Reopening The Churches - Why? - Part 6: Godly Fear

The sermon centers on the vital importance of godly fear in the life of the church, drawing from the early Christian community described in Acts 2:43, where awe and reverence for God characterized the believers. It argues that godly fear—encompassing both reverential trust and a deep dread of divine judgment—is a neglected yet essential element in Christian life, essential for salvation, sanctification, and evangelism. The preacher emphasizes that fear of the Lord is not mere terror but a transformative reverence that leads to repentance, holiness, and a passion for soul-winning, citing biblical examples from Ananias and Sapphira to the thief on the cross and Cornelius. It warns that the absence of such fear correlates with moral decline and spiritual complacency, while affirming that fearing God brings wisdom, life, honor, and divine protection. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to reclaim this biblical discipline as a foundation for personal holiness and effective witness, rooted in the balance of God's mercy and justice.