Expert: Dr. Tim Gladu - 7/7/2007

Question
My home churh has been over come with unfounded fear. A fear of the what if's, the this might happen etc. They now have an armed guard in the santuary at all services. Nothing has happened to warrant this. The church is in a rural area.( very little crime)
I have left the church because of this. (I am looking for a new home church) I stand on the promises of God, & will not allow unfouned fear to rule me. Fear is not of God!! I tried talking to the pastor as have the others that choose to leave.  I have owned a C-Store for the past 30 years a block from the church, I am not armned in my store, I have put my faith in my Lord Jesus Christ Am wrong to stand on my faith & to have with drawn from this church? About 2 1/2
years ago is when the fear of unknown starting to become a theme in most of his sermons.

Answer
Pat,

I think that you are correct is your decision. Your pastor needs to get a grip on what is real and what he is making up in his mind. The early church grew at an incredible rate because they had no fear. They were constantly under true threat of death from many different sources. You did not mention where your church is and it really does not matter. If we put our faith in the Lord then He will protect. This does not mean that we should not be practical and realistic, it just means that when the Lord wants us home he will call us and we can do nothing about it. I want you to take a look at some scripture on fear and see if they can not only help you but also take them to your pastor and see what he has to say about them.

The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32)

When I am afraid, I will trust in you. (Psalm 56:3)

The LORD watches over all who love him. (Psalm 145:20)

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)

You of little faith, why are you so afraid? (Matthew 8:26)

Don't be afraid; just believe. (Mark 5:36)

Stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel, without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. (Philippians 1:27-28)

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. (Romans 8:15)

The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. (Hebrews 13:6)

The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? (Psalm 118:6)

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. (Proverbs 29:25)

I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has the power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. (Luke 12:4-5)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. (Proverbs 1:7)

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28)

Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear, your God will come." (Isaiah 35:3-4)

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:2-3)

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. (Isaiah 12:2)