Why Should We Fear and Love God?
The question of whether we should fear God and love Him is one that has puzzled many throughout history. The Bible, a guiding light for millions, suggests that we ought to love God not out of fear, but out of a deep sense of His unconditional love for us. Rev. Ken, a seasoned pastor, shares his personal journey and insights that might help us understand this complex relationship.
Personal Experiences and Testimonies
Rev. Ken, a man from a long and successful business career, shares his personal experience with God. He mentions, 'Everyone has access to God, but we are taught it is only special people.' His journey reflects the accessibility of God to every individual. He states, 'GOD is not a theory somewhere far off. He that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in us. '
Rev. Ken’s testimony isn’t an isolated case. Many individuals have similarly found solace and transformation through their faith journey. Richard, a YouTuber, shares his experience in realizing God’s unconditional love. A friend, sharing a profound movement, says, 'Ken Johnson YouTube heard God say, "I LOVE YOU MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW," and I have cried over 300 times feeling loved like a small child.'
The Holy Spirit’s Guidance
The Holy Spirit, often overlooked, plays a crucial role in our spiritual journey. Rev. Ken emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit as a real and present entity. 'When you feel loved like a small child, you will realize you are not as smart as you thought,' he adds. This feeling of being cared for by an omnipotent being can profoundly change one’s perspective and approach to life.
A powerful story from Rev. Ken includes how the Holy Spirit intervened in a friend’s life. A former Catholic, Dr. Clarice Fluitt, remembers, 'GOD told me to raise the pastor who died on the pulpit and take his place.' This divine intervention underscores the direct impact the Holy Spirit can have in our lives.
God's Unconditional Love and Our Reactions
It is essential to understand that when we experience God’s love, our reactions can be profound. Rev. Ken shares how after reading specific biblical verses over 6-8 weeks on his knees, he felt overwhelmed by God’s love. 'After I read them, I said, "Wait a minute, God said TELL ABOUT MY LOVE." ' These verses, Ephesians 1:16-20, Ephesians 2:4-8, and Ephesians 3:14-19, point to the depth and breadth of God’s love for us.
It is crucial to note that fear of God is not a commandment from God but from human beings. Isaiah 29:13 suggests that their fear is due to commands taught by men. Matthew 15:9 elaborates further, indicating that the worship of God should be pure and not filled with man-made doctrines.
The Spiritual Path to Overcoming Adversity
A spiritual path that includes mindfulness, forgiveness, and prayer can help overcome various life challenges. Rev. Ken shares his story of overcoming addiction, which not only involved abstaining from alcohol but also addressing emotional and physical health issues. Other testimonies, including Jim Caviezel’s, show how God has direct communication and can guide us through difficult times.
There is a single judge, James 4:12, who desires to help us in our tumultuous life. This judge, referring to God, is our ultimate source of compassion and guidance. He reminds us that each day brings its own set of challenges, and some of us need help more often.
Ultimately, the path to a fulfilling life through our relationship with God involves more than just fear. It is a journey of love, understanding, and trust. As we delve into these words of wisdom from over 300 biblical verses, we can find comfort, guidance, and a deeper understanding of God's eternal and unchanging love.