How Do You Respond To Fear?

We've been a sermon series on Habakkuk for the past several weeks and it's simply been a great study. Habakkuk is a small book, but is densely packed. I think one of the things I most appreciate is how brutally honest Habakkuk is with God concerning his confusion, fear, and understanding. This Sunday, we're landing the plane, but I wanted to take this opportunity to elaborate on a few things concerning fear from last week's message. I'm not sure if we talk about fear much and more importantly, I'm not so sure our response is similar to that of Habakkuk's in fear. Here's where we ended and then I'll jump into this post:

"I hear, and my body trembles; my lips quiver at the sound; rottenness enters into my bones; my legs tremble beneath me. Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble to come upon people who invade us." (Habakkuk 3:16) 

HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO FEAR? 

First, let's get it all out on the table: we all experience fear. How we respond and how it manifests itself in our lives is different, however. 

1. Resignation
Upon experiencing or feeling fear, many will completely succumb to it and quit whatever endeavor, path, or activity they're involved in. They simply quit. 

2. Detachment
Detachment can come in various forms, but in this case I believe that it's two fold: (1) we physically detach ourselves from people and (2) emotionally disconnect from relationships. 

3. Pride
Fear can sometimes bring the self-reliance out in us where we believe we simply must pull ourselves us by our bootstraps and take it on because no one else will. 

4. Control
This one is definitely me (I'm not proud of that by any means). When fear surges, control is what manifests itself; controlling people, situations, conversation, decisions, etc. 

5. Anger
Anger is a way people respond to fear. It comes out in foolish decisions and unwise choices of words; a dismissal of who or what is "in the way." 

6. Projection
Fear can be crippling and many people will project their fear and anxiety onto others so as to not feel it. In projection, one will gather others for the purpose of casting their fear and anxiety on them. 

By no means am I saying these are the only ways people can respond to fear. And I'm sure there is much more to be said about each one. My point, however, is that there is a strong probability that we respond to fear in one or more of these ways AND there are underlining issues, root concerns. 

For instance, if you respond to fear with control, then the root of your fear can be things like rejection or abandonment. If you respond with anger, then the root could be self protection. There could be several things that are ultimately at the root of your fear. But if I'm taking a page out of my boy Habakkuk, then the question I must ask myself if do I respond to fear with worship? That sounds ridiculous. 

FEAR and WORSHIP

As I've mentioned earlier, one of the things I most appreciate about Habakkuk is how brutally honest he is and in this section of the book, upon feeling fear, he doesn't avoid it or respond with something else. He confronts it and turns to what he knows to be true: 

1. The Character of God
Habakkuk runs through God's involvement throughout the history of his people. In Habakkuk's psalm, we're reminded that God is intimately involved, saves and redeems, and is totally sovereign. It's a great reminder for Habakkuk because God's not distant or out of the loop on what's going on, but following through with his promises amidst the foolish decisions his children make. 

2. The Faithfulness of God
Habakkuk looks to the future of the "anointed one" who will come and ultimately crush "the head of the house of the wicked." Habakkuk looks toward the coming a Savior and through this, he finds hope. Today, we can look back to the cross to be reminded of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ--today, He is alive and well and will return one day to reclaim His bride, the church.

We can find hope in the truth of the gospel. It may not change our circumstance, it didn't for Habakkuk. But it did change the condition of his heart. In fear, we are separated from God, but in faith, we are secured by God. 

RECOMMENDED READING: The Emotionally Healthy Leader by Peter Scazzero; Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest by Ed Welch

LISTEN TO THE SERMON SERIES: Habakkuk: The Righteous Will Live By Faith

New Series and Missions

Yesterday, we began a new sermon series titled "Kingdom Come." It'll be a series that carries us through the beginning of September; pretty trippy to think that September is only a matter of days away. In any case, this series is meant to prepare our hearts for our final transition as a church: moving locations to central McAllen. 

Over the past several months, Storehouse Community has been in a season of transition and growth. It's been incredibly encouraging to see our people commit their lives to one another for the purpose of furthering the kingdom; no local church is perfect, but we serve a perfect Jesus.

My prayer during this series is that we would grow in our understanding of what it means to be kingdom minded as we move forward. Central McAllen is rich in culture and tradition; right at the heart of the city and the center of the arts district, historic district, and entertainment district. Our desire is to be a church that is in the city and for the city, meaning that we look to meet the needs of our city--physically, culturally, and spiritually. 

We opened our time yesterday with God's vision for the kingdom and over the course of the next several weeks we'll begin to narrow down this vision to what it looks like for God's kingdom to come in the everyday of our lives and finally into the life of our city. 

Check out the sermon if you missed yesterday: Kingdom Come | God's Kingdom Vision

SENDING OUT? 

In addition to our time, we prayed over Nathanael and Nicole Sommers; two missionaries from Indiana that came to McAllen two years ago through an organization called World Gospel Mission (WGM). Over the past year, Nathanael (who we call "Nano") became our director of missions and mobilization and has done a tremendous work building this ministry; first by educating and casting vision for local and international missions at Storehouse Community and then by leading the start of several local outreach opportunities. 

Nathanael and his wife Nicole serve two-year terms with WGM before having to return to Indiana for a debriefing over their time on the border--discussing how things went and what could be improved--and to begin raising financial support for their next 4 years in the Valley. Nano has been one of my closest friends, especially during this season of transition, and has helped shepherd my heart in the midst of difficulty. He and his wife have been an instrumental part of our ministry and I believe this is only the beginning for them. 

Nano and Nicole's goal is to raise funds (both for their salary and ministry at WGM) by December of 2017. I wanted to take this opportunity to covet your prayers as they travel throughout the midwest and for favor as they raise financial support. Additionally, I'd like to provide a few links so that if you are led by the Holy Spirit to financially support them (reguluarly or one-time), you can (below). I'd love for them to be back in December in the place they now feel like is their home--McAllen. 

Support Nathanael and Nicole

Speaking Requests or more information, contact nate@storehousemcallen.com

Reflection | Sola Scriptura

Yesterday, we began a new sermon series called "The 5 Solas" and began our time in "Sola Scriptura" ("Scripture Alone"). I think our time in this series is going to be fruitful for our people. First, I wish to give brief bouts of history in light of how we got to holding these 5 foundational doctrines, not simply as a church but as Christians. Secondly, my hope and prayer is that our people would immerse themselves in the Word of God because they're hungry and desperate to hear from God. And third, I believe it's important to not only teach and communicate on the doctrines that we, particularly at Storehouse Community, hold to but are moved by conviction toward them. In this case, "Sola Scriptura" presents itself as a doctrine that testifies to the inerrancy and sufficiency of scripture; that is, everything from the Christian life to ethics to tradition and especially salvation will be evaluated and looked at from the lens' of the Word of God. 

If you're looking at doing a little more research on "Sola Scripture" I'll provide some links below along with Sunday's sermon in case you're curious or missed out; hope you enjoy! 

RECOMMENDED READING: 
• God's Word Alone: The Authority of Scripture by Matthew Barrett
• What Do We Mean By Sola Scriptura (article) by Dr. Robert Godfrey

Sunday's Message: 
• Sola Scriptura | Storehouse Community Church

 

New Series | The Five Solas

On Sunday, we're starting a new sermon series called "The Five Solas" and I'm extremely excited! First, the 5 Solas are vital and at the heart of gospel-centered theology and these are doctrines that we hold fast to; coming out of the 16th century Protestant Reformation, the 5 Solas are five latin phrases that make up the following doctrines: 

• Sola Scriptura ("Scripture Alone")
-- Scripture alone is our final and ultimate authority in the Christian faith, ethics, and practice. Additionally, it through Scripture that we evaluate both tradition and creeds.

• Sola Fide ("Faith Alone")
-- Salvation is received by faith alone and not by a means of our works. 

• Sola Gratia ("Grace Alone")
-- Salvation is a gift of God's grace; only He can freely give and not one that we obtain or earn.  

• Solus Christus ("Christ Alone")
-- The means by which we obtain salvation is through Jesus Christ alone; His finished work on the cross for sinners.

• Soli Deo Gloria ("God's Glory Alone")
-- Salvation is totally the work of God thus is given and for the glory of God

I am very excited about this series because I think it'll be a great opportunity for our people to not only hear about some church history--particularly because the Valley has a dense Roman Catholic population and many from our church come from that background--but also because this dives deep into the pages of Scripture and the heart of the church. 

My aim isn't to bash the Roman Catholic church. I do believe that we have some brothers and sisters in the Catholic church that love Jesus. However, I do believe it's important to teach briefly on the Protestant Reformation and why we hold to these core doctrines. And I believe the best approach for that is to engage the Word of God.

There is so much reading on these doctrines that you can easily get a hold of several books and articles. I'll hook you up with the list of books I've been in for the past few months as we've prepared this series, hope you enjoy---

RECOMMENDED READING:
• God's Word Alone: The Authority of Scripture by Matthew Barrett
• Faith Alone: The Doctrine of Justification by Thomas Schreiner
• Grace Alone: Salvation as a Gift of God by Carl Trueman
• Christ Alone: The Uniqueness of Jesus as Savior by Stephen Wellum
• God's Glory Alone: The Majestic Heart of Christian Life and Faith by David VanDrunen

Reflection | God's Work Our Witness

A few weeks ago, we began a sermon series titled "God's Work Our Witness" and the intention behind this short series was to cast vision for the new chapter and season that is Storehouse Community Church as well as share the mission we've been called to in McAllen. I also think it's been a good opportunity to look back at all God did in and through Logos Community Church- McAllen. Additionally, this series served as a great way to communicate revitalization in our church for the fame and glory of Jesus.

While, we have been through much, I feel as though we have officially walked into our own season as Storehouse Community Church; starting afresh in many aspects and moving forward by the grace of God. I'm very excited for our future and am anticipant about the work God will do, particularly as we engage our beloved city of McAllen and make disciples. 

Your prayers have been incredibly encouraging! Please continue to pray for our church family as we aim to be faithful and make much of Jesus. And if you're looking at what's coming up next, this week we're starting a new sermon series titled "The 5 Solas" which is based on the 5 Latin phrases that captivate the heart of gospel-centered theology and stem from the Protestant Reformation. I'll share more on this as we move along.