Category: Fear Not

Fear Not 365 – God Will Come With a Vengeance

January 23, 2017 by ChristianHolinessDaily Leave a Comment

Christians are persecuted daily by Muslims the world over. In many places they are not allowed to display crosses, construct churches, or pray in public. Elsewhere, they are taxed, jailed, or tortured and killed.

Just days ago, Hindus in India doused a Christian pastor and his wife with gasoline and threatened to burn them alive. They also destroyed their church.

Attacks against Christians have grown astronomically. The Anglican Church, for example, announced (Easter, 2015) that Christians in nearly half of its 38 provinces were suffering persecution. It is thought that nearly 200 million Christians in over 60 countries face some sort of restrictions (Guardian News and Media Limited, the guardian.com 27 July, 2015).

Though few may consider them persecution, Muslim terror attacks in the U.S. are nothing less than attacks on Christianity and the stalwart nation that both defined and defended Christianity for 200 years.

Yes, Christians the world over are afraid. We know, however, that Christ wins in the end. We know there is a special place in hell for those who persecute Christians and a special place by the side of Christ for those who were beheaded for His name’s sake (Revelation chapter 20).

Over 2700 years ago, Isaiah delivered a promise to the nation of Israel that can and should be applied by 21st century Christians. Isaiah delivered it, but the promise is from God:

Say to those who are fearful-hearted,

“Be strong, do not fear!

Behold, your God will come with vengeance,

With the recompense of God;

He will come and save you.”

– Isaiah 35:4

Fear Not, for God will come with a vengeance.

Fear Not 365 – Their Threats

January 22, 2017 by ChristianHolinessDaily Leave a Comment

Many of my readers are Christians in Muslim nations, or in nations with a large and strong Muslim populations. They are scattered around the world: the Middle East, Africa, Southern Asia, Southeast Asia, and the South Pacific.

Though they are of diverse backgrounds, they share much in common. They read English. They use Facebook to read about the things of God. They love God with all their strength and all their heart. And they suffer – some more than others – for righteousness sake.

And, some are fearful. In fact, many are fearful.

God tells us multiple times, even dozens of times, “Fear not.” “Do not be afraid.” “Let not your heart be troubled.” “Do not be anxious.”

This passage in 1 Peter says it as well as any other.

But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”

1 Peter 3:14 NKJV

Fear Not their threats, for you WILL be blessed.

Fear Not 365 – We are His Children

January 21, 2017 by ChristianHolinessDaily Leave a Comment

The Bible does not indicate that the Apostle Paul was ever present when Jesus spoke during the three years or so He ministered before His crucifixion; it only says that Jesus appeared to Paul after His resurrection. I wonder, though. I would not be surprised to learn that Paul was one of the Pharisees who continually tried to entrap or accuse Jesus, like those who were present when Jesus told the parable of the Prodigal Son.

Why do I think that is a possibility? One reason is this passage from Romans 8:15-16

The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

When the Prodigal Son repented, he had made up his mind that he would be content to be a slave on his father’s estate. His father, though, would have none of that. This was his son, and he would remain his son. This concept of slave versus child is presented both by Paul and by Christ.

So what distinguishes a slave from a child? Why is it important enough that both Paul and Christ use the theme?. A slave in the Roman Empire had limited rights. He or she was property and could be bought or sold. A slave was at the mercy of the master, for better or worse.

A child, however, not only had far greater rights under the law, but was also loved. To the child, the head of the house was not named Master, but Father.

We’re you ever scared as a child? I remember being scared and crawling in bed with my parents and clinging to their side. I remember calling out, “Mommy” or “Daddy!” That’s what Abba means… Daddy (literally, papa). The loving protection of the Father is what distinguishes the child from the slave.

Isn’t it great to know that because we are children of our Heavenly Father that He loves us and will protect us? We don’t need to fear, but if we do, He wants us to call to Him, take His hand, and cling to His side.