FEAR OF GOD: THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM
There are some pretty awesome things going on in the book of Acts after JESUS is resurrected. In Acts 2:36-43 we see Peter preaching about the Baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT–a “Baptism of Fire,” not the symbolic baptism of water that John the Baptist performed but a supernatural Baptism, the Baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT. In this passage we see that Peter calls for repentance (key) and the gift of the Baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT in the name of JESUS CHRIST and 3,000 souls were added. NOW WATCH THIS: MANY SIGNS AND WONDERS WERE DONE AFTER THAT–Just like the other signs that happen in Acts leading up to this section. Was this event and the “signs and wonders” for this dispensation only as so many profess in today’s lukewarm churches?–Well not according to scripture.
Look and see: and ye shall receive the gift of the HOLY GHOST. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our GOD shall call…Well as far as I know GOD IS STILL CALLING–and this scripture DOES NOT SAY–but after this dispensation no one else receives the manifestations of the HOLY SPIRIT! The PROMISE IS UNTO YOU READER, YOUR CHILDREN, AND TO ALL THAT ARE AFAR OFF.
Then the thousands who received the baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT it says FEAR CAME UPON EVERY SOUL…Fear of what had happened to them? Fear of what the enemy would do to them? NO, they received the “beginning of wisdom”–FEAR OF GOD. Without the understanding of the fear of GOD as all powerful, omniscient, omnipresent, all knowing, then the church remains hopelessly lost and lukewarm without true reverence for GOD AND HIS ABILITIES.
Acts 2:36-43 (KJV): 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that GOD hath made the same JESUS, whom ye have crucified, both LORD and CHRIST. 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of JESUS CHRIST for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the HOLY GHOST. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our GOD shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
