The Fear Of God - The Missing Foundation In Modern Christianity Series

We who call ourselves followers of Jesus Christ in these last days have, for all practical purposes, allowed the world to tell us what to think and say when it comes to the authority of the Scriptures, the person and work of Jesus, God's nature, and the coming judgment upon this wicked and reprobate world. The senseless attempt to try to "get along" and not "cause trouble", and the idea of "letting things be" has done nothing but accelerated our lapse into apathy when it comes to reaching the lost with the gospel. It is a fact that both so-called "Christians" and spiritually timid churches tend to embrace the call for "tolerance" and not cause "offense" or silently stand by while we let the wicked society in which we live get away with demonic rage, crude insults, arrogance, and vile

blasphemies toward the Sovereign God for fear of losing a job, friends, or a relationship. This is cowardice and shows that many "followers" of Christ are really nothing more than tares among the wheat and will be good for nothing but the furnace (Matthew 7:21-23, 13:24; Mark 8:38; 1John 2:15-17; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20:11-15).

Many of us are all too willing to give in to the plurality of the day and say that Jesus is a way to heaven, but not the ONLY way as HE HIMSELF DECLARED (John 14:6) and verified by His apostles (Acts 4:12). We gladly speak about the Jesus of love and peace yet neglect to tell the lost person that when the Lord Jesus does return in all His majesty and glory to this world (Rev. 19:11-21), He will return not as the Baby in the manger with which the world is comfortable with on December 25th but as the conquering King, warrior of heaven, and the absolute Ruler of heaven and earth who WILL rid the world of evil, SLAY all who oppose Him (Luke 19:27), and will send the devil and his demonic minions to an eternal hell (Rev. 20:11-15). The Scriptures declare that He will rule the renewed world with a rod of iron. Deal with it.

Before all that occurs, those of us who were true believers in Christ were "raptured", or "caught up" to be with the LORD in the air and on to heaven (John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 3:10). We will attend the Marriage Supper of the Lamb and be judged by the Lord Jesus Christ for the service we did and did not perform (2 Corinthians 5:10). We will have to give an account of our service, with many people's "works" being burned up because they had built a spiritual foundation of wood and stubble (1 Corinthians 3:11-15) instead of upon the precious metals and stones that represent the Word and true service. There will be many believers, to their regret, never grew beyond their initial salvation, failing to mature and live godly lives. We will not be judged for our salvation. That was procured on the cross by the Lord Jesus Christ (John 19:30; Romans 5:6-11, 23). This judgment declares what rewards you will receive from Him, or what you could have had. Do not live a life for God that produces little or nothing.

I rarely hear preachers present sermons or teachings concerning the impending judgment of humanity. It may be that a lot of them would rather be seen as relevant, up-to-date, and acceptable in society. Preaching on hell and accountability is not in fashion (when has it ever been?). We live in an age where people, either sacred or secular, want to hear pleasant things that make them "feel good". After all, is not "self-esteem" more important to God than living a holy life, a desire to please Him, and bear the good fruit of a devout life? Is there even such a concept as the "fear of God" today? Apparently not, as far as I can tell. So, what is on our minds that is more important than living a life dedicated to the LORD?

We are having far too good a time watching the latest celebrity calamity, the duties of the Royal Family, the latest lame set of jokes and insults from so-called "comedians" who are about as talented as a strip of month-old bacon, or "talk" with the latest set of "friends" on your social media outlet, or whatever method the devil can use to get your eyes and attention off Jesus. I shudder for the modern church, and I confess that I have been guilty of a lot of what I have written. We all have to stop, think, and reflect on just how good the LORD has been to unworthy scoundrels such as you and I. The question we need to ask ourselves is how we can consciously disobey, ignore, or neglect the word of God or His direction, counsel, and undeserving love to chase a lot of junk, mud, and dung that does not matter in the end? I do not want anything to stand in the way of having the deep, meaningful, and loving relationship we all should have for Him. Our hearts need to break and should when we consider the time we have wasted, or words unsaid that could have made a difference. Dear Lord God, please forgive and restore us.