KEY SCRIPTURE Matthew 10:28 KJV” And fear not them. which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him, which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell”.

MEN have various kinds of fears. Fear of the future, fear of deadly diseases, fear of shame, fear of robbery attack, fear of death and many more. Among these is the fear of those who would persecute the righteous and ultimately kill them. This kind of fear has limited the church in boldly preaching in some parts of the earth. The church of God has suffered persecutions since the inception of the church. The reason for persecution is to stop the church from saving, the many that are bound to sin. The gospel must go, irrespective of any kind of threat that men may raise, to challenge it.

What can we do to strengthen our resolve to boldly face them.? The Lord answered that for us. He says those who oppose the gospel, and may even kill us, only destroy the body. They have nothing more to do. The soul of the Christian lives forever in heaven, when the believer dies. Phi 1:23 KJV” For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:”, The apostle said if he should die, he would be with the Lord instantly in heaven, and that is FAR BETTER. This should be the sure faith of every believer. It is in this light that we must be extra bold to keep advancing the gospel in the face of threats and dangers posed to us by men.

What are we to be afraid of? He said fear Him who can destroy both the body and soul in hell.   What is the meaning of this, someone destroying the body and soul in hell? This person is the Lord. He will ultimately judge all men (2nd Corinth 5:10) It means if we live for ourselves and do not honor God’s word, then we really have to be afraid. The Lord will cast all those who live for themselves and do not honor Him into hell.  The following is the Lord’s advice to all men. Matthew 5:29 KJV “And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.” Be careful about how you are living today. No man has authority over your soul.

CONFESSION

I am given to the course of Christ. My heart is set to please Him always. I do not fear men, who can only kill the body and that is all. I fear God and live to please Him, for He will cast a man into hell, who lives for himself.

FURTHER STUDIES

2 Corinth 5:10 KJV” For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

Acts 21:13 KJV” Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”