Many evangelical Christians are unaware of the significance of the doctrine of reward though it is clearly taught all through scripture. The NT mentions eternal rewards 27 times & prizes 3 times. Rev 22:12 teaches that Jesus Himself labored and suffered not only because of His great love for us, but to receive the reward of His suffering – US!
In most churches today the focus is on the here and now rather than eternity, even though the here and after was the topic of much of Christ’s teachings. We hear how to be saved from hell, though less than even 10 years ago. While a “get out of hell free” card is a good motivator, believers need a greater long term vision so they can live a righteous & fruitful life here on earth, especially with all of the temptations and trials. The heavenly rewards mentioned by Jesus, Paul and others encourage us to finish the race well and Christians need to have an eternal Kingdom vision! (Pro. 29:18) “Put your trust in the Lord your God and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed.” – II Chronicles 20:20
Scripture tells us that voices of authentic prophets are essential for God’s people to have wisdom and success. I personally learned this many years ago when the Lord sent us prophets to confirm seceding from a movement that was turning cultish. God used that revelation they brought from heaven to give us the courage to do God’s will. So from now on we have greatly embraced the need for prophets. In fact recently we got a call from a friend with a significant international ministry. He had a prophetic experience with us in it that brought confirmation and clarity to a direction the Lord had been directing us in! We have all had times where we have experienced disappointment, but here is what to avoid and how not to let it cause us serious problems.
One way we get disappointed is allowing ourselves to look forward unwisely to things that may not ever happen. It is idealistically believing for an outcome without actual faith or hope but wishful thinking directing us. Wishful or idealistic thinking comes from our soul and emotions rather than our spirit. This always will lead to the wrong thing. It’s a substitute for real love from God. A generation ago in our nation God was held in high esteem. Those who didn’t know Him or go to church showed respect for Him. Entertainers like Frank Sinatra would acknowledge “the man upstairs” and movies had plot lines with godly characters. Opening public hearing or meetings always began with prayer. But that kind of reverence and outward fear of God is mostly absent now. And for the believer today we must not only love Him but fear Him because all our right decisions and direction for our life will come when we have a fear of the Lord!
The fear of the Lord is essential for the believer we should pursue a walk of faith in the fear of God. So, why is the Fear of the Lord Important? |
AuthorPastor Marc Lawson Archives
July 2018
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AboutThere are 168 hours in every week. The 166 Factor is the answer to the question: "Who are you the OTHER 166 hours a week when you are NOT in church?" Join the community here as we will be discussing this and other topics related to Reformation in the Church, The End of Church (As We Know It) & The 166 Lifestyle.
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