A Bible study on the fear of God

    This message is delivered in much love. We are deeply concerned for so many who are not ready for the soon return of Jesus. Most will be caught as a thief in the night.
   Our hearts overflow with grief for those who have turned away from God’s Word. We are also concerned for those who have not turned away, yet will not incline their heart to understand and obey God’s Word.
   By God’s mercy, this message is presented in the fear of the Lord and with much love for both our brothers and sisters in Christ as well as those who are lost.
   To love you, is to tell you the truth. To love you, is to teach the uncompromised Word. We hope you will receive this message and understand that it is given in the love of Christ.
   For the most part, America and the world does not fear God. Church members do not fear God. Preachers, rabbi, and priests do not fear God. Indeed, the world does not fear God. You can ask almost anyone. They will most likely tell you, "God is love. Why should we be afraid of Him?"
   Yes, just ask anyone; they will probably tell you. So let us do just that. Let us ask God Himself. Let us search the Scriptures to see if what is being taught today is correct and in accordance with God’s Word. Is it correct to teach that we should not fear God? Will you believe God’s Word? If you do not, there is no hope for you. It is God’s Word that will judge you in that day.

It is written, COME AND HEAR, ALL YE THAT FEAR GOD-Ps 66:16. THEN PAUL STOOD UP, AND BECKONING WITH HIS HAND SAID, MEN OF ISRAEL, AND YE THAT FEAR GOD, GIVE AUDIENCE-Acts 13:16. MEN AND BRETHREN, CHILDREN OF THE STOCK OF ABRAHAM, AND WHOSOEVER AMONG YOU FEARETH GOD, TO YOU IS THE WORD OF THIS SALVATION SENT-Acts 13:26. Are some of you getting upset already? These words are from the Bible and are very clear. TO YOU (to those who fear God) IS THE WORD OF THIS SALVATION SENT. This Scripture, which Paul spoke, may seem strange to your ears. It may even offend some of you. You may believe it is not appropriate to scare people into making a commitment to Jesus. Nevertheless, the Bible tells us, AND OTHERS SAVE WITH FEAR, PULLING THEM OUT OF THE FIRE; HATING EVEN THE GARMENT SPOTTED BY THE FLESH-Jude 23. It said, save with fear.

Some may be of the opinion that the word "fear," as it appears in the Bible, does not really mean what it says. Satan deceives the whole world. People gather around them teachers which say what their itching ears want to hear. In the Old Testament, several Hebrew words are used which translate into the English equivalent of "fear." In nearly every case, it means exactly what it says—fear, be afraid, terror, dreadful fear, etc. In some cases, it may mean reverence, as to revere or respect someone with great power. The same is the case in the New Testament. Several Greek words are used, which translate much the same.
As we read in Heb 10:31, the meaning comes across loud and clear. IT IS A FEARFUL THING TO FALL INTO THE HANDS OF THE LIVING GOD. The next Scripture presents a very good question. WHO SHALL NOT FEAR THEE, O LORD, AND GLORIFY THY NAME? FOR THOU ONLY ART HOLY-Rev 15:4.

It is our hope that you will set your heart to understand, as Daniel did. FROM THE FIRST DAY THAT THOU DIDST SET THINE HEART TO UNDERSTAND...THY WORDS WERE HEARD-Dan 10:12. If you are earnestly seeking God’s truth, He will reveal Himself to you. Incline your ear to hear, and your heart to understand. Hear the Word of God. He that hath an ear, let him hear. This message is not a popular one today, yet it is the truth. You may not be in agreement with what God's Word says; nevertheless, it is written, WOE UNTO ME IF I PREACH NOT THE GOSPEL-1 Cor 9:16.

    The Bible tells us, HE THAT WALKETH IN HIS UPRIGHTNESS FEARETH THE LORD-Pv 14:2. Did you hear that? He that walketh in his uprightness "feareth the Lord." We may say, he that does not walk in his uprightness, does not fear the Lord. A WISE MAN FEARETH, AND DEPARTETH FROM EVIL: BUT THE FOOL RAGETH, AND IS CONFIDENT-Pv 14:16.
   Some time ago, a certain gentleman stated that we should not fear the Lord, but only love Him. As he continued sharing his views, his words began to approach blasphemy of the Holy Spirit—as he seemed to be connecting things of the Spirit of God with Satan. He was warned twice. This gentleman maintained that he loved God, yet he did not seem to be afraid to speak such words. The fear of God did not appear to be in him at all.
   Jesus tells us, FEAR NOT THEM WHICH KILL THE BODY, BUT ARE NOT ABLE TO KILL THE SOUL: BUT RATHER FEAR HIM WHICH IS ABLE TO DESTROY BOTH SOUL AND BODY IN HELL-Mt 10:28.
   It is written, BECAUSE SENTENCE AGAINST AN EVIL WORK IS NOT EXECUTED SPEEDILY, THEREFORE THE HEART OF THE SONS OF MEN IS FULLY SET IN THEM TO DO EVIL. THOUGH A SINNER DO EVIL A HUNDRED TIMES, AND HIS DAYS BE PROLONGED, YET SURELY I KNOW THAT IT SHALL BE WELL WITH THEM THAT FEAR GOD, WHICH FEAR BEFORE HIM: BUT IT SHALL NOT BE WELL WITH THE WICKED, NEITHER SHALL HE PROLONG HIS DAYS, WHICH ARE AS A SHADOW; BECAUSE HE FEARETH NOT BEFORE GOD-Ecc 8:11-13. God is trying to tell you to fear Him, for it will not be well with those who do not.
   The Bible tells us of those who honor God with their lips, but do not fear Him. Although they may seem to honor God, their heart is really far from Him. The Lord said, FORASMUCH AS THIS PEOPLE DRAW NEAR ME WITH THEIR MOUTH, AND WITH THEIR LIPS DO HONOR ME, BUT HAVE REMOVED THEIR HEART FAR FROM ME, AND THEIR FEAR TOWARD ME IS TAUGHT BY THE PRECEPT OF MEN-Isa 29:13.

Today churches abound that teach the love of God, but scarcely do they teach the fear of God. Churchgoers are being misled; they follow religious leaders, blindly trusting and believing what they say. The Bible cautions us about the blind leading the blind, for they both fall into the ditch-ref Mt 15:14.

You may still believe you do not need to fear God, but let us examine the Scriptures to see who did fear God. The Bible tells us:

The Bible tells us that people in the past feared God and people in the future will fear God. The Bible has also shown that men, such as Moses, Abraham, and Noah, feared God. Yet you say that you will not fear God?

Let us tell you where in the Bible it says that people feared God and will fear God. It is in Gen, Ex, Deut, and 1 Sam. It is also in 2 Sam, 1 Ki, 2 Ki, 1 Chr and 2 Chr. People feared God in Neh, Ps, and Job. Let us tell you where in the Bible people feared God and will fear God. It is in Isa, Jere, Dan, Hos, Jonah, and Mic. Also, in Hag, Mal, Mt, Mk, Lk, and Jn. Yet the people of today do not fear God. Let’s examine where in the Bible people did fear God and will fear God. It is in Acts, Heb, and Rev. As it is written, BY THE FEAR OF THE LORD MEN DEPART FROM EVIL-Pv 16:6.

God tells us, O THAT THERE WERE SUCH AN HEART IN THEM, THAT THEY WOULD FEAR ME, AND KEEP ALL MY COMMANDMENTS ALWAYS, THAT IT MIGHT BE WELL WITH THEM-Deut 5:29. This is God speaking to you right now. Hear the words of the Lord. It is written, HEAR NOW THIS, O FOOLISH PEOPLE, AND WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING; WHICH HAVE EYES, AND SEE NOT; WHICH HAVE EARS, AND HEAR NOT: FEAR YE NOT ME? SAITH THE LORD: WILL YE NOT TREMBLE AT MY PRESENCE…BUT THIS PEOPLE HATH A REVOLTING AND A REBELLIOUS HEART; THEY ARE REVOLTED AND GONE. NEITHER SAY THEY IN THEIR HEART, LET US NOW FEAR THE LORD OUR GOD…AND MY PEOPLE LOVE TO HAVE IT SO: AND WHAT WILL YE DO IN THE END THEREOF?-Jere 5:21-24,31. Indeed, today most preachers, priest, and rabbi do not preach the fear of God, AND MY PEOPLE LOVE TO HAVE IT SO. Although you may love the false teaching in the churches, the time is coming when you will fear God. The day is near when all shall fear Him. Even now the judgment is at the door. It is at hand.

    Oh, that you would hearken to the words of the Lord. Will you not fear the Lord and take heed to His warning? It is written, WISDOM CRIETH WITHOUT; SHE UTTERETH HER VOICE IN THE STREETS: HOW LONG, YE SIMPLE ONES, WILL YE LOVE SIMPLICITY? AND THE SCORNERS DELIGHT IN THEIR SCORNING, AND FOOLS HATE KNOWLEDGE? TURN YOU AT MY REPROOF...BECAUSE I HAVE CALLED, AND YE REFUSED; I HAVE STRETCHED OUT MY HAND, AND NO MAN REGARDED; BUT YE HAVE SET AT NOUGHT ALL MY COUNSEL, AND WOULD NONE OF MY REPROOF. Dear people, hearken unto the Lord. Obey His commands. Do you choose the portions of the Bible you wish to obey and ignore the rest? Do you believe God’s Word does not mean what it says? Do you willingly choose to make God’s Word a lie, by not believing all He says? Do you willingly choose not to fear the Lord? Will you choose His wisdom? God tells those who reject Him what the result will be. It is written, I ALSO WILL LAUGH AT YOUR CALAMITY; I WILL MOCK WHEN YOUR FEAR COMETH; WHEN YOUR FEAR COMETH AS DESOLATION, AND YOUR DESTRUCTION COMETH AS A WHIRLWIND; WHEN DISTRESS AND ANGUISH COMETH UPON YOU. THEN SHALL THEY CALL UPON ME, BUT I WILL NOT ANSWER; THEY SHALL SEEK ME EARLY, BUT THEY SHALL NOT FIND ME: FOR THAT THEY HATED KNOWLEDGE, AND DID NOT CHOOSE THE FEAR OF THE LORD: THEY WOULD NONE OF MY COUNSEL: THEY DESPISED ALL MY REPROOF. THEREFORE SHALL THEY EAT OF THE FRUIT OF THEIR OWN WAY, AND BE FILLED WITH THEIR OWN DEVICES-Pv 1:20,22-31.
   Friends, we are trying to warn you. God is telling you, but will you listen? Will you heed His warning? The Scripture said, because you HATED KNOWLEDGE and DID NOT CHOOSE THE FEAR OF THE LORD. You WOULD NONE OF (or would not obey) HIS COUNSEL. Therefore, when you are afraid, when you are in need, WHEN YOUR FEAR COMETH...WHEN DISTRESS AND ANGUISH COMETH UPON YOU, then God will turn away from you. He ALSO WILL LAUGH AT YOUR CALAMITY, and MOCK WHEN YOUR FEAR COMETH. Notice that it said, you did not "CHOOSE" the fear of the Lord. In other words, you willingly chose not to fear Him. Thus, when you call upon God, He WILL NOT ANSWER. You shall not find God in your time of trouble.
   You are not to contend with the Scriptures, but simply obey them without question. You are called to live according to the Spirit, not according to the flesh. You may say you follow God; you may say you love Him, but do you choose the FEAR OF THE LORD? Is your worship of God according to your own beliefs, rather than according to God’s Word? Does the truth of God’s Word make you angry or tense? Do you desire to hear the truth of God’s Word? It is written, THEY HAVE CHOSEN THEIR OWN WAYS...I ALSO WILL CHOOSE THEIR DELUSIONS, AND WILL BRING THEIR FEARS UPON THEM; BECAUSE...WHEN I SPAKE, THEY DID NOT HEAR: BUT THEY...CHOSE THAT IN WHICH I DELIGHTED NOT-Isa 66:3,4. How long, ye simple ones, will it be before you obey God’s counsel and hearken to His Words?
   It is written, SO I WILL COME NEAR TO YOU FOR JUDGMENT. I WILL BE QUICK TO TESTIFY AGAINST...THOSE WHO...DO NOT FEAR ME, SAYS THE LORD ALMIGHTY-Mal 3:5 NIV.

TEACH ME THY WAY, O LORD; I WILL WALK IN THY TRUTH: UNITE MY HEART TO FEAR THY NAME-Ps 86:11. GATHER THE PEOPLE TOGETHER, MEN, AND WOMEN, AND CHILDREN, AND THY STRANGER THAT IS WITHIN THY GATES, THAT THEY MAY HEAR, AND THAT THEY MAY LEARN, AND FEAR THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND OBSERVE TO DO ALL THE WORDS OF THIS LAW-Deut 31:12. COME, YE CHILDREN, HEARKEN UNTO ME: I WILL TEACH YOU THE FEAR OF THE LORD-Ps 34:11. AND THOSE WHICH REMAIN SHALL HEAR, AND FEAR, AND SHALL HENCEFORTH COMMIT NO MORE ANY SUCH EVIL AMONG YOU-Deut 19:20.

You may ask, "How can I learn to fear God?" MY SON, IF THOU WILT RECEIVE MY WORDS (thus, a condition, you are to receive God's Word), AND HIDE MY COMMANDMENTS WITH THEE (so there is a second condition, hide His commandments with thee); SO THAT THOU INCLINE THINE EAR UNTO WISDOM (note, a third condition, incline your ear to wisdom), AND APPLY THINE HEART TO UNDERSTANDING (thus, a fourth condition, you are to apply your heart to understanding); YEA, IF THOU CRIEST AFTER KNOWLEDGE (Do you cry after knowledge, yet do not spend much time reading the Bible? If you cry after knowledge, put away the television, newspaper, and other books, and study God's Word), AND LIFTEST UP THY VOICE FOR UNDERSTANDING; IF THOU SEEKEST HER AS SILVER, AND SEARCHEST FOR HER AS FOR HID TREASURES; THEN SHALT THOU UNDERSTAND THE FEAR OF THE LORD, AND FIND THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD-Pv 2:1-5. Perhaps, you believe you know the Bible; yet are we not all in various stages of learning? For THE LORD GIVETH WISDOM: OUT OF HIS MOUTH COMETH KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING-Pv 2:6. We are to cry after knowledge and search for her. Apply your heart to understanding as you search the Scriptures, and incline your ear to receive God's Word and obey Him. Surely then you will understand the fear of the Lord. Forget the party, turn off the television, put away the newspaper and other books, and open your Bible; study it day and night so that you may obey God's Word.

When you obey God, the Bible says, HAPPY IS THE MAN THAT FEARETH ALWAYS: BUT HE THAT HARDENETH HIS HEART SHALL FALL INTO MISCHIEF-Pv 28:14.

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 (secretly a partner) TO IT, AND BROUGHT A CERTAIN PART, AND LAID IT AT THE APOSTLE’S 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? WHILE 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-Acts 5:1-11. Know that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The same God, which these people feared, is also to be greatly feared today. Fear God and depart from evil.

Yet there are those who still will not fear God. For it is written, AND SO IT WAS AT THE BEGINNING OF THEIR DWELLING THERE, THAT THEY FEARED NOT THE LORD: THEREFORE THE LORD SENT LIONS AMONG THEM, WHICH SLEW SOME OF THEM-2 Ki 17:25. God is the same now as He was then. He gives you a warning: BUT IT SHALL NOT BE WELL WITH THE WICKED, NEITHER SHALL HE PROLONG HIS DAYS, WHICH ARE AS A SHADOW; BECAUSE HE FEARETH NOT BEFORE GOD-Ecc 8:13. If you do not fear God, it will not be well with you. When the day of judgment comes, you will reap the results of not obeying God’s Word. If you think you should not fear God, think again, for it is written-FEARFULNESS HATH SURPRISED THE HYPOCRITES. WHO AMONG US SHALL DWELL WITH THE DEVOURING FIRE? WHO AMONG US SHALL DWELL WITH EVERLASTING BURNINGS?-Isa 33:14. Being under grace does not release you from the obligation of being obedient to the will of God in heaven. NOT EVERY ONE THAT SAITH UNTO ME, LORD, LORD, SHALL ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN; BUT HE THAT DOETH THE WILL OF MY FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN-Mt 7:21. It is the will of God that you obey His commandments, fear Him, and serve Him.
Paul tells us in Romans, THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NO, NOT ONE: THERE IS NONE THAT UNDERSTANDETH, THERE IS NONE THAT SEEKETH AFTER GOD. THEY ARE ALL GONE OUT OF THE WAY, THEY ARE TOGETHER BECOME UNPROFITABLE...THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES-Ro 3:10-12,18. THEY ARE NOT HUMBLED EVEN UNTO THIS DAY, NEITHER HAVE THEY FEARED, NOR WALKED IN MY LAW....THEREFORE THUS SAITH THE LORD...I WILL SET MY FACE AGAINST YOU FOR EVIL-Jere 44:10,11. Please listen most carefully to these next words, and heed the warning of the Lord: KNOW THEREFORE AND SEE THAT IT IS AN EVIL THING AND BITTER, THAT THOU HAST FORSAKEN THE LORD THY GOD, AND THAT MY FEAR IS NOT IN THEE-Jere 2:19. Listen again as these words come forth: KNOW…IT IS AN EVIL THING…THAT MY FEAR IS NOT IN THEE-Jere 2:19.

Again, another warning comes forth from God’s Word: IF THOU WILT NOT OBSERVE TO DO ALL THE WORDS OF THIS LAW...THAT THOU MAYEST FEAR THIS GLORIOUS AND FEARFUL NAME, THE LORD THY GOD; THEN THE LORD WILL MAKE THY PLAGUES WONDERFUL (fearful)...EVEN GREAT PLAGUES, AND OF LONG CONTINUANCE, AND SORE SICKNESSES, AND OF LONG CONTINUANCE-Deut 28:58,59. God’s Word tells us that not fearing Him can bring affliction. GOD SHALL HEAR, AND AFFLICT THEM, EVEN HE THAT ABIDETH OF OLD. SELAH. BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO CHANGES, THEREFORE THEY FEAR NOT GOD-Ps 55:19.

Remember, God has not changed, yet some preachers would have you think He has. Even thousands of years ago, when Moses was doing the great miracles by the hand of God, some did not fear God. In this particular case, the result was death. HE THAT FEARED THE WORD OF THE LORD AMONG THE SERVANTS OF PHARAOH MADE HIS SERVANTS AND HIS CATTLE FLEE INTO THE HOUSES: AND HE THAT REGARDED NOT THE WORD OF THE LORD LEFT HIS SERVANTS AND HIS CATTLE IN THE FIELD. Are you one that does not regard the Word of the Lord? AND THE LORD SAID UNTO MOSES, STRETCH FORTH THINE HAND TOWARD HEAVEN, THAT THERE MAY BE HAIL IN ALL THE LAND OF EGYPT, UPON MAN, AND UPON BEAST...SO THERE WAS HAIL, AND FIRE MINGLED WITH THE HAIL...AND THE HAIL SMOTE THROUGHOUT ALL THE LAND OF EGYPT ALL THAT WAS IN THE FIELD, BOTH MAN AND BEAST-Ex 9:20-22,24,25.
Yet even with the great plagues that had been brought upon Egypt, many still refused to fear the Lord; as we read, BUT AS FOR THEE AND THY SERVANTS, I KNOW THAT YE WILL NOT YET FEAR THE LORD GOD-Ex 9:30.

In Zephaniah we read, I HAVE CUT OFF THE NATIONS: THEIR TOWERS ARE DESOLATE...THEIR CITIES ARE DESTROYED...I SAID, SURELY THOU WILT FEAR ME, THOU WILT RECEIVE INSTRUCTION...BUT THEY ROSE EARLY, AND CORRUPTED ALL THEIR DOINGS. THEREFORE...MY DETERMINATION IS TO GATHER THE NATIONS...FOR ALL THE EARTH SHALL BE DEVOURED WITH THE FIRE OF MY JEALOUSY-Zeph 3:6-8.

Again, we are warned to fear, as we read in Romans: BECAUSE OF UNBELIEF THEY WERE BROKEN OFF, AND THOU STANDEST BY FAITH. BE NOT HIGHMINDED, BUT FEAR: FOR IF GOD SPARED NOT THE NATURAL BRANCHES, TAKE HEED LEST HE ALSO SPARE NOT THEE-Ro 11:20,21. Do you still say you will not fear God? Those who do not fear God are the unsaved. It is written, THE TRANSGRESSION OF THE WICKED SAITH WITHIN MY HEART, THAT THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE HIS EYES (there is no fear of God before the eyes of the wicked)-Ps 36:1. We see clearly, the person who persists in not fearing God is certainly not in agreement with the Scriptures, which have told us to "FEAR GOD."

We note in the Scriptures regarding Jonah, THE MEN ROWED HARD TO BRING IT (the boat) TO THE LAND; BUT THEY COULD NOT: FOR THE SEA WROUGHT....WHEREFORE THEY CRIED UNTO THE LORD...LET US NOT PERISH FOR THIS MAN’S LIFE...SO THEY TOOK UP JONAH, AND CAST HIM FORTH INTO THE SEA: AND THE SEA CEASED FROM HER RAGING. THEN THE MEN FEARED THE LORD EXCEEDINGLY, AND OFFERED A SACRIFICE UNTO THE LORD, AND MADE VOWS-Jonah 1:13-16.
The Bible also tells us, BY FAITH NOAH, BEING WARNED OF GOD OF THINGS NOT SEEN AS YET, MOVED WITH FEAR, PREPARED AN ARK TO THE SAVING OF HIS HOUSE-Heb 11:7.

It is written, THE LORD SAID UNTO ME, GATHER ME THE PEOPLE TOGETHER, AND I WILL MAKE THEM HEAR MY WORDS, THAT THEY MAY LEARN TO FEAR ME ALL THE DAYS THAT THEY SHALL LIVE UPON THE EARTH-Deut 4:10. FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD DRIED UP THE WATERS OF JORDAN FROM BEFORE YOU, UNTIL YE WERE PASSED OVER, AS THE LORD YOUR GOD DID TO THE RED SEA...THAT ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE EARTH MIGHT KNOW THE HAND OF THE LORD, THAT IT IS MIGHTY: THAT YE MIGHT FEAR THE LORD YOUR GOD FOR EVER-Jos 4:23,24. I KNOW THAT, WHATSOEVER GOD DOETH, IT SHALL BE FOR EVER...AND GOD DOETH IT, THAT MEN SHOULD FEAR BEFORE HIM-Ecc 3:14. AND MOSES SAID UNTO THE PEOPLE, FEAR NOT: FOR GOD IS COME TO PROVE YOU, AND THAT HIS FEAR MAY BE BEFORE YOUR FACES, THAT YE SIN NOT-Ex 20:20.
In Mk 4:41, the disciples FEARED EXCEEDINGLY, AND SAID ONE TO ANOTHER, WHAT MANNER OF MAN IS THIS, THAT EVEN THE WIND AND THE SEA OBEY HIM? In Mt 27:54, when THE CENTURION, AND THEY THAT WERE WITH HIM, WATCHING JESUS, SAW THE EARTHQUAKE, AND THOSE THINGS THAT WERE DONE, THEY FEARED GREATLY, SAYING, TRULY THIS WAS THE SON OF GOD. King David said, MY FLESH TREMBLETH FOR FEAR OF THEE; AND I AM AFRAID OF THY JUDGMENTS-Ps 119:120.

    It is written, THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF KNOWLEDGE: BUT FOOLS DESPISE WISDOM AND INSTRUCTION-Pv 1:7. THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM: AND THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY IS UNDERSTANDING-Pv 9:10. Few people these days really seem to comprehend the "holiness of God" and His perfect and equal justice. THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM: A GOOD UNDERSTANDING HAVE ALL THEY THAT DO HIS COMMANDMENTS: HIS PRAISE ENDURETH FOR EVER-Ps 111:10. This verse seems to be telling us several things, including—those who obey His commandments will have a good understanding of the Scriptures. Could this be saying, we might know a person’s understanding of the Scriptures according to his obedience to the Word? Certainly, we know that those who do not know Jesus (the unsaved) have very little understanding, and that they do not obey the Gospel.
   So far, God’s Word has told us, that the "FEAR OF THE LORD" is the "BEGINNING of KNOWLEDGE," also the "BEGINNING" of WISDOM." Note, it is the "BEGINNING" of these things. Many these days may think they have a good understanding of the Scriptures, but upon closer examination, we find they do not. Could it be because they do not "FEAR THE LORD" as they should? Could it be because they do not obey the Scriptures? or that their understanding is darkened? Could it be that they do not even know this is true? AND UNTO MAN HE SAID, BEHOLD, THE FEAR OF THE LORD, THAT IS WISDOM; AND TO DEPART FROM EVIL IS UNDERSTANDING-Job 28:28. God's Word is telling us that the "fear of the Lord" is not only the beginning of wisdom—it is wisdom. Then the verse tells us that "to depart from evil is understanding." This is very much in harmony with Ps 111:10, which says, A GOOD UNDERSTANDING HAVE ALL THEY THAT DO HIS COMMANDMENTS. For surely, departing from evil is doing His commandments.
   Proverbs further tells us, THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE INSTRUCTION OF WISDOM; AND BEFORE HONOR IS HUMILITY-Pv 15:33. Thus, we have covered, the "FEAR OF LORD" is the BEGINNING OF WISDOM, it is WISDOM, and here it is the INSTRUCTION OF WISDOM. The verse concludes with BEFORE HONOR IS HUMILITY. Indeed, we cannot be saved unless we humble ourselves before God and become as little children before Him. It seems very few people will do this, and only a few shall enter heaven.
   AND WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE SHALL BE THE STABILITY OF THY TIMES, AND STRENGTH OF SALVATION: THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS HIS TREASURE-Isa 33:6. Note the words "WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE SHALL BE THE....STRENGTH OF SALVATION." We are reminded that God’s people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge-ref Hos 4:6. And where is wisdom? It is in the fear of the Lord. Indeed, THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS HIS TREASURE. Because of the fear the Lord, we depart from evil. Repentance is departing from evil. Could we not say, that fearing the Lord may be a key to repentance? THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS CLEAN, ENDURING FOR EVER: THE JUDGMENTS OF THE LORD ARE TRUE AND RIGHTEOUS ALTOGETHER-Ps 19:9. That bears repeating: THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS CLEAN, ENDURING FOR EVER.
   The Bible also tells us, THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS TO HATE EVIL: PRIDE, AND ARROGANCY, AND THE EVIL WAY, AND THE FROWARD MOUTH, DO I HATE-Pv 8:13. We have seen that TO DEPART FROM EVIL IS UNDERSTANDING, and here, THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS TO HATE EVIL.
   God’s wonderful Word tells us, that IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS STRONG CONFIDENCE: AND HIS CHILDREN SHALL HAVE A PLACE OF REFUGE-Pv 14:26. Thus, may we also say, that without the fear of the Lord, there is not strong confidence?

Learn to "fear the Lord." The Bible assures us that in doing so, your wisdom and understanding of the Scriptures should increase. We have found that God’s dealings with Israel in the Old Testament, certainly cause one to "fear the Lord." We see through the Scriptures, how God deals with sin, how God deals with rebellion, and how righteous and equal His judgments are. Study the Old Testament as well as the New Testament.

It is written, O FEAR THE LORD, YE HIS SAINTS: FOR THERE IS NO WANT TO THEM THAT FEAR HIM-Ps 34:9. GOD IS GREATLY TO BE FEARED IN THE ASSEMBLY OF THE SAINTS, AND TO BE HAD IN REVERENCE OF ALL THEM THAT ARE ABOUT HIM-Ps 89:7. LET ALL THE EARTH FEAR THE LORD: LET ALL THE INHABITANTS OF THE WORLD STAND IN AWE OF HIM-Ps 33:8. His saints (born-again Christians) are under commandment to "FEAR THE LORD." The assembly of the saints (the churches) are under commandment to greatly fear the Lord. All the earth is under commandment to "FEAR THE LORD" and "STAND IN AWE OF HIM." Should you make such a statement that you do not need to "FEAR GOD," then you are disagreeing with the Bible. Admittedly, the fear of God is not being taught in many churches today; however, the Scriptures also tell us the church of this Laodicean age is not highly regarded by God-ref Rev 3:14-19. The love of God is certainly being preached, but not the fear of God.

    The Holy Spirit spoke to God’s people by Moses saying, AND NOW, ISRAEL, WHAT DOTH THE LORD THY GOD REQUIRE OF THEE, BUT TO FEAR THE LORD THY GOD, TO WALK IN ALL HIS WAYS, AND TO LOVE HIM, AND TO SERVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, TO KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD, AND HIS STATUTES, WHICH I COMMAND THEE THIS DAY FOR THY GOOD?-Deut 10:12,13. Five requirements are presented here (each of these also appear in the New Testament):
   1) FEAR THE LORD,
   2) WALK IN ALL HIS WAYS,
   3) LOVE HIM,
   4) SERVE THE LORD...WITH ALL THY HEART AND SOUL,
   5) KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS.
   NOW THEREFORE FEAR THE LORD, AND SERVE HIM IN SINCERITY AND IN TRUTH: AND PUT AWAY THE GODS WHICH YOUR FATHERS SERVED ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FLOOD, AND IN EGYPT; AND SERVE YE THE LORD. AND IF IT SEEM EVIL UNTO YOU TO SERVE THE LORD, CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY WHOM YE WILL SERVE; WHETHER THE GODS WHICH YOUR FATHERS SERVED THAT WERE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FLOOD, OR THE GODS OF THE AMORITES, IN WHOSE LAND YE DWELL: BUT AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD-Jos 24:14,15.

Have you ever considered, that just by doing nothing for the Lord, you are serving Satan? SERVE THE LORD WITH FEAR, AND REJOICE WITH TREMBLING. KISS THE SON, LEST HE BE ANGRY, AND YE PERISH FROM THE WAY, WHEN HIS WRATH IS KINDLED BUT A LITTLE. BLESSED ARE ALL THEY THAT PUT THEIR TRUST IN HIM-Ps 2:11,12. THOU SHALT FEAR THE LORD THY GOD; HIM SHALT THOU SERVE, AND TO HIM SHALT THOU CLEAVE, AND SWEAR BY HIS NAME-Deut 10:20.
Over and over we see the same words emphasized: "fear God and serve Him." Yet few people will do the will of God which is in heaven. Many people believe they are born-again, however, unless they repent, many may be very surprised to find that the lake of fire awaits them for eternity. It is much better that we should FEAR THE LORD, AND SERVE HIM IN TRUTH WITH ALL YOUR HEART: FOR CONSIDER HOW GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE FOR YOU-1 Sam 12:24. THOU SHALT FEAR THE LORD THY GOD, AND SERVE HIM, AND SHALT SWEAR BY HIS NAME-Deut 6:13. How many times does the Bible have to tell us to "fear God" and "serve Him"?

    It is written, YE SHALL WALK AFTER THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND FEAR HIM, AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS, AND OBEY HIS VOICE, AND YE SHALL SERVE HIM, AND CLEAVE UNTO HIM-Deut 13:4. FEAR THE LORD THY GOD, TO KEEP ALL HIS STATUTES AND HIS COMMANDMENTS, WHICH I COMMAND THEE, THOU, AND THY SON, AND THY SON’S SON, ALL THE DAYS OF THY LIFE; AND THAT THY DAYS MAY BE PROLONGED-Deut 6:2. THEREFORE THOU SHALT KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD THY GOD, TO WALK IN HIS WAYS, AND TO FEAR HIM-Deut 8:6.
   The Bible also tells us, LET NOT THINE HEART ENVY SINNERS: BUT BE THOU IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD ALL THE DAY LONG-Pv 23:17. THOU SHALT RISE UP BEFORE THE HOARY HEAD, AND HONOR THE FACE OF THE OLD MAN, AND FEAR THY GOD: I AM THE LORD-Lev 19:32. THOU SHALT NOT CURSE THE DEAF, NOR PUT A STUMBLING BLOCK BEFORE THE BLIND, BUT SHALT FEAR THY GOD: I AM THE LORD-Lev 19:14.
   LET US HEAR THE CONCLUSION OF THE WHOLE MATTER: FEAR GOD, AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS: FOR THIS IS THE WHOLE DUTY OF MAN-Ecc 12:13. Could anyone correctly say that a minister who does teach the fear of the Lord, is not preaching accurately? or would not those who say we should not fear the Lord, be in error in light of the Scriptures? It is written, BE NOT WISE IN THINE OWN EYES: FEAR THE LORD, AND DEPART FROM EVIL-Pv 3:7.

    It is written, THE ANGEL OF THE LORD ENCAMPETH ROUND ABOUT THEM THAT FEAR HIM, AND DELIVERETH THEM-Ps 34:7. LIKE AS A FATHER PITIETH HIS CHILDREN, SO THE LORD PITIETH THEM THAT FEAR HIM-Ps 103:13. These verses give three promises to them that fear God—an angel encampeth round about them; the angel delivers them; and the Lord pities them.
   Another wonderful benefit of fearing God is, HIS MERCY IS ON THEM THAT FEAR HIM FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION-Lk 1:50. Also, AS THE HEAVEN IS HIGH ABOVE THE EARTH, SO GREAT IS HIS MERCY TOWARD THEM THAT FEAR HIM-Ps 103:11. BUT THE MERCY OF THE LORD IS FROM EVERLASTING TO EVERLASTING UPON THEM THAT FEAR HIM, AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS UNTO CHILDREN’S CHILDREN; TO SUCH AS KEEP HIS COVENANT, AND TO THOSE THAT REMEMBER HIS COMMANDMENTS TO DO THEM-Ps 103:17,18.
   It is so comforting to know that THE LORD TAKETH PLEASURE IN THEM THAT FEAR HIM, IN THOSE THAT HOPE IN HIS MERCY-Ps 147:11. BEHOLD, THE EYE OF THE LORD IS UPON THEM THAT FEAR HIM, UPON THEM THAT HOPE IN HIS MERCY; TO DELIVER THEIR SOUL FROM DEATH, AND TO KEEP THEM ALIVE IN FAMINE-Ps 33:18-19. It is only through God’s mercy, that we have any hope of being saved. As the Holy Spirit draws us and quickens to us God’s Word, we come to a saving faith in the blood of Jesus Christ. The Lord tells us, that His mercy is great TOWARD THEM THAT FEAR HIM. The Lord TAKES PLEASURE in those who FEAR HIM. He delivers THEIR SOUL FROM DEATH—in other words—He saves their soul. He also promises to KEEP THEM ALIVE IN FAMINE. But this promise is not to everyone. It is to those who fear God and hope in His mercy.
   Do you desire God to bless you? For it is written, PRAISE YE THE LORD. BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT FEARETH THE LORD, THAT DELIGHTETH GREATLY IN HIS COMMANDMENTS-Ps 112:1. HE WILL BLESS THEM THAT FEAR THE LORD, BOTH SMALL AND GREAT-Ps 115:13. BEHOLD, THAT THUS SHALL THE MAN BE BLESSED THAT FEARETH THE LORD-Ps 128:4. BLESSED IS EVERYONE THAT FEARETH THE LORD; THAT WALKETH IN HIS WAYS. FOR THOU SHALT EAT THE LABOR OF THINE HANDS: HAPPY SHALT THOU BE, AND IT SHALL BE WELL WITH THEE-Ps 128:1,2. God gives three more promises for those who fear Him: (1) They shall eat the labor of their hands. (2) Happy shall they be. (3) It shall be well with them.
   As we search the Scriptures, we see time and again, a command that goes hand-in-hand with fearing God. It is put in different ways, but may perhaps be summarized in one word: "obedience." We note:

God’s promises are to those who fear Him and do these things. BY FAITH YOU STAND FIRM-2 Cor 1:24 NIV. KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, AND THE FAITH OF JESUS-Rev 14:12.

    It is further written, THE SECRET OF THE LORD IS WITH THEM THAT FEAR HIM; AND HE WILL SHOW THEM HIS COVENANT-Ps 25:14. Salvation appears to them that fear Him; He will show them His covenant. SURELY HIS SALVATION IN NIGH THEM THAT FEAR HIM-Ps 85:9. Again, we see that we might expect the Holy Spirit to draw them that fear God, for His salvation is near them that fear Him. THE FEAR OF THE LORD TENDETH TO LIFE: AND HE THAT HATH IT SHALL ABIDE SATISFIED; HE SHALL NOT BE VISITED WITH EVIL-Pv 19:23. THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS A FOUNTAIN OF LIFE, TO DEPART FROM THE SNARES OF DEATH-Pv 14:27. Repeatedly, we see the Word of God telling us, those that are truly saved do, indeed, fear God. To them that fear Him, HE WILL SHOW...HIS COVENANT; HIS SALVATION IS NIGH THEM. Also the fear of the Lord TENDETH TO LIFE; IS A FOUNTAIN OF LIFE TO DEPART FROM THE SNARES OF DEATH; and in Acts 13:26, we are told, WHOSOEVER AMONG YOU FEARETH GOD, TO YOU IS THE WORD OF THIS SALVATION SENT.
   The Scriptures tell us that men depart from evil by the fear of God. Because of the fear of going to the lake of fire and the fear of judgment; because we know that God is a consuming fire, and that God will bring judgment on all who live according to the flesh and not according to the Spirit; because we do not wish to perish from the way—we, indeed, fear God and depart from evil. We love Him, because He first loved us. We love Him for His great mercy, but we also fear the Almighty God, the King of kings and Lord of lords, Who shall rule the nations with a rod of iron-ref Rev 19:15,16.
   Yet, God in His mercy, HATH GIVEN MEAT UNTO THEM THAT FEAR HIM: HE WILL EVER BE MINDFUL OF HIS COVENANT-Ps 111:5. IN EVERY NATION HE THAT FEARETH HIM, AND WORKETH RIGHTEOUSNESS, IS ACCEPTED WITH HIM-Acts 10:35. Note the words that come across loud and clear: HE THAT FEARETH HIM...IS ACCEPTED WITH HIM. The Old and New Testaments both show the same thing. We seem to be coming to an inescapable conclusion—that is—a Christian who does not fear God, even a little, is a Christian that will perish to the lake of fire, unless he repents and begins to fear the great and everlasting, all powerful, all knowing, Almighty God. The God Who created the heavens and earth.
   The Bible tells us, BY HUMILITY AND THE FEAR OF THE LORD ARE RICHES, AND HONOR, AND LIFE-Pv 22:4. OH HOW GREAT IS THY GOODNESS, WHICH THOU HAST LAID UP FOR THEM THAT FEAR THEE; WHICH THOU HAST WROUGHT FOR THEM THAT TRUST IN THEE BEFORE THE SONS OF MEN!-Ps 31:19. Once again, we see "LIFE" connected with the FEAR OF THE LORD. God has laid up great riches for them that fear Him. We read in Rev 11:18-GIVE REWARD UNTO...THE SAINTS, AND THEM THAT FEAR THY NAME, SMALL AND GREAT. People, these days, are often unfamiliar with much of what the Bible says. They do not realize they are to fear God. Because of false preaching and a lack of studying the Scriptures themselves, they are often misled and will perish because of a lack of knowledge.
   In the Psalms we read, O FEAR THE LORD, YE HIS SAINTS: FOR THERE IS NO WANT TO THEM THAT FEAR HIM-Ps 34:9. WHAT MAN IS HE THAT FEARETH THE LORD? HIM SHALL HE TEACH IN THE WAY THAT HE SHALL CHOOSE-Ps 25:12. We know that God heals people, but does everyone get healed? It is written, BUT UNTO YOU THAT FEAR MY NAME SHALL THE SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS ARISE WITH HEALING IN HIS WINGS-Mal 4:2.
   The Lord is NIGH (or near) UNTO ALL THEM THAT CALL UPON HIM, TO ALL THAT CALL UPON HIM IN TRUTH. HE WILL FULFILL THE DESIRE OF THEM THAT FEAR HIM: HE ALSO WILL HEAR THEIR CRY, AND WILL SAVE THEM-Ps 145:18,19. THE FEAR OF THE LORD PROLONGETH DAYS-Pv 10:27. WHOSO DESPISETH THE WORD SHALL BE DESTROYED: BUT HE THAT FEARETH THE COMMANDMENT SHALL BE REWARDED-Pv 13:13. BUT THE LORD YOUR GOD YE SHALL FEAR; AND HE SHALL DELIVER YOU OUT OF THE HAND OF ALL YOUR ENEMIES-2 Ki 17:39. Again, God’s Word gives us many promises, and again, they are based on fearing God. In other words, "if you fear God" these promises apply to you. Perhaps, this is one reason why so few seem to be able to get their prayers answered. Perhaps, they do not fear God. Since many of His promises are based on fearing Him, if we do not fear Him, then we may be missing out on certain promises coming to pass, as God honors His Word which clearly says to FEAR HIM.
   A WOMAN THAT FEARETH THE LORD, SHE SHALL BE PRAISED-Pv 31:30.

It is written, LET US HAVE GRACE, WHEREBY WE MAY SERVE GOD ACCEPTABLY WITH REVERENCE AND GODLY FEAR: FOR OUR GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE-Heb 12:28,29. IN THY FEAR WILL I WORSHIP-Ps 5:7. LET US CLEANSE OURSELVES FROM ALL FILTHINESS OF THE FLESH AND SPIRIT, PERFECTING HOLINESS IN THE FEAR OF GOD-2 Cor 7:1. TAKE THOU NO USURY OF HIM, OR INCREASE: BUT FEAR THY GOD-Lev 25:36. YE SHALL NOT THEREFORE OPPRESS ONE ANOTHER; BUT THOU SHALT FEAR THY GOD: FOR I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD-Lev 25:17. SERVANTS, OBEY IN ALL THINGS YOUR MASTERS ACCORDING TO THE FLESH; NOT WITH EYE-SERVICE, AS MENPLEASERS; BUT IN SINGLENESS OF HEART, FEARING GOD-Col 3:22. SUBMITTING YOURSELVES ONE TO ANOTHER IN THE FEAR OF GOD-Eph 5:21. AND HE CHARGED THEM, SAYING, THUS SHALL YE DO IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD, FAITHFULLY, AND WITH A PERFECT HEART-2 Chr 19:9. That bears repeating: DO IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD...WITH A PERFECT HEART. Friends, do you realize this is God talking with you? Let these words sink down into your heart. Get out of "dead" churches that do not preach God’s Word correctly. Hear the Word of the Lord. Apply His Word to your heart.

    God gives us a few more guidelines. It is written, BE READY ALWAYS TO GIVE AN ANSWER TO EVERY MAN THAT ASKETH YOU A REASON OF THE HOPE THAT IS IN YOU WITH MEEKNESS AND FEAR-1 Pe 3:15. If someone would ask you why you believe you are saved or what is the hope of your salvation, be sure to answer WITH MEEKNESS AND FEAR. Let others see the fear of God in you. For BETTER IS LITTLE WITH THE FEAR OF THE LORD, THAN GREAT TREASURE AND TROUBLE THEREWITH-Pv 15:16.
   Paul tells us, THEM THAT SIN REBUKE BEFORE ALL THAT OTHERS ALSO MAY FEAR-1 Tim 5:20. In the churches today, the fear of God is lacking. People sit in churches, then leave and commit nearly every sin possible. People go to church and return back home with the person they are living with; they are not even married. People go to church, and as soon as they leave, light up a cigarette or take out a can of beer and follow after the ways of the world. Where is the fear of God today? Why aren’t these people being brought up in front of the congregation and rebuked before all? These days churchgoers are not even trying to live according to God’s will. If we rebuked those that are doing wrong, nearly the entire congregation would be rebuked. God calls us to live a "holy life," yet often, this is not understood by modern-day Christians. Wake up people. You are going to perish, unless you repent, for it is written, NO ONE WHO CONTINUES TO SIN HAS EITHER SEEN HIM OR KNOWN HIM-1 Jn 3:6 NIV. When you are truly born-again, you give up sinning. You begin living a life that is pleasing to God. You no longer live according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Wake up people, a born-again Christian is a totally different person than he was before. Fear God and depart from evil. You go to these lukewarm churches that are a far cry from the church in the days of the apostles. No longer can the church say to the sick "Take up thy bed and walk." Our churches are sick, they are blind, wretched, pitiful, poor, and naked, and do not even know it. Our churches are sending multitudes to hell, without realizing it. The churches of olden times were God fearing churches, and the people were God fearing people. Today's preaching is love, love, love—and Satan loves to have it so. It is written, SATAN WHICH DECEIVETH THE WHOLE WORLD-Rev 12:9.
   It is written, WHO IS AMONG YOU THAT FEARETH THE LORD, THAT OBEYETH THE VOICE OF HIS SERVANT, THAT WALKETH IN DARKNESS, AND HATH NO LIGHT? LET HIM TRUST IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, AND STAY UPON HIS GOD-Isa 50:10. Do you obey the voice of someone that is unsaved? O LORD, I BESEECH THEE, LET NOW THINE EAR BE ATTENTIVE TO THE PRAYER OF THY...SERVANTS WHO DESIRE TO FEAR THY NAME-Neh 1:11. STABLISH THY WORD UNTO THY SERVANT, WHO IS DEVOTED TO THY FEAR-Ps 119:38. THEN THEY THAT FEARED THE LORD SPAKE OFTEN ONE TO ANOTHER...AND THEY SHALL BE MINE, SAITH THE LORD OF HOSTS-Mal 3:16,17. Do you fear the Lord? Are you really His? MOREOVER THOU SHALT PROVIDE OUT OF ALL THE PEOPLE ABLE MEN, SUCH AS FEAR GOD....TO BE RULERS OF THOUSANDS, AND RULERS OF HUNDREDS, RULERS OF FIFTIES, AND RULERS OF TENS-Ex 18:21.

    As it is written, YE THAT FEAR THE LORD, TRUST IN THE LORD: HE IS THEIR HELP AND THEIR SHIELD-Ps 115:11. YE THAT FEAR THE LORD, PRAISE HIM-Ps 22:23. AND A VOICE CAME OUT OF THE THRONE, SAYING, PRAISE OUR GOD, ALL YE HIS SERVANTS, AND YE THAT FEAR HIM, BOTH SMALL AND GREAT-Rev 19:5. YE THAT FEAR THE LORD, BLESS THE LORD-Ps 135:20. LET THEM NOW THAT FEAR THE LORD SAY, THAT HIS MERCY ENDURETH FOREVER-Ps 118:4. If you fear the Lord, say, HIS MERCY ENDURETH FOR EVER.
   Yet, many will not receive God’s Word with a glad and open heart. O LORD, WHY HAST THOU MADE US TO ERR FROM THY WAYS, AND HARDENED OUR HEART FROM THY FEAR Has your heart been hardened from God’s fear?-Isa 63:17.
   It is written, THERE IS NO FEAR IN LOVE; BUT PERFECT LOVE CASTETH OUT FEAR: BECAUSE FEAR HATH TORMENT. HE THAT FEARETH IS NOT MADE PERFECT IN LOVE-1 Jn 4:18. Perhaps, you would say that this verse indicates we are not to fear God. Yet would there not would be a contradiction in the Bible if this were true? Throughout the Bible we are told to "FEAR NOT." Fear not what man can do to you, but fear God-ref Mt 10:28. As our love for God grows, as our trust and faith grows through reading and being a doer of the Word, we should learn that God controls each situation. We come to trust that GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN YOU, THAN HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD-1 Jn 4:4. As we trust God more and more, our fear of what is going on around us will decrease. God will take care of us. However, as our fear decreases of things around us, our fear of God will increase. Indeed, perfect love casteth out fear of anything which besets us, but we are to fear God always.

Throughout the Scriptures, we are told to fear the Lord, to fear God. You may ask, "Who says we must fear God?" Let the Bible tell us who says so: In Deut 10:20, Moses tells us to fear God. In Lev 19:32; 25:17,36,43, the Lord says FEAR THY GOD. In Deut 6:24, the Lord commands us TO FEAR THE LORD OUR GOD. In Jos 24:14, we are told, NOW THEREFORE FEAR THE LORD. In 1 Sam 12:14, Samuel tells us, FEAR THE LORD. In 2 Sam 23:3, David said, RULING IN THE FEAR OF GOD. In 1 Ki 8:43, Solomon says, TO FEAR THEE (God). You may ask, "Who else said we must fear the Lord?" Let us tell you who said it. The priest taught them how they should FEAR THE LORD in 2 Ki 17:28. David said, FEAR BEFORE HIM, ALL THE EARTH in 1 Chr 16:30. Jehoshaphat said, LET THE FEAR OF THE LORD BE UPON YOU in 2 Chr 19:7. Nehemiah said, WALK IN THE FEAR OF OUR GOD in Neh 5:9. The Psalmist tells us, SERVE THE LORD WITH FEAR in Ps 2:11, and Solomon said to FEAR THE LORD in Pv 3:7. You might say, "Well I don’t think we should fear God? Yet, let us tell you who disagrees with you. Let us share with you who said we are to fear the Lord. The Lord Himself says, BE HORRIBLY AFRAID in Jere 2:12. In Ecc 5:7, we are told, FEAR THOU GOD. Isaiah tells us, LET HIM (the Lord) BE YOUR FEAR in Isa 8:13. And Darius wrote, FEAR BEFORE THE GOD OF DANIEL: FOR HE IS THE LIVING GOD in Dan 6:25,26. You may ask "Who else said we are to fear the Lord?" Jesus Himself said, FEAR HIM WHICH IS ABLE TO DESTROY BOTH SOUL AND BODY IN HELL in Mt 10:28. Paul tells us to "FEAR" in Ro 11:20. Paul again tells us SUBMITTING YOURSELVES ONE TO ANOTHER IN THE FEAR OF GOD-Eph 5:21. Again Paul said, FEARING GOD in speaking to the Colossians-Col 3:22. Paul told the Romans, the Corinthians, the Ephesians, and the Colossians just to mention four. And you ask "Who said we must fear God?" May we tell you who else said it? It is written in Heb 4:1-LET US THEREFORE FEAR. Peter tells us, PASS THE TIME OF YOUR SOJOURNING HERE IN FEAR in 1 Pe 1:17. Jude tells us, SAVE WITH FEAR in Jude 23. An angel said in the Revelation, FEAR GOD, AND GIVE GLORY TO HIM-Rev 14:7.

    It is written, Isa 66:5-HEAR THE WORD OF THE LORD, YE THAT TREMBLE AT HIS WORD.
   Ezra 9:4-THEN WERE ASSEMBLED UNTO ME EVERY ONE THAT TREMBLED AT THE WORDS OF THE GOD OF ISRAEL.
   Isa 66:2-BUT TO THIS MAN WILL I LOOK, EVEN TO HIM THAT IS POOR AND OF A CONTRITE SPIRIT, AND

    Isa 64:2-THAT THE NATIONS MAY TREMBLE AT THY PRESENCE!
   Phili 2:12-WHEREFORE, MY BELOVED, AS YE HAVE ALWAYS OBEYED, NOT AS IN MY PRESENCE ONLY, BUT NOW MUCH MORE IN MY ABSENCE, WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION WITH FEAR AND TREMBLING.
   Ezra 10:3-THOSE THAT TREMBLE AT THE COMMANDMENT OF OUR GOD; AND LET IT BE DONE ACCORDING TO THE LAW.
   Ps 99:1-THE LORD REIGNETH; LET THE PEOPLE TREMBLE: HE SITTETH BETWEEN THE CHERUBIMS; LET THE EARTH BE MOVED.
   Ps 114:7-TREMBLE, THOU EARTH, AT THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD, AT THE PRESENCE OF THE GOD OF JACOB;
   Dan 10:11-WHEN HE HAD SPOKEN THIS WORD UNTO ME, I STOOD TREMBLING.
   Dan 6:26-I MAKE A DECREE, THAT IN EVERY DOMINION OF MY KINGDOM MEN TREMBLE AND FEAR BEFORE THE GOD OF DANIEL: FOR HE IS THE LIVING GOD, AND STEDFAST FOR EVER, AND HIS KINGDOM THAT WHICH SHALL NOT BE DESTROYED, AND HIS DOMINION SHALL BE EVEN UNTO THE END.

Jere 5:22-FEAR YE NOT ME? SAITH THE LORD: WILL YE NOT TREMBLE AT MY PRESENCE...?
Ja 2:19-THOU BELIEVEST THAT THERE IS ONE GOD; THOU DOEST WELL: THE DEVILS ALSO BELIEVE, AND TREMBLE.

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