Fear and Love

Fear

1) John the Baptist

John the Baptist said… “You brood of vipers. Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?... The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire… He is going to burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire”

Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

2) The Fear of Man (or Woman!)

Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

Matthew 10: Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body but cannot touch your soul. Fear only God who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 10: What is the price of two sparrows— one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

We are on the winning side…

Matthew 10:32 “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.”

3) Grow in love

Zephaniah 3 Sing Aloud, O daughter Zion Shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgements against you, He has turned away your enemies, The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; You shall fear disaster no more.

Zephaniah 3 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion. Do not let your hands grow weak. The Lord, your God, is in your midst, A warrior who gives victory; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will renew you in his love; He will exult over you with loud singing.

4) My hero - Corrie Ten Boom “I know in my experience that Jesus’ light is stronger than the biggest darkness”