"Holy Fear"

"By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith" ~ Hebrews 11:7

Noah's story was a perfect example of faith and fear working together. He had no Bible, no church traditions passed down to him, and frankly, no church at all. He lived during a time of great wickedness and would've been hard-pressed to find anyone who encouraged him in his desire to please God. Nevertheless, his faith proved true when it was put to the test. God warned him of the coming end to all life on earth and told him to build an ark, which Noah knew was just a small wooden chest. But when God gave him the dimensions, Noah suddenly knew God was giving him a chance to save his family. Would he move "in holy fear", which is consistent with faith, or would he do what so many do today and simply assume God won't follow through with consequences? We, like Noah, live during wicked times. But we have the choice, as he did, to stand for righteousness, to let our actions demonstrate that life isn't guaranteed beyond this day, and that if we want to be blessed by our relationship with God, we ought to take Him seriously and do what He says. God would prefer we be motivated by love, but if not, we better be motivated by fear. This week at Friendship, we'll talk about what it means to obey God and faithfully live with the appropriate "Holy Fear". If the recent events in our nation have brought you to a point of realizing your own mortality and the brevity of your life, then join us for this important message and encouragement to walk humbly before our great and powerful God!