Do Not Fear

The sermon opens with a personal story about the common name Ricardo Rivera, the pastor's own name. When preparing to relocate to Albuquerque in 2014, the police department requested a letter confirming no criminal record because his name was so common, and he later met another pastor also named Ricardo Rivera. His mother's teaching that one's name is the only thing that cannot be taken away hints at the fear of losing one's identity. This background leads to God's word through Isaiah: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name; you are Mine."

The second section develops the historical context when Israel feared the trials ahead, particularly the Babylonian invasion depicted through the image of "water, river, and fire" (Isaiah 43:2). The pastor applies this ancient message to contemporary concerns: unstable economy, inflation, global disasters, wars, rising crime, and social disorder. God brings the message: "Do not fear. Do not fear, for I have redeemed you. Do not fear, for I have called you by name. Do not fear, because you belong to Me."

The third section explains in detail the meaning of "redeem" (redemption). This word means "to buy back something that has been lost by paying a ransom" or "to pay the price necessary to secure the release of a condemned criminal." God redeemed Israel from Egyptian slavery and military powers. Similarly, He has redeemed us through Christ to free us from slavery to fear, sin, bad habits, anxiety about the future, and suffering. The pastor encourages believers: if you are held captive by fear, remember that God has redeemed you and will continue to redeem you whenever you fall into the hands of any enemy.

The fourth section focuses on the meaning of a "new name" in Scripture. The pastor explains that in biblical times, names were given for specific reasons: reflecting the circumstances of birth, the conditions of the age, or personal characteristics. He lists examples such as Benoni (son of my sorrow), Jacob (deceiver), and Ichabod (glory has departed). Notably, God changed Jacob's name to Israel (God rules, conquers, or heals). Similarly, Christian believers have received new names: the redeemed, the beloved, the overcomer, the fragrance of Christ, the bride of Christ, the saints, and the righteous. We are Christians or "little Christs," created in God's image to shine in a dark and sinful world. The pastor challenges believers: are you living according to the new name God has given you, or have you decided never to become the person He named you to be?

The fifth section speaks of belonging to God. Israel did not choose God but He chose Israel (Psalm 135:4, Isaiah 41:9, Amos 3:2). God says: "You will be My people, and I will be your God" (Jeremiah 30:22). Similarly, the Church of Christ is also chosen by God, as Peter reminds us (1 Peter 2:9): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession." You and I are part of God's chosen people; therefore we should not be afraid (Romans 8:31-32). We are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19) and God's own possession. Therefore let us act as those who belong to God, for the world is looking in us for a reason to hope.