This morning, we are going to begin with a Bible Quiz…
NO CHEATING!
So…. Close your Bibles and turn off your electronic devices!
1st Question:
Ken has joked that when asked why they should get into heaven people often say they are religious and are good people… or they try to keep the Ten Commandments. But when asked what they are, they cannot name them. Wouldn’t you think if keeping the commandments is the key to getting into heaven you would at least know them?
So, 1st Question: Can you name The Ten Commandments?
The 10 Commandments List, Short Form
You shall have no other gods before Me.
You shall not make idols.
You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Honor your father and your mother.
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet.
Btw, Can you tell us where The Ten Commandments are found?
First in Exodus 20:1-17.
And then repeated in Deuteronomy 5:4-21.
2nd Question:
According to Jesus, what is the Greatest Commandment?
One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew: 22:35-40
Found where?
Matthew: 22:35-40.
Mark 12:28–34.
3rd Question:
But what is the most repeated commandment in the Bible?
Hint: Here are a couple of paintings I’ve discovered while searching for art for my daily posts on facebook. You may remember what I told you about my relationship with facebook…
“The Desperate Man” (1845) by French artist Gustave Courbet
Btw, does he remind you of Johnny Depp?
“The Scream” (1893) by Norwegian painter Edvard Munch
The most common commandment in the Bible is “Fear not,” or some variation thereof… such as “Do not be afraid.”
Some sources say it is repeated over 200 times.
Still others cite it as being repeated over 300 times.
Others say it is repeated a specific 365 times. That’s one for each day.
I haven’t counted… but for anyone who is familiar with the Scriptures, you know it’s repeated throughout the Bible.
Perhaps for those counting they have included worry, anxiety, care, dread…
So this morning, I’d like to share some scriptures about fear.
And let me say I’m not speaking about the fear of the Lord.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. – Proverbs 9:10
Again, this is not a message about reverence and respect for a Holy God. It is about the fear and dread that sadly exists in all of our hearts and souls.
These are some selected scriptures that tell us not to fear and not to fear men…
Beginning with Abraham:
After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.” – Genesis 15:1
Then repeated to Isaac:
The Lord appeared to him the same night and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham; Do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you, and multiply your descendants, For the sake of My servant Abraham.” – Genesis 26:24
And to Moses:
See, the Lord your God has placed the land before you; go up, take possession, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has spoken to you. Do not fear or be dismayed.’ – Deuteronomy 1:21
And to Joshua:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 NIV
And to Gideon:
The Lord said to him, “Peace to you, do not fear; you shall not die.” – Judges 6:23
And this account in the life of Elisha:
So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” – 2 Kings 6:16
This account when David is passing the kingdom to Solomon:
Then David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and courageous, and act; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished. – 1 Chronicles 28:20
From the book of Isaiah:
Say to those with anxious heart, “Take courage, fear not. Behold, your God will come with vengeance; The recompense of God will come, But He will save you.” – Isaiah 35:4
And from Jeremiah:
“Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you,” declares the Lord. – Jeremiah 1:8
And from the book of Daniel:
Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. – Daniel 10:12
Finally from Zechariah:
It will come about that just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you that you may become a blessing. Do not fear; let your hands be strong.’ – Zechariah 8:13
Jumping to New Testament, a few examples:
But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. – Matthew 1:20
From the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaking:
“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6:34
Jesus speaking to his disciples:
So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.
– Matthew 10:31
Following the Transfiguration:
And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, “Get up, and do not be afraid.” – Matthew 17:7
Following the Resurrection:
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me.”
– Matthew 28:10
Angels speaking to the shepherds:
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people. – Luke 2:10
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