02/13/2008: "Preaching Through Fear!"

These days, as sad as it might seem, many regardless of race, sex, and even religion have the mind-set "see it to believe it." Unfortunately, both believers and non believers won't admit to believing something unless they have proof. Today I want to explain the benefits of preaching through fear regardless of whether or not I have proof. However, on a separate note I'd just like to say that even though I myself can not prove there truly is a God, my emotions tell me so.

Fear, what exactly is it? "Anxiety caused by real or possible danger, pain, fright, apprehension, and/or concern." This is fear.

Now, if something like fear is defined completely negative how could it benefit witnessing or preaching to others? Well I'll tell you! Think back to a time in church or any specific event in your life that you can remember that involved fear. Why, even if the event was so insignificant did you remember that specific event? It was fear that made the memory stick with you. It's just like everyday life. Preaching with fear, you're sure to remember it; or at least a longer time than usual. Suppose you were attending church and your church leader/guest speaker was giving a sermon on Hell. Now of course out of curiosity you sit down and listen as he/she describes the pure terror and ultimate separation from God via the Bible. You listen and eat it up as if your spirit were hungry for a number of years. You want more. You need more. This fear that's being digested by you, you're loving it aren't you? Well you shouldn't!

In one sense fear is a good thing to have in your life so you learn and remember all your major or even significant past mistakes. i.e, leaving your child at the supermarket (fear), almost drowning for not wearing a life vest (fear), almost hitting a truck for going over the speed limit (fear), etc. etc. etc. I guess with this type of fear we can call it... oh say "Earthly Fear" while as the Bible describes fear or Hell as "complete separation from God." This is the type of fear that you should be worried about. On Earth our bodies are nothing compared to what they will be in the afterlife, Heaven or Hell.

Remember what I said before? "You want more. You need more." This type of fear sticks with you. Think of it as "God's friendly little reminders," if you will. There's only one problem, how long will God send you reminders before he stops? That's up to you.

One last thing that I would like to share before I end my message is the craving to witness to friends/neighbors/family, etc. Recently, I've noticed God inspiring me to witness as much as possible to whomever I can and ironically it seems that I always bring up the subject of the afterlife, "where do you think you're going to go when you die?" And I always use fear to describe Hell. The major points that I try to make are these "torment, separation, darkness, and most importantly fear."

Remember, it is your duty as a servant of God to witness to as many people as possible. A sure fire way to get someone's attention is through fear. Just remember, if you show them enough fear you can be sure they won't forget. And in the event they do, at least you tired.

Don't be the friend that didn't witness, please. May the Lord be with you all!