People Are Looking to God for Encouragement.
Download the Bible App! — A great way to be read and study the Word of God—and stay connected with other Christians.
Three Themes from the Top Bible Verses of 2022:
1. Don’t be Afraid.
2. Don’t Be Anxious.
3. Don’t Let Your Hearts be Troubled.
What Should We Do Instead? Be Strong and Courageous!
Promises from God That Help us Overcome our Fear:
1. I am with you.
2. I will strengthen you.
3. All things work for the greater good.
4. I have great plans for your future.
5. I have overcome the world.
(Note: The top 8 Bible verses in 2022 were Isaiah 41:10, Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28, Philippians 4:6, John 14:27, Joshua 1:9, John 16:33, and 1 Peter 5:10.)
What Do These Bible Verses Tell us About Our State of Mind? — People are tired, stressed, and anxious… and they’re turning to God’s Word for comfort and encouragement.
Max Lucado Quote:
“Anxiety. The emotion is not a sign of weakness, immaturity, or demon possession. It is simply the result of living in a fast-changing, challenging world. Anxiety is not a sign of weakness. But anxiety does weaken us. It takes our sleep. It numbs our minds. It clutters our hearts with dread. Yet help is here. You have at your disposal the surest antidote for trepidation. The Holy Spirit. He is the calming presence of God in the world today. He will help you defy the voices of fear and draw nigh to the presence of peace.”
Max Lucado, Help is Here, p. 64
Today’s Message: The Holy Spirit Comforts Us.
Two Ways the Holy Spirit is Portrayed in Christian Art:
1. Fire — Light, warmth, energy, purification
2. Dove — Peace and reconciliation.
(1) Jesus Makes a Strong Connection Between The Holy Spirit and Peace:
“25 All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:25-27 (NIV)
The Key Idea: The peace of God flows from the presence of God.
(2) Jesus Reminds us That We’re Never Alone:
32 “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. 33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:32-33 (NIV)
Point #1: Even though Jesus felt alone, he knew he wasn’t alone. God was always with him, even when no one else was.
Point #2: We can have peace in Christ despite the difficulties we face. This peace comes from the presence of God and the victory of Jesus.
Remember it Like This: No God, No Peace / Know God, Know Peace
(3) The Holy Spirit Leads to Life and Peace:
“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6 (NIV)
God Demonstrates His Love by Comforting Us in our Sorrow.
“3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NIV)
Application & Invitation
Three Things God Wants you to Know Today:
1. God is Always With You (Isaiah 41:10, Matthew 28:20)
2. God Always Cares For You (1 Peter 4:7)
3. God Can Always Comfort You (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)
Church of the Week: New Hope Bible Church (Bakersfield)
During the invitation song, you may come forward to…
1. Commit Your life to Christ
2. Pray About a Difficult Situation
3. Talk About Baptism or Next Steps
Tap here to Respond to today’s message
Questions? Contact Bryan: (609) 356-3147 or bfojtasek@westsidelife.org.