(Shane Idleman) A few years ago, I had a conversation with a pastor who suggested that these articles are written from a position of fear. I agree. I believe that these messages are timely and urgent for the vast majority. The present condition of the church leaves one to wonder if the lack of the fear of the Lord is contributing to her spiritually dead condition: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of My mouth. For you say, ‘I am rich, and have stored up goods, and have need of nothing,’ yet do not realize that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:15-17). A healthy respect of God (fear) is what our culture and the church desperately need.
During our conversation, I asked myself, “Why don’t we agree on this important truth? The fear of the Lord is mentioned frequently throughout the Bible as the beginning of knowledge, wisdom and understanding.” Sadly, I’ve had similar conversation with emergent, postmodern and liberal pastors. My concern is that this view is coming from leadership. They feel that we should avoid mentioning the fear of the Lord because it makes people feel uncomfortable. READ MORE
