fear on SermonAudio

This sermon examines Isaiah 21, focusing on the prophetic judgments against Babylon, Edom, and Arabia as both historical events and symbolic foreshadowings of the final judgment of the world. The exposition highlights the emotional weight of these prophecies for the prophet and the people of Judah, emphasizing that God reveals His justice to instill holy fear in believers rather than anxiety about their own salvation. The text argues that the reality of divine judgment serves to motivate Christians to evangelize with compassion, trust God to vindicate them against enemies, and maintain distinct separation from the sinful world. Ultimately, the sermon presents these warnings as a backdrop that magnifies the grace of the Gospel, urging sinners to repent and find salvation in Christ to escape the coming night.

Hebrews 10:1–4 reminds us that the sacrifices offered under the Old Testament law were only a shadow of the good things God had promised. The people had to offer sacrifices repeatedly, year after year, because the blood of animals could not completely take away their sins. These sacrifices reminded them of their sins, but they could not bring lasting forgiveness or completely cleanse their hearts. This teaches us that no matter how much we try to correct our mistakes through our own efforts, we cannot save ourselves from sin. We need something greater than human effort and temporary solutions; we need the perfect redemption that comes from God. The good news is that God provided what the old sacrifices could never accomplish through Jesus Christ. His sacrifice was not temporary or incomplete; He gave His life once and for all to make forgiveness and reconciliation with God possible. As Christians, we should not live in constant fear that our sins are too great for God to forgive, nor should we depend on religious activities alone while our hearts remain unchanged. Instead, we should approach God with sincere hearts, trust in the finished work of Jesus, and allow His grace to transform the way we live. The central message is that animal sacrifices could only remind people of sin, but Jesus Christ offers the perfect sacrifice that brings us forgiveness and draws us closer to God.

This sermon introduces the book of Proverbs by examining its purpose as stated in the opening verses, emphasizing that wisdom is the godly application of knowledge rather than mere intellectual accumulation. The speaker highlights the covenantal context of Solomon's authorship and the necessity of discernment to properly apply biblical principles in a complex world. Key themes include the distinction between justice, judgment, and equity, as well as the role of parental instruction in shaping character, drawing from the Westminster Larger Catechism's exposition of the Fifth Commandment. The teaching urges believers to approach Scripture with humility and reverential fear, recognizing that the fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge. Ultimately, the sermon presents Proverbs as an eternal resource that equips both the inexperienced and the wise to grow in righteousness and reflect Christ's character.

A sermon following multiple trails of grace prompted by John Newton's hymn, Amazing Grace. Grace teaches the heart to fear; grace prompts remembrance of our previous embrace of sin versus grace's embrace of us; grace speaks into our brokenness and prompts us to share in the suffering of others; and the final grace is death which unites us with Christ and each other. Sermon incorporates a brief history of John Newton as a slaver, as a tender friend to William Cowper, and the context of melancholy for the Christian.

This sermon centers on the prophetic call in Haggai for God's people to prioritize their obedience to Him over personal comfort and selfish ambitions. The message confronts the spiritual lethargy and fear of man that caused the rebuilding of the temple to stall, urging believers to stop making excuses and act in the present moment. It emphasizes that true revival is not a sensational event but a daily surrender of the heart to the Holy Spirit's control, leading to a renewed sense of purpose and mission. The preacher encourages the congregation to recognize that God is with them when they respond in faith, stirring their spirits to serve, pray, and share the gospel with urgency. Ultimately, the call is for immediate, wholehearted commitment to Christ, rejecting the delay of spiritual duties in favor of active, present-day devotion.

Are you truly living in the fear of the LORD, or are you simply scared of what might happen? The Bible teaches that the fear of God is more than temporary fright. It is a recognition of His holiness, righteousness, authority, mercy, and judgment. In Proverbs 8:13, the fear of the LORD is connected with hating evil. Psalm 2:11–12 calls us to serve the LORD with fear, rejoice with trembling, and trust in His Son. Psalm 5:7–8 connects godly fear with worship and a desire to walk in righteousness. Is your fear of God changing how you live, or only how you react when trouble comes? Join Pastor Ed Decker of Arnold Baptist Tabernacle for this Bible message.

In our last study we looked at Obadiah's fearing the Lord greatly. Now in this message we will be looking at Obadiah's fearing a man greatly – in this case, the king. 1st of all – We want to look at Obadiah's question to Elijah – How have I sinned, that you are delivering me into Ahab's hand? (verses 7-11) And then 2nd (a question which is somewhat implied, more than clearly stated) – Is this the way that God rewards a person who fears Him, by sending them into the danger of possibly being killed? (verses 12-16)

The sermon centers on the assurance of God's unchanging love and grace toward His people amidst affliction and trial. Drawing primarily from Isaiah 43, the message outlines ten specific promises from God, including redemption, a personal call, and the believer's status as God's precious possession. These promises are presented as a source of comfort that silences fear and provides confidence in God's steadfast presence and power. The teaching emphasizes that while believers may face suffering due to sin or circumstance, God's grace abounds more than sin, securing the believer's future and ultimate glory. The tone is pastoral and encouraging, urging the congregation to find rest and hope in these divine assurances rather than in their own strength.

This sermon examines the post-flood blessings in Genesis 9, focusing on God's renewal of the mandate for human dominion and the provision of sustenance. The speaker argues that God instills a healthy fear in the animal kingdom to protect humanity, a blessing rooted in divine sovereignty rather than mere biological instinct. Furthermore, the text highlights God's generosity in expanding the human diet to include animal flesh, contrasting this with the original vegetarian provision in Eden. The discussion addresses the theological legitimacy of consuming meat, refuting false teachings that impose dietary restrictions as spiritual requirements. Ultimately, the sermon encourages believers to view all food as a good gift from God, to be received with thanksgiving and prayer.