FEAR: MANKIND'S GREATEST FOE!
by Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.
"So first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing to fear is fear itself - nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror."
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
Repeatedly we are being deluged with news stories highlighting the growing fear of many Canadians, due to the increase of brutal homicides across our nation!
Fear is a universal enemy and certainly not new. It had its beginning with Adam's rebellion and fall, in the Garden of Eden.
After Adam and Eve had disobeyed God's directive to them, fear entered their hearts.
"And Adam said, I heard Thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself." (Gen. 3:10)
That its slavish tentacles are spreading and increasing in intensity is also prophetical. Jesus declared that in the last days "men's hearts will fail them for fear..." (Luke 21:26)
DEATH IS HEART DISEASE!
People are suffering from strain and stress is adversely affecting a large number of men and women. Alcohol consumption, drug abuse, fear and anxiety attacks are a combination that often leads to heart disease!
CANCER IS THE NO. 2 KILLER, and medical science believes "fear" is a contributor - because it constricts the vessels carrying blood to affected areas. Cigarette smoking is a major cause, but why do people smoke? Often, because they are uptight, nervous and afraid!
Fear is "the enemy" among us and is taking a tremendous toll; psychologically, economically, socially, domestically and physically! As well as politically, both nationally and globally!
Fear destroys relationships, hinders growth in business, impedes academic progress, breaks up families and keeps people out of Church!
Fear is often the cause of strife, worry, bitterness, resentment, jealousy and hatred - but fear can be conquered and driven out of our lives!
FEAR IS AN EVIL SPIRIT SENT
BY SATAN TO TORMENT HUMANITY!
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1 John.4: 18)
US President Herbert Hoover declared: "The dominant emotion everywhere in the world is FEAR. This applies to every part of human activities - finance, industry, farmers, workers, thinkers and government officials."
The Atlantic Charter, drawn up by US President Roosevelt and Britain
It contained four essential freedoms: Freedom from Want, Freedom from Fear, Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion!
There are however many unreal, imagined and unreasonable fears, which plague mankind. These, we must reject in order to enjoy good mental health and peace of mind!
Neurologists believe that the lower central part of the brain called the thalamus is the centre of all emotions; this is where fearful thoughts issue from. The nerve centre is also where affection and love are born.
It is therefore important that we sort out our thoughts and allow only those that are sane, sensible, wholesome and truthful to stay in our minds!
The Bible says: "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he". (Prov. 23:7)
And St. Paul
There are more than 40 phobias that harass humanity today - from ailurophobia (the fear of cats) to zoophobia (the fear of animals in general).
THERE IS DIVINE HEALING and freedom from fear for all who truly trust in JESUS CHRIST as Saviour, Lord and Healer! And may I add, and use some old-fashioned common sense!
The Bible says, "For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind". (2 Tim. 1:7)
President Roosevelt stated, "The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself", and the Bible says, "...perfect love casts out all fears". (1 John 4:18)
THE OPPOSITE
OF FEAR IS FAITH!
What is the opposite of fear? It is faith and faith brings us peace and tranquility! And faith comes directly from God and the Holy Bible. St. Paul
Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid". (John 14:27)
The Bible says, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God". (Rom.
Since perfect love removes all fears, it is good to know that God is love and His love has reached out to us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for us!
And because He arose from the dead and is not only the testator but the executor of His own will - through the Holy Spirit - we are assured of His total peace and healing for spirit, soul (mind) and body! Amen.
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