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N
it's like saying this:
O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.
(Jeremiah 10:24)
while knowing this:
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
(Psalm 100:5)
even though i welcome His rebuke, and know His plans for me are to do good, and not to harm, i know that He is just, and what son desires to be chastened ?! much less to make my Father angry, and though i know He loves me, i know He is stern and teaches hard lessons. this is why to fear Him is the beginning of wisdom, i think - because i know to be a fool displeases Him. so for both self-preservation and for love of Him, i want to do good, and walk in His ways
O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.
(Jeremiah 10:24)
while knowing this:
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
(Psalm 100:5)
even though i welcome His rebuke, and know His plans for me are to do good, and not to harm, i know that He is just, and what son desires to be chastened ?! much less to make my Father angry, and though i know He loves me, i know He is stern and teaches hard lessons. this is why to fear Him is the beginning of wisdom, i think - because i know to be a fool displeases Him. so for both self-preservation and for love of Him, i want to do good, and walk in His ways
C
Yes, right. No one was closer to Jesus than John. Head on Jesus chest during the last Passover dinner. Always there when not all were. The first to follow him. Was given Jesus' Mom, Mary instead of James, her son by Joseph. Was there close to the cross when He died. Had years with Mary to hear the whole story of Jesus' life that he said would take more books than could be contained to tell it all. And it goes on and on about John's relationship and closeness to The Lord but then .......
Rev 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
Rev 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
Rev 1:12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
Rev 1:13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
Rev 1:14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
Rev 1:15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
Rev 1:16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
Rev 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead...
I have to laugh when I hear anyone say that they are so intimate with the Presence of Jesus that they don't fear at all.
Actually, it's not funny -- it's pitiful that their view of The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is so small.
Rev 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
Rev 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
Rev 1:12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
Rev 1:13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
Rev 1:14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
Rev 1:15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
Rev 1:16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
Rev 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead...
I have to laugh when I hear anyone say that they are so intimate with the Presence of Jesus that they don't fear at all.
Actually, it's not funny -- it's pitiful that their view of The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is so small.
Interesting topic.
Honestly, modern day Christians do not fear God like the believers of old.
Remember how in the Old Testament, the high priest went through all sorts of ceremonial cleansings and sacrifices and avoided certain activities just to be able to be in the presence of God? Talking to God, worshipping God, confessing sins, all of these were very sacred acts that required complete devotion along with several ceremonial acts. You removed your shoes. You got down on your knees. God, as a holy being, was treated as sacred. And communing with him was not taken lightly.
Fast forward to today. The mentality among Christians is that God is your friend, and you can treat him as such. It is not uncommon to see a squabbling couple out to eat, have them bow their heads to pray quickly for the meal, and then go back to squabbling. Someone can just take the Lord's name in vain and not feel compelled to go through any ceremonial cleansings to right the infraction. In fact, a simple "sorry Lord" is all it takes to satisfy most people after they realized they did something wrong. No one has any true fear for God. That deep-rooted respect and reverence is completely lost among today's Christians.
Honestly, modern day Christians do not fear God like the believers of old.
Remember how in the Old Testament, the high priest went through all sorts of ceremonial cleansings and sacrifices and avoided certain activities just to be able to be in the presence of God? Talking to God, worshipping God, confessing sins, all of these were very sacred acts that required complete devotion along with several ceremonial acts. You removed your shoes. You got down on your knees. God, as a holy being, was treated as sacred. And communing with him was not taken lightly.
Fast forward to today. The mentality among Christians is that God is your friend, and you can treat him as such. It is not uncommon to see a squabbling couple out to eat, have them bow their heads to pray quickly for the meal, and then go back to squabbling. Someone can just take the Lord's name in vain and not feel compelled to go through any ceremonial cleansings to right the infraction. In fact, a simple "sorry Lord" is all it takes to satisfy most people after they realized they did something wrong. No one has any true fear for God. That deep-rooted respect and reverence is completely lost among today's Christians.
K
Three Godly men in the Bible feared that Lord because they became desperately aware of their sinfulness in comparison to God's Authority and holiness. Moses was afraid that he would See God if he got to close to the burning bush which was holy ground. Isaiah bemoans his sinfulness and that of the nation of Israel when he sees a vision of God in His throne room. In revelation, John falls down on the ground as if dead when he saw God on His throne. In all instances, either God Himself or angels comforted these men not to fear because they were righteous before God. None the less, they were in fear and trembling before almighty God. I think anybody would in these circumstances.
Clearly, when we are faced with our sin, we are fearful to the core of our beings for we cannot bear the thought of God's punishment. Rom 6: 23 [SUP]23 [/SUP]For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin and draws us to repentance and acceptance of Christ's atoning death for our sins. So once in Christ, we are His heirs and perfect love casts out all fear. We accepts God's discipline to mature our character to be more like Christ. As mentioned earlier, Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Oldhermit quoted the scripture "fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Matt 10:28. Let us share God's grace to those around us so they can avoid God's final judgement against Satan, demons, and people's unrepentant sin.
Clearly, when we are faced with our sin, we are fearful to the core of our beings for we cannot bear the thought of God's punishment. Rom 6: 23 [SUP]23 [/SUP]For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin and draws us to repentance and acceptance of Christ's atoning death for our sins. So once in Christ, we are His heirs and perfect love casts out all fear. We accepts God's discipline to mature our character to be more like Christ. As mentioned earlier, Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Oldhermit quoted the scripture "fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Matt 10:28. Let us share God's grace to those around us so they can avoid God's final judgement against Satan, demons, and people's unrepentant sin.
O
ACTS 5:11.
And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
After Ananias and Sapphira deceitfully held back what belonged to God,
then God set them forth as an example of His disciplinary ways=judgment,
thus FEAR/TERROR entered the whole church and by this means, God,
in reality, is saving multitudes from being led astray by believing that we
can just doing anything we want and treat our Father as we see fit -
NO, God sets the standard, not man...
And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
After Ananias and Sapphira deceitfully held back what belonged to God,
then God set them forth as an example of His disciplinary ways=judgment,
thus FEAR/TERROR entered the whole church and by this means, God,
in reality, is saving multitudes from being led astray by believing that we
can just doing anything we want and treat our Father as we see fit -
NO, God sets the standard, not man...
M
The truth is they was not believers and it was not because they didn't give but because they came into the house of God and lied about how much they gave... Clearly they was not believers.
Ac 5:11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
12 ¶ And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.
13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.
14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)
Its clear that God separated "man" from "believers"...Ananias was called a certain man...not a believer! In this act God was protecting His flock from the wolves...
Ac 5:11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
12 ¶ And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.
13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.
14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)
Its clear that God separated "man" from "believers"...Ananias was called a certain man...not a believer! In this act God was protecting His flock from the wolves...
M
Isa 33:14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?
15 He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;
16 He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.
17 Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.
Those who walk in righteousness have nothing to fear from God
15 He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;
16 He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.
17 Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.
Those who walk in righteousness have nothing to fear from God
M
They didn't bring all the money did they? And they went before the Holy Spirit of God and told a bold lie! Does that sound like a believer to you? And if you read on its made clear that others (men) did not join themselves to the Church...but BELEIVERS grew more and more...Clearly a separation between sincere believers and just others (men) is being made.
The fact is: Those amongst us who have actually been transformed, aka "born again" (I mean for real), these people never fear. I'm talking about the feeling of fear.
You see, fear, just like all other feelings... it requires a "mortal" mind in order to exist. In a mind that is "immortal", fear cannot find a room... simply because this mind is like a wind (aka a "spirit"). As the Lord told Nicodemus: "Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit." And my point is, fear can only stick where there's flesh.
Now back to the question, not all of us Christians have already reached that degree (though we're getting there). So in the meantime, now that we know we are vulnerable to feelings (fear included), then all we can do is "control" it. That is; try to decide where to "direct" it... and I say: If we must suffer the feeling of fear, then let it be the fear of God.
You see, fear, just like all other feelings... it requires a "mortal" mind in order to exist. In a mind that is "immortal", fear cannot find a room... simply because this mind is like a wind (aka a "spirit"). As the Lord told Nicodemus: "Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit." And my point is, fear can only stick where there's flesh.
Now back to the question, not all of us Christians have already reached that degree (though we're getting there). So in the meantime, now that we know we are vulnerable to feelings (fear included), then all we can do is "control" it. That is; try to decide where to "direct" it... and I say: If we must suffer the feeling of fear, then let it be the fear of God.
There was a time in my life when I drank too much. God was not pleased and I felt removed from His grace. I actually was never removed from His grace, but rather I was enduring spiritual labor pains, and as I was going through those pains, I feared God.
But God is good all the time and I thank Him for His love, mercy, peace and grace. I thank Him for being my Friend. Knowing how much He loves me, you and everyone, allows me not to fear, but rejoice.
But God is good all the time and I thank Him for His love, mercy, peace and grace. I thank Him for being my Friend. Knowing how much He loves me, you and everyone, allows me not to fear, but rejoice.
The Lord Jesus tells us plain and clear to fear God, so that we need not to question the matter at all: when we listen only and exclusively to Christ, we must not guess at any thing.
"And I say vnto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that, haue no more that they can doe. But I will forewarne you whom you shall feare: Feare him, which after he hath killed, hath power to cast into hell, yea, I say vnto you, Feare him." (Luke 12:4-5)
"And I say vnto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that, haue no more that they can doe. But I will forewarne you whom you shall feare: Feare him, which after he hath killed, hath power to cast into hell, yea, I say vnto you, Feare him." (Luke 12:4-5)
J
Let's try this again, but in a fuller context:
"And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)" (Acts 4:32-5:14)
THE CONTEXT HERE is definitely that "of them that believed". Yes, it was "them that believed" who were selling their lands or houses and then bringing the prices of the same and laying it down at the apostles' feet so that distribution might then be made to all who were in need. We're only given the names of a few people who did the same, Barnabas, Ananias and Sapphira, but, again, CONTEXTUALLY, they were all numbered "of them that believe". Aside from the fact that it's preposterous, in my mind, anyway, to even consider that Ananias and Sapphira would have sold their land and then given any part of the money to the apostles AS UNBELIEVERS (you know, unbelievers aren't exactly renowned for supporting the apostles), do you honestly believe that Peter would have addressed two alleged UNBELIEVERS in the manner in which he addressed both Ananias and Sapphira? I mean, if they truly were UNBELIEVERS, then why didn't Peter preach REPENTANCE UNTO SALVATION to them like he did to all of the other UNBELIEVERS in his sermons which are recorded for us in the same exact book of Acts? Anyhow, in any case, "GREAT FEAR CAME UPON ALL THE CHURCH AND UPON AS MANY AS HEARD THESE THINGS" (IOW, BOTH believers and non-believers FEARED) when these two BELIEVERS dropped dead after having been judged by God for lying to the Holy Ghost and GREAT FEAR ought to be the norm for Christians, but, alas, in most cases, it isn't...and the world is reaping the horrors of the same.
"And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)" (Acts 4:32-5:14)
THE CONTEXT HERE is definitely that "of them that believed". Yes, it was "them that believed" who were selling their lands or houses and then bringing the prices of the same and laying it down at the apostles' feet so that distribution might then be made to all who were in need. We're only given the names of a few people who did the same, Barnabas, Ananias and Sapphira, but, again, CONTEXTUALLY, they were all numbered "of them that believe". Aside from the fact that it's preposterous, in my mind, anyway, to even consider that Ananias and Sapphira would have sold their land and then given any part of the money to the apostles AS UNBELIEVERS (you know, unbelievers aren't exactly renowned for supporting the apostles), do you honestly believe that Peter would have addressed two alleged UNBELIEVERS in the manner in which he addressed both Ananias and Sapphira? I mean, if they truly were UNBELIEVERS, then why didn't Peter preach REPENTANCE UNTO SALVATION to them like he did to all of the other UNBELIEVERS in his sermons which are recorded for us in the same exact book of Acts? Anyhow, in any case, "GREAT FEAR CAME UPON ALL THE CHURCH AND UPON AS MANY AS HEARD THESE THINGS" (IOW, BOTH believers and non-believers FEARED) when these two BELIEVERS dropped dead after having been judged by God for lying to the Holy Ghost and GREAT FEAR ought to be the norm for Christians, but, alas, in most cases, it isn't...and the world is reaping the horrors of the same.