fear on SermonAudio

Abraham and Sarah were possessors of faith, yet they experienced struggles, doubts, and impatience. Through faith, they did not waver, but when focused on the external, fear and doubt will darken faith.

In 2 Corinthians 7:1, Paul reminds the church that because God has graciously claimed us as His people, promised to dwell among us, and adopted us as His children, holiness must be our highest priority. The church must reject every form of sin, resist the world's corrupting influence, and pursue comprehensive holiness rather than compromise biblical convictions for popularity, cultural acceptance, or numerical growth. A healthy church is not merely impressive, attractive, or influential; it is a people who live in the fear of God, revere His holiness, and faithfully pursue conformity to Jesus Christ together!

Do you find it hard to read the Bible? When you do read the scriptures, do you find it hard to understand what you are reading? Well, many people do not spend time reading the Bible because they would answer yes to both of those questions. This passage says the Bible has the power to set you on the right path of life, but you must continue to read it. Don't worry about not understanding all that you read -just read and let the Word of God do its work inside of you. Reaching all the way to the deepest level of who you really are to give you an understanding of what you are reading. God's word inside of you will produce an unbelievable joy. So get busy and Read.

The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded, Chapter 2, in a modernized version. "In Chapter 2 of The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded, John Owen establishes that a person's default, voluntary thoughts—those the mind freely gravitates toward when free from pressing duties or immediate crises—serve as the truest window into the underlying condition of the heart. Using the analogy of spring blossoms on a fruit tree, he explains that while many transient thoughts vanish without producing fruit, every actual action originates in a thought. He contends that every heart possesses a prevailing "treasury" (either good or evil) that continually pours itself out through the stream of the mind's thoughts. For thoughts of heavenly things to prove true spiritual-mindedness rather than a unrenewed nature, Owen argues that they must arise naturally from an internal spring of regenerating grace within the soul, rather than being temporarily forced by external pressure (such as acute guilt, affliction, or fear of death) or briefly triggered by external religious means without a true change of heart."

This sermon explores the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6, emphasizing that believers are called to stand firm against demonic forces rather than run from them. The teaching distinguishes between God's loving conviction and Satan's hateful accusations, urging Christians to rely on the positional truths of truth, righteousness, and peace. It further instructs believers to actively take up the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit to protect their minds and hearts from doubt, fear, and deception. By understanding the specific attacks of the enemy, such as the 'roaring lion' tactic that triggers emotional reactions, listeners are encouraged to maintain vigilance and confidence in God's sovereignty. The message concludes with a call to daily meditation on these protections, ensuring that one's identity in Christ remains secure amidst life's battles.

VaultAI Summary: This sermon introduces the book of Proverbs as a source of divine wisdom necessary for navigating daily life with skill and reverence. It argues that true religion is not merely theoretical but practical, requiring believers to apply scriptural principles to their conduct, relationships, and household management. The preacher identifies Jesus Christ as the ultimate wisdom of God, emphasizing that seeking biblical wisdom is inherently a pursuit of a deeper relationship with Him. The text highlights that the Proverbs serve to correct worldly folly and provide moral instruction for all ages, from the inexperienced to the seasoned. Ultimately, the sermon asserts that the fear of the Lord is the foundation of all knowledge, distinguishing the wise who embrace God's instruction from the foolish who despise it.

Don't take the first pastoral call that comes along. Don't wait for a perfect one, either. Somewhere between paralysis and presumption is a faithful way to decide, and most men facing a call have no map for finding it. In part two of our series on the pastoral call, Dr. Paul Ipema explains how an internal desire and an external open door work together, why an inquiry deserves more than a polite "no," whether a pastor should stay three years, five, or twenty-five, and when it's fair to weigh money or family. He also shows how prayer can expose whether fear or ambition is steering the decision. Seminarians, pastors, and search committees will all find something here.

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity [fear], but of power and love and discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 Believers live in the Power of Light in Jesus Christ. Believers have passed from spiritual death to spiritual life in Jesus Christ. The Bible speaks about the transformation from darkness to light, emphasizing that Jesus is the light of the world. For example, John 12:46 states, "I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness." John 5:24 says, "Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life." "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me" (Psalm 23:4) reassures believers that they need not fear death, as God's presence provides comfort and strength. Additionally, "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul" (Matthew 10:28) emphasizes the importance of focusing on spiritual safety over physical threats.

This sermon explores the biblical declaration that God is love, distinguishing it from a sentimental or permissive view by emphasizing that God's love is inseparable from His holiness and justice. The central argument is that the love of God, demonstrated supremely in the sending of Christ as a propitiation for sin, is the source of the believer's capacity to love other Christians. This mutual love among believers serves as a tangible witness to the world, revealing the character of God who is otherwise unseen. Furthermore, the text argues that cultivating this Christ-like love is essential for spiritual assurance, as it perfects the believer's faith and casts out the fear of judgment. The sermon concludes by urging believers to actively appropriate and dwell upon God's love, allowing it to drive their daily interactions and secure their confidence in the life to come.