In Fear of God

This book is a very personal look at a Bible subject not always covered in depth. It begins with a look at the author's interest in western films of the 1930s, 40s and 50s and his interest in the word "palaver". This leads to a discussion of the importance of relating to God in a manner resulting in our personal righteousness. While love in shown to maintain a dominate Biblical theme, the idea of fearing God is introduced as a basic motivating foundation for a right relationship with God. Examples are given of how discovering the majesty and power of God influenced certain people of the Bible. The author then discusses his interest in being a magician and what he learned from that experience. A very personal experience is then related of how he was almost killed in an automobile accident and how that taught him the power found in fearing God. He also shares two passages of Scripture which he admits difficulty in understanding: (1) God's call for Abraham to sacrifice Isaac and (2) God's instructions to conquer Jericho. The main part of the book consists of 94 groups of Bible verses concerned with fearing or not fearing God. The reader is asked to read the selected verses from a personal Bible and then read the author's comments given in the book. This is followed by a summary statement and a listing of ideas taken directly from the previous verses to help better understand what fearing God means. The author does not hide his Christian background and mentions Jesus Christ many times throughout this review of a very complex topic. Passage from book: "Fearing God is not to be afraid of God and run away from him, but to know his majestic power and live in close harmony with him. Fear toward God is therefore part of anyone’s relationship with God, whether you follow him or not. The Christian perspective includes fear toward God. The One and Only God who is a Loving Father came to us as his Only Son and shared life with us and gave his life for us. He took our place as the wages of sin. Not as sin but as the wages of sin—death. And he overcame death to become our Lord and Savior and Redeemer. How can we not submit to him whose Spirit is our seal of everlasting life? How can we be filled with his loving Spirit and not be gripped with fear of his majesty—fear that captivates us and compels us to follow his righteousness? Not fear that repels us but fear that indwells us and draws us closer always to his commandments and to his yearning for our good and safety—fear that forms a bond of intimacy. People with just love are spoiled disciples—they are easily driven to isolation and selfishness. Love without fear is dangerous. Fear brings us closer to the core of God’s very nature."