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)
HEART DISEASE: LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH!
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!
EVIL SPIRIT SENT 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!
HOLY BIBLE
GIVES GREAT ADVICE!
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!
Salvation:
By Grace alone! Through Faith alone! In Christ alone!
