TUESDAY November 15, 2022
The Fear of God
Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
Acts 2:43-45
As people heard the doctrine of God, and learned about the establishment of the Church, it had great effect––it caused them to fear. The word fear means “to be in awe” or “to be in reverence of God.” The Lord was moving among them doing great signs and wonders. This was a holy Church!
It is incredible for me to see what God is doing in our church. After a Sunday service, a person once approached me saying, “Raul, God healed me!” I urged him to check with his doctor, who confirmed he was well. This healing was the work of the Holy Spirit. I know God is at work touching people’s lives during any service. Sometimes, a husband will ask, “Did my wife talk to you?” I respond “No.” I do not know what is going on in his marriage, but the Lord knows. When listening to a sermon, it is the Holy Spirit who reveals secrets and convicts people.
Our church has become well-known throughout America and the world. Even persecuted Christians in China pray for us! I meet people all the time; they easily recognize my voice and say, “I know who you are, I hear you on the radio!” It happens all the time! A lady in a restaurant, a man in the airport or a policeman I meet, will say, “I go to Calvary Chapel.” It puts a godly fear in my heart. I feel responsible as a pastor.
Seriously, at times I am concerned that people place their eyes on me. Please, do not put your eyes on me, I will fail you. Have your eyes on the Lord. I am just His representative. Like Peter, I teach doctrine and I know I will have a stricter judgment if I misrepresent the Lord (James 3:1).
As you become a doer of the Word, and not a hearer only, you become a part of God’s great work. Look around, see and hear what God is doing. Have a godly fear in your life––stand in awe of what God is doing. People in our church are being saved––amazing, amazing!
The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and they that lack the beginning have neither middle nor end.
~John Bunyan~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
