“For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.” Hebrews 1:1 NASB
What It Means When You Don’t Want the Fear of God in Your Life from NCFIC on Vimeo.
Posts Tagged with the Fear of God
Where Have All the God-Fearers Gone?
This coming Lord’s Day I will want to address this question from Deuteronomy 17; “Where have all the God-fearers gone?”
To my embarrassment, when I evaluate the length of my days in ministry, I am ashamed of how little thought I have given to the mountain of a subject in Scripture, the fear of God. We so rarely even use the language of fear anymore.
Who even preaches on this subject anymore?
Where is a pulpit in the land today where this phrase is even common?
O how I want the fear of God to be so expected by the hearers at Eastside Baptist that they ask me why I didn’t mention the fear of God in a sermon. May the fear of God once again be championed by the Lord’s elect that this must be considered before we say or do anything.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning… it’s the beginning of knowledge, it’s the beginning of wisdom. We’re more likely to consult with what others are doing before we humble ourselves and seek God’s direction. We’re more likely to read a secular business book based upon a survey of the opinion of men before we begin with prayer. Our usual starting place shows what we think of God. O how I long for this in my own life, in my own church, from my duty in the pulpit.
When you read or hear of godly men/women of old, they would usually be referred to as a “God-fearing man/woman”. That would say a lot about the person. It means something to be called a “God-fearer”.
Today, the label of “Christian” means hardly anything and nearly everything.
But to be among the “God-fearers”…
- Sermons on the Fear of God from the National Center for Family Integrated Churches conference.
- My sermon at the Fear of God Conference: During the Time of Your Stay on Earth
The fear of God is to be our safety net to cover all of our wandering ways, as well as our sinful indulgences and actions against our Creator. However, there are many who spend a lifetime of energy trying to walk “in His ways” (Ps. 128:1) or “keep His commandments” (Eccles. 12:13), without ever actually coming to a true knowledge and fear of Him (1 Peter 1:17). If we are to walk in His ways in a manner that is considered an acceptable service, we are to do so with reverence and awe “for our God is a consuming fire” (Heb. 12:28-29). In this session, Paul Thompson explains the importance of the fear of God as we go about our lives during our stay on this earth.
The One and Only
The One and Only
It is said again and again in our day; “to err is human”. Could it be said better? “to fear God is human.”
To say “to err is human” will be our safety net to cover all our wandering ways, sinful indulgences, and actions against our creator. The philosophy of men gives us permission to sin; even to laughingly brush away the conclusion that, even in our fallen condition, we are called out to fear God and keep His commandments. This is part of the human experience believers are to live in. Believers are to deny the temptations of sin by fearing (honoring) God.
A problem many of us are blinded with is that we are more impressed with what God will give us than we are with God. Many spend a lifetime of energy trying to “walk in His Ways” or to “keep His commandments” and never come to fear or know Him (1 Peter 1:17).
If we are to walk in His ways in a manner that is considered an acceptable service, we are to do so with reverence and awe “for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)
The natural man more fears himself or others than he does God.
Who even talks about the fear of God anymore? I’m not talking about being a slave to fear or ruined with fear. I’m talking about knowing God for who God is. Not the god you have made up for yourself, or the god your church is currently promoting, or the god that leading presidential candidates are promoting.
I’m talking about the God of the Holy Bible, not the god of the Koran or the god of the book of Mormon. I’m not talking about the god of your favorite author or the god of your favorite actor. Not a god equal with other gods.
I’m talking about the God who spoke all things into existence, the God who is holy and righteous; the god who judges all sinners, the God who can “destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28) and has authority “to throw you into hell” (Luke12:5).
It is right to fear, honor, respect, this Almighty God of the Bible. Even more so when you consider that this same God can save you from His wrath.
“For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) The critical part of that sweet verse is directed to those who believe in Him, the only begotten Son of God. This is why it is important that you believe in the God of the Holy Bible. To believe in any other god, of any other tradition of men, is to be in danger of judgment.
Does your pastor, bishop, imam, spiritual leader tell you that you have no reason to respect, honor or fear God? Are they telling you that a loving god would not condemn anyone? If the answer is yes, ask him or her who gave them the authority to describe God other than how He describes Himself in the Bible.
Will you base your opinion of God off of the authority of men or according to God’s authority? Repent today of making a god for yourself and submit to the ruling authority of the Living God of the Bible.
Taste this saving grace today, how sweet it is.
“How blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways.” Psalm 128:1
Upcoming Preaching Schedule
Last Sunday (10/02), I finished the exposition preaching of the Kings. (full sermon series HERE)
Here are some random (useless) statistics from the sermon series:
- I began preaching through Kings April 26, 2015.
- Total sermons recorded: 51 of 53 (I forgot to hit the record button on two sermons.)
- Total of 2,913 minutes of sermon time.
- Longest sermon was 82 minutes long (I must have lost track of time.)
- Shortest sermon was 37 minutes long (many were very concerned about me, thank you for your concern.)
- Average sermon length was 57 minutes long.
- My personal favorite phrase was “Saddle up the donkey”. (1 Kings 13:13)
The next step of preaching is always of interest as the conclusion comes about. Here is a look at the next several weeks.
- October 9: I will give a overview conclusion to the entirety of the Kings
- October 16: A look back at the times of reformation Eastside has been through over the past several years. A reminder to all and information to others of why we integrate all the ages at our systematic gatherings.
- October 23: Begin a series of messages (maybe three) on the doctrine of The Fear of God
- Mid November: Preaching Through the book of Philippians.
*updated with links
During the Time of Your Stay on Earth
Join me at the National Center for Family Integrated Churches Fear of God conference
at Ridgecrest Conference Center in Ashville, NC October 27-29, 2016.
Register HERE
“How Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways.” (Psalm 128:1)
I will have the opportunity to gather with some of the most looked to men of God in our day. Men like Ken Ham, John Snyder, Joel Beeke, Jeff Pollard, Carlton McLeod, Scott Brown, Craig Houston, and many others. (Full list of speakers)
Over the past several months I’ve participated in a daily devotional on the Fear of God. You may want to take some time to meditate on the Fear of God with these devotions. (All devotion videos)
I will address the Fear of God from the following position.
During the Time of Your Stay on Earth
(Background: Psalm 128:1, Ecclesiasties 12:13-14, 1 Peter 1:17, Hebrews 12:28-29)
It is said again and again in our day; “to err is human”. Could it be said better? “to fear God is human.” This will be our safety net to cover all our wandering ways, sinful indulgences, and actions against our creator.
The philosophy of men gives us permission to sin; even to laughingly brush away the conclusion that, even in our fallen condition, we are called out to fear God and keep His commandments.
How do we keep ourselves from wanting less than what God calls us to; Himself.
A problem many of us are blinded with is that we are more impressed with what God will give us than we are with God. Many spend a lifetime of energy trying to “walk in His Ways” or “keep His commandments” and never come to fear or know Him (1 Peter 1:17).
If we are to walk in His ways in a manner that is considered an acceptable service, we are to do so with reverence and awe “for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)
The Fear of God and the Voting Booth
When you live in a blessed land like the United States of America it is a sobering truth that the follower of Christ, as defined by the Bible, has both a privilege and responsibility to engage in this amazing moment in the election process.
From all pages of the Bible we read of a sovereign active creator and ruler and it behooves the sojourning citizen to take serious inventory of our duty.
One could choose to not participate in the voting duty, as it appears more than 20 million professing Christians chose that option in the last presidential election.
or
One could choose to intentionally participate in this significant moment as a person of biblical conviction. I refuse to vote for someone in order to block another from being president. I will not waste my duty on such foolishness. I will cast my vote for the individual I believe will maintain a constitutional republic, and I call on Christians and fellow countrymen to the same. Look closely.
I will vote my conscience within the influence of the fear of God, the beginning of wisdom, and ask God to help me live with joy in him regardless of the outcome.
I think that an honest observation of the current landscape of the candidates of the two primary political parties reveals that we are in active judgment of God. Then, a deeper examination of other options, in other political parties, it appears that God is willing to give the nation a chance to repent. Have you looked at Darrell Castle yet? He is running for the Constitution party (party platform). Take a close look. There is no flashy personality. There is humility and conviction, there is a man stricken with anguish for the direction of the nation and hopeful for the dawning day.
I’m not looking for a presidential “savior”, I’m looking for a candidate who is interested in acting in the best interest of the nation from a biblical worldview.
“If God raised me up and made me President of the United States, what I told the states, what I told you I would do, I will do, or die trying. So help me God.” Darrell Castle
In a recent devotional project with the National Center for Family Integrated Churches I had the opportunity to offer some thoughts on what it may look like when there is no fear of God in civil leaders.
When There Is No Fear of God in Civil Leaders from NCFIC on Vimeo.
Do You Have No Fear of God?
* From The Fear of God Devotional
There is a benefit to your soul to live out your life with the fear of God.
Is there evidence in your life that there is a decrease of the fear of God or intentional actions you are doing to keep yourself from walking in the fear of God? Do you want the benefit of the fear of God upon your life? Here are some warning signs that may help you identify if you are on a path to keep yourself from the fear of God.
- Remove yourself from the local Church.
- Stay away from other believers who will pray with with.
- Alienate yourself from preaching that will lead to repentance.
- Remove yourself from the fear of God.
- Infuse your life with pleasure in the things of men.
- Increase in your desire for worldliness.
- Surround yourself with others who will not hold you accountable.
- Not reading your Bible to know who God is.
- Reading the Bible for morality.
- While reading the Bible think the warnings are for other people and not you.
- No longer delight to obey God.
Here’s a short video where I attempt to express this for a devotional project for the National Center of Family Integrated Churches.
What It Means When You Don’t Want the Fear of God in Your Life from NCFIC on Vimeo.
The Fear of God Devotional (updated)
Since the first week of June I have been participating in a daily devotion on the topic “the Fear of God.” If you have missed any of them or don’t know anything about them get started HERE. The daily devotional is provided by the National Center of Family Integrated Churches.
- Day One – A Wrong View of the Fear of God – Paul Washer
- Day Two – The Essence of the Fear of God – Craig Houston
- Day Three – The Fear of God Is Everything in Life – Malamulo Chindongo
- Day Four – All Subjects Tied to the Fear of God – Kevin Swanson
- Day Five – Can You Hear the Voice of Your Shepherd – Dr. Joel Beeke
- Day Six – Chastising Children and the Fear of The Lord – Jason Dohm
- Day Seven – The Control Freak Father and the Fear of God – Kevin Swanson
- Day Eight – Civil Leaders in the Bible Who Did Not Fear God – Paul Thompson
- Day Nine – Fear and a Low View of God – Paul Washer
- Day Ten – The Crowning Problem of Our Day – Clarence Simmons
- Day Eleven – Big Grandpa in the Sky or What – Kevin Swanson
- Day Twelve – How Does the Fear of God Liberate Me – Paul Thompson
- Day Thirteen – Why Did God Take My Child – Paul Washer
- Day Fourteen – Helping Children See What the Fear of God Looks Like – Joel Beeke
- Day Fifteen – Do I Really Fear God? – Jason Dohm
- Day Sixteen – Chaos From the Lack of Fear of God – Kevin Swanson
- Day Seventeen – Fearing God and the Pastors’ Salary – Malamulo Chindongo
- Day Eighteen – How the Fear of God Works in the Heart of a Christian – Paul Thompson
- Day Nineteen – How Mercy Increases Godly Fear – Joel Beeke
- Day Twenty – How Do You Instill the Fear of God in Your Family – Jason Dohm
- Day Twenty-one – Genetic Engineering and the Fear of God – Kevin Swanson
- Day Twenty-two – How Do We Dampen the Fear of God – Paul Washer
- Day Twenty-Three – How Thankfulness and the Fear of God are Connected – Joel Beeke
- Day Twenty-four – Is It Possible to be Saved and Not Fear God? – Jason Dohm
- Day Twenty-five – Godly Fear in the Home – Kevin Swanson
- Day Twenty-six – How to Grow in the Fear of God – Paul Washer
- Day Twenty-seven – Talking to Unbelievers about the Fear of God – Paul Thompson
- Day Twenty-eight – Winning Souls and the Fear of God – Joel Beeke
- Day Twenty-nine – Mercy Toward Those Who Fear God – Jason Dohm
- Day Thirty – How Do Parents Explain the Fear of God – Kevin Swanson
- Day Thirty-one – Indicators of the Fear of God in a Believer – Paul Thompson
- Day Thirty-two – The Cure for a Multitude of Evils in the Church – Paul Washer
- Day Thirty-three – Illustrating the Fear of God to Your Children – Joel Beeke
- Day Thirty-four – Missteps in the Fear of God – Jason Dohm
- Day Thirty-five – How is it That Christ Feared His Father – Kevin Swanson
- Day Thirty-six –
- Day Thirty-seven –
- Day Thirty-eight –
- More HERE
The Fear of God
I’m thankful to the Lord for the ministry of the National Center of Family Integrated Churches and it’s director Scott Brown. I’ve recently had the privilege to participate in a devotional project with trusted brothers coloaborating our attention upon the topic of the fear of God.
Every weekday there is a new (short) video and devotional thought to cause the participant to meditate upon the attributes of God and His call to us to fear Him. Here is my latest contribution from Friday, June 17, and a link to the past few weeks of helpful devotional thoughts. Be sure to check HERE each day for more in the coming weeks.
How Does the Fear of God Liberate Me from NCFIC on Vimeo.
- Day One – A Wrong View of the Fear of God – Paul Washer
- Day Two – The Essence of the Fear of God – Craig Houston
- Day Three – The Fear of God Is Everything in Life – Malamulo Chindongo
- Day Four – All Subjects Tied to the Fear of God – Kevin Swanson
- Day Five – Can You Hear the Voice of Your Shepherd – Dr. Joel Beeke
- Day Six – Chastising Children and the Fear of The Lord – Jason Dohm
- Day Seven – The Control Freak Father and the Fear of God – Kevin Swanson
- Day Eight – Civil Leaders in the Bible Who Did Not Fear God – Paul Thompson
- Day Nine – Fear and a Low View of God – Paul Washer
- Day Ten – The Crowning Problem of Our Day – Clarence Simmons
- Day Eleven – Big Grandpa in the Sky or What – Kevin Swanson
- Day Twelve – How Does the Fear of God Liberate Me – Paul Thompson
- More HERE
The Fear of God (a daily devotional)
Join me this month for daily meditations and devotion on the Fear of God.
The National Center for Family Integrated Churches has produced this resource to help followers of Christ focus on a forgotten discipline in many lives of Christians and lost on many churches across the nation. These short video clips are from trusted pastors and minsters and friends; Joel Beeke, Paul Washer, Jason Dohm, Craig Houston, Kevin Swanson, Malamuolo Chindongo, and myself. It is our prayer that these will be a blessing to you.
The daily devotions are HERE: (https://ncfic.org/devotional/index.html)
Share these videos on your blogs, social media and consider emailing links to Christian friends and pastors.