Lecture: Faith and Fear

Introduction

Classes aim to comfort us in a woofless wicked world.
Shout out to church leaders and members: Bishops, Captains, Deacons, Officers, and Soldiers for their good work in spreading the truth.
Encouragement for brothers and sisters to study and strengthen their faith.
Addressed to sisters regarding last week’s class and how all will be fine moving forward.
Encouragement for brothers and acknowledgment of their strength.

Definition of Fear: An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or threat.
Key Points About Fear:
- Fear is mental pain arising from expecting evil.
- Fear is a manipulation of emotions.
- How we handle our fears will determine our path in life.
Godly Fear vs. Fear of Man:
- Fear God: to obey Him by faith.
- Fear Man: to disobey God by sin.
Opposites:
- Fear is the opposite of faith.
- Fear is disbelief.

Ecclesiasticus 32:24:
- He that believeth in the Lord taketh heed to the commandments.
- Trusting in Him means never fearing the worst.
Romans 3:3: Faith is unaffected by individual disbelief.
Deuteronomy 28:15 & 64: Disobedience leads to curses, including dispersal and serving other gods.
Deuteronomy 28:65-68: Describes the suffering, fear, and uncertainty Israel faced.
Leviticus 26:17: Reiterates the curse of fear.
Luke 1:68-75: Prophecy of God’s salvation through the house of David.
Jude 1:14-15: Prophecy by Enoch about God's judgment.
Genesis 3:15: Protoevangelium - prophecy about Christ.

Modern Examples: Mayor revelations and modern-day practices reflecting ancient laws and fears.
Social Issues: Discrimination, systemic evils, and fear rooted in culture and history.
Personal Stories:
- Case studies illustrating the difference between faith and fear in daily life and decision-making.
- Motivational anecdotes about faith overcoming fear.

Historic and Modern Parallels: Comparing ancient Israel’s curses with modern-day societal issues.
Leadership: Role of spiritual leaders in guiding through fear and instilling faith.
Community and Unity: Importance of collective faith in overcoming communal fears.

Endurance: Faith requires constant reinforcement against a backdrop of societal fears.
Continuous Learning: Encouragement to always study and adapt to new truths in the context of faith.
Spiritual Warfare: Understanding the ongoing struggle between fear and faith in spiritual growth.

Reminder to live by faith over fear.
Encouragement to apply lessons from biblical texts to modern life challenges.
Final thoughts on the importance of communal support and leadership in navigating faith and fear.

Reference scriptures for personal study and deeper understanding are provided throughout the lecture notes.