Where Is The Fear Of The Lord, In The Church Today? Part 3

 

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”  (Hebrews 12:14 NKJV).

 

How does the Holiness of the Priesthood apply to us today?

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”  (1 Peter 2:9 NKJV)

 

 

We the Church are the (ekklēsia, GK) “the called out ones.”   We are chosen to be Royal Priests, and be Holy.   We are more than just priests, but Kings!   Since we are chosen for this purpose, why are we not fulfilling our call?

 

 

We are not only priests, but the actual Temple of the Holy Spirit.   The Third Person of the Godhead, can actually live within us, our spirits knitted together.

“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”  (1 Corinthians 3:16 NKJV).

 

Without a separation from the world, we will find ourselves on a slippery slope.   It is too easy to find the temptations of sin for a season.   Our flesh, and sinful nature, desires to do wrong.   The key is to change our environment, and friends if needed.   To much of a secular atmosphere, has entered our Churches.   If we want the Holy Spirit in our services, we have to make Him feel welcome, by our reverence and respect.   It is time to bring back the Fear of the Lord, into our midst.

 

“And you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine.”  (Leviticus 20:26 NKJV).

 

How can we hope to attract the sinner, to our Church, if we don’t act any different from them?   They will seek a place where the whole truth is shared, and demonstrated.   The Holy Spirit will draw them, not be our own efforts.   The Church is to be a hospital for the sick, and a refilling station for the faithful.   The House of worship, is not to be an seclusive club.

“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”  (2 Corinthians 7:1 NKJV).

 

We need to have the fruit of holiness in our lives, so unbelievers will want what we have.   “But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.”  (Romans 6:22 NKJV).

 

A true Christian who has been free from the bondage of sin, should want to share that experience with everyone.   We are all too glad to tell another about a great restaurant, or movie, but not the greatest thing of all.

 

“I continue to dream and pray about a revival of holiness in our day that moves forth in mission and creates authentic community in which each person can be unleashed through the empowerment of the Spirit to fulfill God’s creational intentions.”  JOHN WESLEY.

 

Pray for the return of the Fear of The Lord in our lives.   This concludes this series.    I pray this has been a blessing to you.   Please help us spread the Word, by reading, sharing, following, and telling a friend.   CHRIS