Unyime Akpan - January 21st, 2024 - Live by Every Word of God (Lessons from the “Fear Not” Statements in Luke Gospel)

Matthew 9:4Deuteronomy 31:8 NIVIsaiah 26:3-4Isaiah 40:27-31Proverbs 3:5-62 Corinthians 9:8Galatians 2:20

What are some potential causes of fear in 2024?Climate Change Financial Deficit/Lack

Number of “Fear Nots” / “Do not be Afraid” in Luke’s Gospel?“7” or ?

A title for Jesus that is used only in Luke’s Gospel?MASTER

The First “Fear Not” or “Do not be Afraid” in Luke Gospel.

John. Luke 1:12-13Angel Gabriel to Zachariah

God still answers prayers

Believers have access to God; have an ever-living intercessor -Romans 8:34Believers should pray, ask, seek and knock -Ephesians 6:18

Expect and count on God answers to your prayersLuke 1:5-20 (ESV)

The Second “Fear Not” or “Do not be Afraid” in Luke’s Gospel.

 Luke 1:28-30Literal Interpretation: Grace to you who is highly graced! You have found grace with GodAngel Gabriel to Mary

God Grants GraceBelievers have God’s glorious grace - Ephesians 1:6More grace is always available -2 Corinthians 9:8

Expect and count on God’s glorious grace and moreLuke 1:26-38 (ESV)Ephesians 1:3-62 Corinthians 9:6-8 ESVGenerous believers can count on God’s abundant all grace for good workMake your life a gift in 2024 –Time, Talent, Temple, Tent etc

The Third “Fear Not” or “Do not be Afraid” in Luke’s GospelAnd an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.  And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people Luke 2:9-10darkest night; God sent a messenger with good newsAngel to the Shepherds

God’s Word (Bible) is Good NewsNot just a collection of stories, laws, rulesGod’s Promises: nothing can separate you from God’s love; God is for you Romans 8:39Read/Listen to/Study/Meditate and Appropriate –Believers live on God’s Promises and not ExplanationsExpect and Count on God’s Good News in the Bible

Luke 2:8-20 (ESV)

The Fourth “Fear Not” or “Do not be Afraid” in Luke’s Gospel He {Jesus} said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.”   6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” Luke 5:4-5, 8, 10-11Fruitless all night; Jesus stepped in the next morning and everything changed for Simon forever

God is greater than our sinsWe are unworthy of God’s blessings, yet God gave us his very best, his Son -Romans 8:32; Galatians 2:20Keep looking to Jesus; let’s not look at ourselves -Hebrews 12:1-2

More to come on Peter, Jesus and the Sea of Galilee?Luke 5:1-11 (ESV)Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV2 Corinthians 9:8 ESVGalatians 2:20

The Fifth “Fear Not” or “Do not be Afraid” in Luke’s Gospel

49 While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler's house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher anymore.” 50 But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.”  Luke 8:49-50A very dark day in Jairus’ life; only daughter died because Jesus “delayed”Luke 8:40-56 (ESV)Luke 12:1-12 (ESV)

The Seventh “Fear Not” or “Do not be Afraid” in Luke’s Gospel

22 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on.  30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be ad