In today’s society, fear has become a normal part of life. It seems to be mans’ ever-present companion. We are continually anxious about the soaring crime rate, the failing economy, wars and rumors of wars and social tensions. These fears leave us feeling out of control, and our hearts fail us because of fear.

Fear—the First Fruits of Sin

Man’s first words in the Bible were what Adam said to God right after he sinned, “I was afraid,” (Gen. 3:9-10). Sin brought fear that man was never supposed to live under. We were not created to live with fear.

Fear Distorts Reality

Anytime we believe the enemy’s lies, we allow the devil to torment us. More importantly, the lies of self-righteousness and independence from God generate all kinds of fear, distorting our reality.
All many have ever known is fear, and it becomes the motivating factor for every action.
We are distrusting, tormented by thoughts of betrayal and infidelity.
We worry—about money and our children.
We are distressed with fear of losing our jobs or fear of getting a job.
We are anxious, so we arm ourselves, being aware of violence and crime.
We are angry with the world and ourselves, and we take it out on those we love.
In most cases, we’ve lost a sense of normalcy.

The Meaning of Life

We were created to find our fulfillment in God alone, to be responsible, and to respond to God’s loving presence in every situation, circumstance and arena.

What About the Fear of God?

The Bible teaches that to be a normal human being is to “fear God,” (Prov. 9:10; 19:23; Deut. 6:13).
The fear of God simply means to respond to God with reverence, honor, respect, and awe. In other words, to worship God in obedience.
God intended for us to respond to His loving presence with reverence, respect, honor and worship, being constantly aware of His love and presence.
But the fear plaguing us today is rooted in man’s sin—when man began responding to God’s presence with fear and dread. Why? Without God on our side, everything in this world becomes hostile to us, and we’re left alone and vulnerable in a hostile world.

The Answer to Fear—the Gospel of Peace

Fear has been passed down from generation to generation in the world and the Church because most find it difficult to believe the gospel.
Isaiah proclaims, “Who has believed our report?”
The same can be said today.

The Promise of Peace

Every religion promises peace and has the illusion of freedom from fear. They all offer salvation, but you will never be secure. You are promised peace, but will never be peaceful. Only Jesus delivers true peace. The gospel accomplishes our peace and gives us salvation. We are truly secure.

Ending the Reign of Terror

Luke announced the gospel of peace:

But the angel said to them, DO NOT BE AFRAID; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people. For to you is born this day … a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord! … Then suddenly there appeared … an army of the troops of heaven (a heavenly knighthood), praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased….—Luke 2:10-14 (AMP)

God announced that after 4,000 years of hostility, there is peace between God and man. And He did it by being born as an infant! What could be less threatening, hostile and dreadful than a baby in a manger?

It’s important to understand that God always intended to end the reign of terror in our lives. The devil kept people enslaved to fear through lies and deception for a long, long time. But not anymore.

Jesus destroyed him! There is no need for dread or fear!