Who we at the First Church of God

We are that country church in the city with old fashion values, hymns, and picnics.

We are a biblically based conservative congregation that worships the Lord in the full power His Spirit.

We are a conservative Bible teaching church upholding conservative family morals and values.

We are that safe haven that brings back the nostalgia of Grandma’s chicken dinner and homemade apple pie on a Sunday afternoon.

We invite you to join our family here at The First Church of God of Westminster, a family of God, striving to be more like Christ Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit

Services

Sunday
Worship Service 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday
Adult Bible 6:00 p.m.
Prayer Service 7:15 p.m.

Saturday
Women's Ministry (3rd Saturday) 9:15 a.m.
Men's Breakfast (3rd Saturday) 9:15 a.m.

Getting Connected

Pastor
Raymond Duvall Jr.

Music Director
Brenda Clarke

Adult Sunday School
Russell Hicks

Women's Group
Tress Duvall

Jr. Church
Dorothy Duvall

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Is Fear To Be A Part Of Our Lives?

The short answer is both yes and no, it all depends on what type of fear you are speaking of. The Bible mentions two specific types of fear. And states that one is to be definitely a part of our life, as where it is just as emphatic that the other is not to be a part of our life. Therefore, to answer our question we will need to have an understanding of both types of fear.
Let’s start with the fear that is to be a part of our life. The first type of fear is the fear of the Lord. This type of fear does not necessarily mean to be afraid of something. Rather, it is a reverent awe of God; a reverence for His power and glory. However, it is also a proper respect for His wrath and anger. In other words, the fear of the Lord is a total acknowledgement of all that God is, which comes through knowing Him and His attributes.
The fear of the Lord brings with it many blessings and benefits. It is the beginning of wisdom and leads to good understanding (Psalm 111:10). Only fools despise wisdom and discipline (Proverbs 1:7). Furthermore, fear of the Lord leads to life, rest, peace, and contentment (Proverbs 19:23). It is the fountain of life (Proverbs 14:27) and provides a security and a place of safety for us (Proverbs 14:26). This type of fear, the fear of the Lord, will lead you to salvation. For this reason I encourage you to embrace and develop a fear of the Lord.
Now, the fear that is not to be a part of our life, the second type of fear mentioned in the Bible is not beneficial at all. This is the “spirit of fear” mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind”. A spirit of fearfulness and timidity does not come from God. From the book of Genesis to the book of Revelation God tells us to “Fear Not”.
God says, “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10). Often we fear the future and what will become of us. But Jesus reminds us that God cares for the birds of the air, so how much more will He provide for His children? “So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:31). Just these few verses cover many different types of fear. God tells us not to be afraid of being alone, of being too weak, of not being heard, and of lacking physical necessities. This cautioning persists throughout the Bible, covering the many different aspects of the “spirit of fear.”
In Psalm 56:11 the psalmist writes, “In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” This is an awesome testimony to the power of trusting in God. Regardless of what happens, the psalmist will trust in God because he knows and understands the power of God. The key to overcoming fear, then, is total and complete trust in God. Trusting God is a refusal to give in to fear. It is a turning to God even in the darkest times and trusting Him to make things right. This trust comes from knowing God and knowing that He is good.
Once we have learned to put our trust in God, we will no longer be afraid of the things that come against us. We will be like the psalmist who said with confidence “…let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you” (Psalm 5:11).