Fear Of The Lord

(Exodus 20:18-20) Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off. {19} Then they said to Moses, "You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die." {20} And Moses said to the people, "Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin."

(Deuteronomy 8:5-6) "You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so the LORD your God chastens you. {6} "Therefore you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him.

(2 Kings 17:35-36) with whom the LORD had made a covenant and charged them, saying: "You shall not fear other gods, nor bow down to them nor serve them nor sacrifice to them; {36} "but the LORD, who brought you up from the land of Egypt with great power and an outstretched arm, Him you shall fear, Him you shall worship, and to Him you shall offer sacrifice.

(Psalms 2:11) Serve the LORD with fear, And rejoice with trembling.

(Psalms 5:7) But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy; In fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple.

(Psalms 19:9) The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

(Psalms 25:8-14) Good and upright is the LORD; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way. {9} The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way. {10} All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies. {11} For Your name's sake, O LORD, Pardon my iniquity, for it is great. {12} Who is the man that fears the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses. {13} He himself shall dwell in prosperity, And his descendants shall inherit the earth. {14} The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant.

(Psalms 31:19-20) Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men! {20} You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence From the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion From the strife of tongues.



(Psalms 33:18-19) Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy, {19} To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.

(Psalms 34:1-11) I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. {2} My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. {3} Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. {4} I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. {5} They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed. {6} This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles. {7} The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them. {8} Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! {9} Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. {10} The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing. {11} Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

(Psalms 85:7-9) Show us Your mercy, LORD, And grant us Your salvation. {8} I will hear what God the LORD will speak, For He will speak peace To His people and to His saints; But let them not turn back to folly. {9} Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land.
(Psalms 96:9) Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth.

(Psalms 103:8-17) The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. {9} He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. {10} He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. {11} For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; {12} As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. {13} As a father pities his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him. {14} For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. {15} As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. {16} For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more. {17} But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children,

(Psalms 111:10) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.

(Psalms 128:1) Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways.

(Psalms 145:14-20) The LORD upholds all who fall, And raises up all who are bowed down. {15} The eyes of all look expectantly to You, And You give them their food in due season. {16} You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing. {17} The LORD is righteous in all His ways, Gracious in all His works. {18} The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. {19} He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them. {20} The LORD preserves all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy

Proverbs 31: A Godly Woman

For thousands of years, God-fearing women have looked to the noble, or virtuous (KJV), woman of Proverbs 31 as their ideal. Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, probably had this role model of the virtuous woman in the forefront of her mind from earliest childhood. Most Jewish women did, for this poem was traditionally recited in the Jewish home every week on the eve of the Sabbath.
But what about today’s woman? Of what value can this ancient poem be to the diverse, complex life-styles of women today? To the married, to the single, to the young, to the old, to those working outside the home or inside the home, to those women with children or without children? It is more relevant than you might at first expect — although it is also too good to be true.
When we examine this ancient biblical ideal of womanhood, we do not find the stereotyped housewife occupied with dirty dishes and laundry, her daily life dictated by the demands of her husband and her children. Nor do we find a hardened, overly ambitious career woman who leaves her family to fend for itself.
What we find is a strong, dignified, multitalented, caring woman who is an individual in her own right. This woman has money to invest, servants to look after and real estate to manage. She is her husband’s partner, and she is completely trusted with the responsibility for their lands, property and goods.
She has the business skills to buy and sell in the market, along with the heartfelt sensitivity and compassion to care for and fulfill the needs of people who are less fortunate. Cheerfully and energetically she tackles the challenges each day brings. Her husband and children love and respect her for her kind, generous and caring nature.
But with all her responsibilities, first and foremost, she looks to God. Her primary concern is God’s will in her life. She is a woman after God’s own heart. Let’s examine the characteristics of this remarkable woman — a role model for Christian women today.



"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." The Hebrew word chayil, translated here "noble," or "virtuous" (KJV), means a wife of valor — a strong, capable woman with strong convictions. This description of the ideal wife does not agree with those who associate femininity with weakness and passivity.
"Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value." Her husband trusts her management of their resources. Her industriousness adds to the family income.
"She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." This woman does not do right only when it is convenient and profitable. Her actions are not based on how she is treated by others or by what others think. Her character is steady. She is reliable and dependable.
"She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands." This woman enjoys working so much that she plans ahead for what she needs in order to accomplish her responsibilities.
"She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar." The trait not to settle for the mediocre is portrayed by a woman who goes the extra mile for quality items.
"She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls." Though the woman described here has servants to take care of many of the household duties, she sets the pace. She understands that good managers have a responsibility to take care of those under their authority. That is one of her top priorities.
"She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard." Every woman doesn’t have to go into real estate and horticulture — the principle here is that this woman uses her mind. She does not act on a whim, but logically analyzes a situation before making a decision. Her goals are not only short term — she envisions the long-range benefits of her decisions.
"She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks." We get a picture of a woman who vigorously goes about her duties. She keeps herself healthy and strong by proper health practices — good diet, adequate rest and exercise. Many people depend on her.
"She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night." She knows that her merchandise is good and takes pride in doing a good job. Night or day, no one worries that her responsibilities are not taken care of.
"In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers." The example she sets is one of skill and industriousness. Whether this woman would be a computer programmer, a concert pianist, a mother, or all three, she develops her talents and hones her skills through education and diligent application.
"She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy." Although it’s good to donate to needy causes, this means far more than writing a check. This woman shows personal concern. She visits the sick, comforts the lonely and depressed, and delivers food to those in need.
"When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet." Providing clothing for the family is one of her responsibilities. She takes this seriously, and plans ahead. She does not practice crisis management.
"She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple." This woman has high standards and dresses properly for the occasion.
"Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land." This man does not have to spend half his time trying to straighten out problems at home, and his success in the social world comes partly from her support, just as her success comes partly from his support. The original woman of Proverbs 31 couldn’t phone her husband for his opinion on matters. She made many of the day-to-day decisions about their property and goods. He trusted her to manage the estate efficiently.
"She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes." This woman runs a business from her home. Her efforts and industry add to the family income.
"Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come" (NKJV). Not only does this woman benefit each day from her wise and diligent actions, long-term lifetime benefits and rewards lie in store for her.
"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." This woman is well read and has the facts. She knows what she is talking about. Whether about her job, her personal values or her opinion on world events, she is able to express herself intelligently, tactfully and diplomatically. People come to her for good advice.
"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." She is an organized, energetic person who carries out her responsibilities.
"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." This woman is not a doormat, slavishly trying to appease and please her family, no matter how unreasonable their demands. She is honored in her home. Here we gain an insight into the character of her husband as well. He teaches their children to respect her and the virtues she personifies.
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." High praise for this extraordinary woman — a role model for women of all time.
"Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Here is the key to this woman’s effectiveness. Her priorities are determined by God’s will, not her own. She is concerned about what God thinks, rather than with what other people think. Physical beauty and clever conversation are admirable qualities. But if a woman’s beauty and charm are the extent of her virtues, what happens when time and the trials of life take their toll? This woman does not depend on beauty and charm for her success. She recognizes her need for God.
"Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." This woman is actively doing, not merely talking. She does not boast about her plans for the future or her successes of the past.

The Covenant People

The early Christian community regarded themselves as a community bound together by covenant, through the death of Christ, in line with God's covenant people throughout their Scriptures (ie our Old Testament). The life of the Christian community was characterized by an atmosphere of love that spilled over into the world around, as they lived in the power of the Spirit, celebrating the Lord's supper, praying together and baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. They proclaimed the good news that God had come in Jesus Christ, into our world; that He had taken the initiative in human history and by Christ's death and resurrection had established the basis for a new relationship with him for all of the human race. Those who recognize and accept this call from God in Christ are included in those who form the people of the covenant.

In the world, however, the covenant people are called to live their lives in relationship to this God who comes and who cares. Their mission is that of Christ, the mission of the kingdom of God. In Jesus' message and ministry the fulfilment of the reign of God has already begun. The covenant people are to live as sons and daughters of the King. They are to live for the kingdom, the power and the glory of God.

When we look at our church family we often only see glimpses of this glorious living and we are led to ask many questions. The people of the covenant live in the world and exist for the world... Yet in so many places they fail to fulfil the mission of the kingdom. In some of the older churches there is a weariness with life, a lack of vitality and joy in sharing the good news. It is almost as if the light has gone out. In some of the younger churches the light shines brightly. Others see it and are being called by God into communion with him and his people.

Divisiveness is a failing that we are all aware of, even where there are uniting churches. We claim to be "one in Christ", but we fight each other. We may even go about evangelizing other Christian groups according to our own light. Often we commit the sin of mistaking our human divisions for the diversity that is given by the Spirit. Within Christian unity there will always be diversity - a diversity that must enrich the unity; a diversity that means the variety of the gifts of the Holy Spirit spread amongst the members of the body of Christ.

The unity of the people of the covenant is already a reality with its foundation in the Trinity. From the recognition of this unity comes the possibility for the confession, " Jesus is Lord". When we raise questions about Christian unity we may be recognizing that such unity should become visible. "St Paul insists that the body of Christ is made up of the vast variety of mankind who have been made one. Jews and Greeks, male and female, circumcised and uncircumcised, Barbarian and Scythian, bond and free, united by their common baptism into Christ's death and resurrection (Col 2.12-3.11 and Gal 3.28). This fellowship in the Spirit given by Christ precedes all else."



Christian unity is a relationship. The covenant is a relationship - a partnership between God and the people. Our common calling as Christians is to serve, to mission. As Christ was sent by the Father so He sent his disciples to participate in the mission of the kingdom. So He sends the people of the covenant still, into the contemporary world. We have need for a strong emphasis on the proclamation of the word of God, the good news, the victory over sin and death. A living church is always a mission church, because it is the mission of the kingdom that determines the existence of the people of the covenant.

We must ask ourselves the question - are we prepared to make the sacrifice, to put ourselves out, for the gospel? In other words, how far are we willing to put ourselves into this relationship with the living God? "Human beings have only two possible modes of existence: to be a slave to sin or to be a slave to God. There is no possibility for a person not to be enslaved to sin unless he presents himself to God. For the people of the covenant, obedience to God is the only criterion for claiming their relation to God as the Lord and their covenant relationship with him. Paul stresses the obedient life of the believer to the degree that the believer is called to be the slave of 'obedience'. The truth is that the significance of the believer's participation in the death of Christ lies in their obedience to the reign of God in Christ. Thus, the obedience of the believer can never be maintained in a submissive attitude, but must be extremely radical: the kingdom of God is credible only in the confrontation of this world with the gospel of the crucified Lord. In other words, in striving to be loyal to the reign of God in Christ, the Christian community must confront the values, structures, ideologies and practices of the society in which it is a part.”.

Here is the difficulty for many of the covenant people. Our church communities have become too conformed to society, too much part of the political system, too respectable, and it is too comfortable for them to retain the status quo. We are challenged to mission, responsibility and growth and we often prefer to remain static and without vision, because we sill not face the issues in our world. We are exploited and 'we exploit; we weep and cause others to weep; we are not exempt from the ambiguous existence of sinners even though we are the people of the covenant. We must recognize the sin in ourselves and in our society and face up to it in the power of the Risen Christ with the promise of victory over evil.

There is poverty, oppression and injustice rampant in the world - eg among Palestinians, South Africans and in countries where Christians are being persecuted because of their belief. It is futile for wealthy churches in wealthy nations to speak about the Lordship of Jesus Christ without changing their way of life.
Members of our section felt that there was too little time spent on being practical. The best way to be practical, however, is to start from a good theory. We would, therefore, strongly urge our member churches to ask themselves what they can and ought to do about sharing amongst themselves, with other Christian groups and with the world. We ask them to see how they can receive and live the message and the realities of the kingdom

The New Covenant

The new covenant is spoken about first in the book of Jeremiah. The old covenant that God had established with His people required obedience to the Old Testament Mosaic law. Because the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), the law required that people perform rituals and sacrifices in order to please God and remain in His grace. The prophet Jeremiah predicted that there would be a time when God would make a new covenant with the nation of Israel.

"'The day will come,' says the Lord, 'when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. . . . But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day,' says the Lord. 'I will put my law in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people'" (Jeremiah 31:31, 33). Jesus Christ came to fulfill the law of Moses (Matthew 5:17) and create a new covenant between God and His people. The old covenant was written in stone, but the new covenant is written on our hearts, made possible only by faith in Christ, who shed His own blood to atone for the sins of the world. Luke 22:20 says, "After supper, [Jesus] took another cup of wine and said, 'This wine is the token of God's new covenant to save you – an agreement sealed with the blood I will pour out for you.'"

Now that we are under the new covenant, we are not under the penalty of the law. We are now given the opportunity to receive salvation as a free gift (Ephesians 2:8-9). Through the life-giving Holy Spirit who lives in all believers (Romans 8:9-11), we can now share in the inheritance of Christ and enjoy a permanent, unbroken relationship with God. Hebrews 9:15 declares, “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that He has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.”

Provision of the new covenant
1-The new covenant is an unconditional, grace covenant resting on the “I will” of God (jer 31:31-34, Ezek16:60-62

2-The new covenant is an everlasting covenant (Isa 61:2, Ezek 37:26, Jer 31:35-37
3-The new covenant promises a renewed mind and heart (Isa 59:21, Jer 31:33)
4-The new covenant provides for restoration to the favor and blessing of God ( hos 2:19-20 , Isa 61:9 )
5-Forgiveness of sin is also included in the covenant ( jer 31:34)
6-The indwelling of the holy spirit is the new covenant (Jeremiah 31:33, Ezekiel 36:27)
7-The teaching ministry of the holy Sprit will be manifested, and the will of God will be known by obedient hearts (Jer 31:34 )
6-Israel will be in the land of be materially blessed Jer 32:41, Isa 61:8. Ezek 34:25-27)
7-The sanctuary will be rebuilt in Jerusalem , Ezek 37:26-27
8-War shall cease and peace shall reign according to hosea 2:18, Isa 2:4
9-The blood of jesus is the foundation of the new covenant
The foundation of the new covenant was the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross
The fulfillment of the covenant will be when Israel accepts , Jesus as the messiah till then the churh reaps the blessing due Israel, but the “Time of the Gentiles is limited till Israel relationship with god is restored

When the relationship is restored we can except the completion of god’s new covenant