have to be afraid—in fact, we can actually withdraw, pull back, from any fearful thoughts or feelings that try to rush in—because fear doesn’t come from God. And whatever doesn’t come from God has no substance or authority. God doesn’t make us afraid; God tells us we’re safe, that we’re His—supremely loved and cared for. And He guides us to experience that safety-providing love and care. Fear may temporarily overshadow these messages of comfort and safety. But we can disengage from fear by opening our thoughts to God. We can begin by saying no to fear and yes to the stillness that allows us to hear God—and find that the healing, saving ideas that God gives are actually right here with us.

2022-12-16

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Jenny Sawyer