Jesus said "Do not be anxious."

When I read this scripture I have to mentally stop and adjust the way I'm thinking, when I read a scripture that says "do not," I think to myself "it must be a sin if I do." I believe there is a difference between general anxiety due to stress and fear, and then anxiety that directs doubt at God. Think with me, Jesus experienced anxiety to an extreme while he was in the Garden of Gethsemane. The scripture says (Luke22:44) that Jesus was Sweating drops of blood as he prayed "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me." What's the deal, is Jesus disobeying the will of the father? The short answer is no! Jesus did not doubt his father's will, but fear had gripped him to the point of shedding blood. (Note: Jesus was not afraid of death Jesus' fear had to do with experiencing the wrath of God). Jesus had every right to be afraid and feel the turmoil of what he was about to experience and it was not wrong for this fear to manifest itself in a physical way.

Every single man has to work through the dilemma of how to handle their fear/anxiety/stress without it leading them to sin. It's difficult for us, though, because our brains have a way of directing us towards the least painful responses and in a world like ours, where there are loads of ways to turn good things into idols, it is easy to anesthetize (numb) ourselves. 43% of Americans say that pornography is morally acceptable, 65% of American adults drink alcohol on a daily basis, nearly 50% of Americans admit to having used drugs for non-medical use in their lifetime and all of this is in the wealthiest country in the world and possibly the wealthiest nation to ever have existed.

What are we to do to combat these trends? Follow to lead of Jesus and turn our fear and anxiety in prayer! This is one way to turn away from the desires of the flesh and turn to the Gospel. In the Gospel, when we surrender to Jesus as king. In the Gospel, we admit (and almost celebrate) our shortcomings to seek support and restoration (counseling, accountability, teamwork). You see in the Gospel all the pressure to be perfect is removed, any pressure to be perfect that remains is self imposed or a result of peer pressure. So, surrender to the Gospel and enjoy the freedom to "not be anxious."

Stay faithful, brothers!

*Announcement*

Please sign up for the "rugged faith, Men's retreat" soon!

As we are only able to take a select amount of men (14) you'll want to get your deposit paid and spot secured.

The dates are June 23rd through the 28th, there will be time hiking, fishing, and solid time in God's word.

Trips like these are priceless, but they do cost money, this trip will cost $300 including the $50 deposit.

Contact Pastor Seth to get your spot secured.