Fear: Inside Out Faith: The Science and Spirituality of Emotions

About this sermon

In this honest and relatable conversation, Dr. Rebecca Chow and Pastor Bill Gepford dive into the topic of fear—how it shows up in our lives, why it exists, and what happens when it spirals out of control. Pastor Bill shares a personal story about his fear of snakes, exploring how fear can be both instinctive and overwhelming, even when our minds know there’s no real danger. Dr. Chow explains the body’s physical response to fear, highlighting how it triggers chemicals that prepare us to protect ourselves. They unpack the difference between healthy fear, which keeps us safe and aware, and unhealthy fear, which can lead to panic and leave us feeling paralyzed. They reflect on how fear, when left unchecked, can isolate us from hope and the resources we need, making every situation feel like a threat. Pastor Bill connects this to the story of Peter walking on water, showing how fear can cause us to lose sight of the support and hope right in front of us. This episode teaches us to recognize fear as a signal rather than a sentence. By pausing, breathing, and grounding ourselves in the present, we can choose whether fear needs our attention—or if it’s exaggerating the danger. We also learn that community can be a powerful antidote, reminding us we’re not alone and giving us strength when fear tries to take over. If fear has been running your thoughts or keeping you stuck, this conversation is for you. Watch now to discover how to honor fear without letting it control you—and find peace and courage in the support of those around you. Highlights: [00:00] – Intro: Let’s Talk About Fear [00:15] – Pastor Bill’s Snake Encounter and Personal Fear Story [01:19] – Why Fear Exists: Survival and the Body’s Response [02:24] – Healthy Fear vs. Unhealthy Fear: Where It Crosses the Line [03:36] – When Fear Becomes Panic and Shuts Us Down [04:41] – Peter Walking on Water: Fear and Losing Sight of Hope [05:13] – How Fear Can Isolate Us From Support [05:30] – How to Ground Yourself When Fear Strikes [06:22] – The Power of Community as an Antidote to Fear [06:54] – Final Encouragement: Embracing Fear Without Letting It Control You Visit our website: https://resurrection.church/ Connect with us on social media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weareresurrection Twitter: https://x.com/umcresurrection Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resurrectionumc/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChurchoftheResurrection Learn more from us at https://resurrection.church/next #ResurrectionAUnitedMethodistChurch #InsideOutFaith #Fear

Topics

• Faith
• Anxiety & Worry