“I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!” Luke 12:4, 5
Many try to disprove the fact that there will be an eternal punishment for those "who know not God nor obey the gospel of Christ" (2 Thessalonians 1:8). They do this while professing belief in Christ. I would like to see them explain this verse which tells us to fear God who AFTER death has power to cast into hell. This is the clearest bible verse which disproves the doctrine of annihilation of the body and soul after death.
There is no fear of God outside the fact described by Jesus the Christ in chapter 12 of Luke. And only an evil spirit would try and obfuscate this incredibly clear warning from GOD WITH US (Jesus. ~Matthew 1:23). But this isn't the only teaching of the fear of God of course. Many verses throughout the Old and New Covenant writings tell us of the need of the fear of the Lord. And it is fear. The Greek word underneath the English word fear is "phobos", where we get the word "phobia." In Hebrew it's יִרְאָה (yirah). This fear of God is to drive us into full growth and maturity in Christ (Job 28:28; Pro 3:7, 14:16; Ecc 12:13; Heb 6:1-8). Don't just say "amen" to this and forget about it. Look at yourself closely. Look at your life and the way you live. Do you actually fear God? Or are you simply making the claim as Jonah did all the while he was hiding in the hull of the ship instead of being obedient to God (Jonah 1:9 KJV).
Paul teaches us today, "Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is in you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith." 2 Corinthians 13:5
And he also said, "Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you." 1 Timothy 4:16
Many misunderstand the Gospel, and Paul's writings (2 Peter 3:14-16). Paul, who was mightier in God than the chiefest apostles spoke like this, "I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling." 1 Corinthians 2:3; 2 Corinthians 11:5.
Are we like Paul, and the Lord? God's word tells us we are "obligated" to be! (1 John 2:6). This can be a great starting point to an incredible growth in our spiritual lives. Looking at ourselves realistically. We have to start there before we can Go Further.... To see what I mean, Please read my message about "Going further..."
And may God the Father bless you and guide you into His perfect will through Christ Jesus THE LORD. Amen.
~Tommy Richards
You can be saved!
God loves the people in the world so much that He came down to die for us. If God is opening your heart to His message and you feel convicted for your sins which have separated you from a holy God and you feel the need to be forgiven, then say this prayer. This is how I was powerfully converted to the Christ in 1997!
Say, "My Lord and my God, have mercy on me, a sinner. I believe Jesus the Christ died on the cross and shed His precious blood for the forgiveness of all my sins. I believe Jesus raised from the dead and ascended into heaven and is now on the right-hand side of God listening to this prayer. I open up the door of my heart and I invite You in, Lord Jesus. Thank you, God, for saving my soul and I vow to serve you with all my heart which is the first and greatest commandment. Amen."
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Date of Message: | November 15, 2007