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20/20 VISION FOR THE NEW YEAR!
To See Clearly, We Must Fear God
At Sinai, when God spoke to His people, accompanied by thunder, lightning, trumpet sound, and smoke, Moses told them:
“Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin” (Exodus 20:20).
Fear of God certainly involves reverential awe and respect (Hebrews 12:28), but it goes beyond that. In Exodus 20, God described Himself as one who blesses those who love and obey Him but who also punishes those who disobey (verses 5-6; Romans 11:22). Jesus urged the apostles not to fear persecutors who can kill only the body, “but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt. 10:28; 1 Peter 1:17).
God demonstrated His power at Sinai “that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin” (Exodus 20:20). Fear of God has a salutary effect in preventing sin (Deut. 13:6-11; 17:12-13; 19:16-20; 21:18-21). The God who made us knows we need this healthy kind of fear as a sin-preventive so that we can enjoy the best of all He desires to give us (Deut. 5:29; 6:24). So then, away with a casual attitude toward God! “By the fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil” (Proverbs 16:6).
David Gibson, Commerce, TX
via Gospel Advocate, January 2020
Wednesday evening classes for Jan. 22:
Ladies’ Class: Kathy Linder—Priscilla, Acts 18. A woman who dared to use her mind.
Emphasis on teaching others.
Men’s Class: Josh Pettigrew —Praying in the assembly;
Jason Meier —Scripture readin
