At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are called to “Be the Change as Jesus Has Changed Us.” This mission is rooted in our commitment to “Just 3” – Study, Share, and Serve. Today, we delve into the profound concept of the fear of the Lord, a theme that resonates deeply with our call to study and know God.
The Magnitude of God
The sermon reminds us of the vastness of God’s creation, with trillions of galaxies and stars, each named by Him (Psalm 147:4). This immense power should evoke a sense of awe and fear. Proverbs 9:10 tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” This fear is not about terror but reverence, acknowledging God’s greatness and our dependence on Him.
Understanding the magnitude of God is crucial for our spiritual growth. When we consider the universe’s vastness, we are reminded of our own limitations and the infinite nature of God. Isaiah 40:26 encourages us to “Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name.” This scripture highlights God’s intimate knowledge of His creation, reinforcing the idea that His power is beyond our comprehension.
God’s Goodness Revealed in Jesus
Despite His power, God is good. He sent His Son, Jesus, to reveal His love and goodness to us. As 1 John 4:16 states, “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love.” This love casts out fear (1 John 4:18), allowing us to approach God with confidence, knowing that His intentions for us are good.
The incarnation of Jesus is the ultimate demonstration of God’s goodness. John 3:16 reminds us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Through Jesus, we see God’s desire to reconcile with humanity, offering us a path to eternal life and a relationship with Him.
Living in Love
As we study God’s Word, we learn to live in His love, which grows more perfect in us. This love empowers us to face life’s challenges without fear, trusting in God’s plan. Our mission at Lakeview is to study to love and know God, and this understanding of His majesty and goodness is foundational to our faith journey.
Living in love means embodying the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives. It involves showing compassion, forgiveness, and kindness to others, reflecting the love we have received from God. Colossians 3:14 encourages us to “put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” By living in love, we become a testament to God’s transformative power in our lives.
Conclusion
Let us embrace the fear of the Lord, not as a source of dread, but as a pathway to wisdom and a deeper relationship with our Creator. As we study His Word, may we be transformed by His love, becoming agents of change in our world. At Lakeview Christian Church, we are committed to being the change as Jesus has changed us, and it begins with understanding the fear of the Lord and His boundless love.
