Do Not Fear

The sermon opens with a personal anecdote about Pastor Ricardo Rivera's common name, which leads him to introduce the message from Isaiah 43:1, where God encourages Israel not to fear in the face of coming trials, including Babylonian conquest. The pastor explains that God's words also apply to Jesus followers today, who may be experiencing fear, anxiety, or uncertainty due to current worldly events such as economic troubles, disasters, wars, and crime.

The first major section focuses on the meaning of redemption. The pastor explains that "redemption" means purchasing something back that has been lost by paying a ransom, or paying the required price to secure the release of a condemned criminal. He applies this to believers today by asking the congregation, "What enslaves you today?" The pastor reminds them that God redeemed us when we received Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior, and He continues to redeem us whenever we fall under the conquering hands of the enemy. Therefore, if you are enslaved by fear, God wants you to know that you do not have to be afraid because He has redeemed you.

The second section explains the new name that God gives us. The pastor educates the congregation about naming practices in biblical times, where names often reflected birth circumstances or character. He then emphasizes that those who have received Jesus have been given new titles by God, such as "the redeemed," "the beloved," "the victorious," "the aroma of Christ," "the bride of Christ," and "the righteous." The pastor poses a life-changing question: "Are we living up to that new name that God has given to us, or have we determined that we will never become who God says we already are?"

The third section emphasizes that we belong to God. The pastor argues that just as God chose Israel as His chosen people, the Church of Jesus Christ has also been chosen by God. Using references from Psalm 135:4, Isaiah 41:9, Amos 3:2, and 1 Peter 2:9, the pastor reminds the congregation that we are God's chosen people and therefore should fear nothing. He encourages the believers: "We are God's chosen people! Let us live who we are! We are God's possession. The world is looking at us. The world is looking to find in us the reason to have hope."

The sermon concludes with a humorous story about an elderly woman and a burglar, followed by Martin Luther's observation about how God and the devil use opposite tactics regarding fear. The pastor finishes by encouraging the congregation to apply the three main messages to their lives: Do not be afraid because God has redeemed you, do not be afraid because He has given you a new name, and do not be afraid because you belong to Him.