Have you ever wondered why we don’t experience miracles like those recorded in the Bible? Recently I have been reading the book of Acts during my Bible Time and it is filled with accounts of powerful miracles the disciples performed by the power of the Holy Spirit. In almost every chapter I read, it seems like the lame and sick receive healing and demons are cast out in Jesus name. These powerful acts of the Spirit are all around the early church, but they don’t seem to be around churches today. It has always made me ask the question, what are we missing?

Recently, I’ve been pressing into reading more of the Bible than I typically would read in one sitting. It has helped me to better understand the context of the early church. I was just reading in Acts 4 and towards the end of the chapter, there is a section titled “The Believers Pray.” Through this chapter, I learned a few ways that the early church had the fear of the Lord.

They Asked.

With reverence and respect, they cry out to the creator of the universe asking for boldness to share the Gospel despite the Pharisee’s threats. Verse 31 says, “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly…” The very next chapter records the account of Ananias and Sapphira who end up lying to the Holy Spirit and disciples. Peter says “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit…” Long story short, both Ananias and Sapphira die by the power of the Holy Spirit. Acts 5:5 says, “When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened.” A great move of the Holy Spirit is followed by two crazy deaths which led to a great fear of the Lord.

They Shared.

What happens next is truly incredible! The disciples began to share the gospel and perform miracles of healing. All who are brought to the disciples are healed from sickness and impure spirits! The fear of the Lord helped unlock the power of the Holy Spirit.

I’ve always struggled with caring too much what others think about me. It has often made it difficult for me to step out and take risks. But the reality is, sometimes I fear man more than I fear God. If I want to begin living a life that looks more like the early church, then I need to fear God and revere his power. I need to hold God in a higher place of regard. If we want to have a life full of the Holy Spirit, we would do well to have a healthy fear of the Lord.

Matthew 10:28 "Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell."

Nate Earl is the Director of Weekend Celebrations. He oversees all of the production aspects of our weekend services. Nate is also married to his beautiful wife, Anna, and together they live in South Bend. 

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