The Fear Of The Lord: Discover the Key to Intimately Knowing God

by John Bevere

Unlock the treasures of salvationIt is time to give God His due honor and reverence in a way that will revolutionize your life in your worship, prayers, and personal life.



 

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian Living, Spirituality, Christianity, Christian Non Fiction

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 1997

About the author

Marked by boldness and passion, John Bevere delivers uncompromising truth through his award-winning curriculums and bestselling books, now in more than 60 languages, including "The Bait of Satan," "Drawing Near" and "Driven by Eternity." He is an international speaker and co-host of "The Messenger" TV program broadcast worldwide.

John enjoys living in Colorado Springs with his wife, Lisa, also a best-selling author and speaker, and their four sons.

Reviews

[Pauline Codrington]

One of the most eye opening books I've ever read. A must read for all believers!

[Deborah Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking, heart challenging. To know the fear of the Lord is to understand the love of the Lord.

[Alvaro Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sin dudar uno de los mejores libros que he leído. John es de mis autores favoritos y la manera profunda pero clara con la que aborda este tema es impresionante. El temor de Dios al igual que su amor son dos cosas sin las cuales no podemos llegar a la meta propuesta por Dios y mucho menos mantener una vida de intimidad con Él. Recomiendo este libro a cada persona que quiera ser su íntimo, llevar una vida bienaventurada y conocer sus planes, pero sobre todo su corazón.

[Darryl Burling · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meandering and frustrating

The author is an unstudied man and it shows in the way he treats the scriptures. He also roots the fear of God in the wrong place, ignoring the centrality of the character of God and replacing it with “insights” he received “from the Lord” directly. I don’t like to give poor ratings but this is not a book I would recommend. Study more and beware your imagination.

[Clara⚘️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reprimanding starts in the last 1/3 of the book and it was spectacular.

We have a growing disease in the church, it is a sickness called "An absence of the fear of God".

We lack the holy & burning fear of God. The western church is irreverent, myself included.

[Honeybee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good book every Christian should read. Too many believers--in America, anyway--take God for granted. We are too casual toward Him, regarding Him as our buddy. While Jesus did say He regarded His disciples as friends (John 15:15), He is still our Lord, and we need to approach Him with more respect.

John Bevere does a great job of explaining the whys of this concept. He points out that many Christian leaders camp on the Scriptures that emphasize God's love--especially 1 John 4:18. Yet, I know from my own personal study that the fear of the Lord is referenced many times over, as well. As Bevere points out on page 22 of his book, the only people in the Bible that God called His friends are "those who tremble at His Word and presence and are quick to obey...." Many people believe that the fear of the Lord was just an Old Testament concept, but the author points out verses--such as 1 Peter 1:15-17 and Hebrews 12:28--that urge New Testament believers to fear God.

The author shares an interesting pattern repeated over and over in both the Old Testament and the New: God restores Divine order, then reveals His glory, then enacts judgment against those who do not regard Him with proper reverence. He asserts that the Lord does not reveal His true glory to those who aren't prepared to fear and obey Him.

He also talked about different types of fear. If we fear God, but don't love or trust Him, then we run away and hide from Him. If we fear men or desire their respect and adoration, then we do not fear God. What you truly fear and/or value is what you will serve. According to Bevere and verses like Psalm 25:14, those who don't fear God don't really know Him, and He is not going to be intimate with them.

In a discussion about 2 Timothy 3:1-4, Bevere points out that our contemporary churches are so concerned about attracting numbers, that we overemphasize the "goodness of God to the neglect of the fear of Him" (page 95). This leads people to the notion that they can do whatever they please, and God is obligated to excuse it. However, passages in the epistles of James and John indicate that the person who truly knows God will be even more likely to do what is right, out of a holy fear of God. In fact, they say the person who continues to sin shows that they really don't belong to God at all!

Christians talk about revival and the "latter rain" of God's spirit, yet we see so little of true movements of God these days--at least in Western churches. It's because we don't honor God as we should, and because we are trying too hard to control what happens in our worship services. We have become so casual in our regard of the Lord that we have lost our distinction, and therefore, our influence.

Bevere talks about the benefits of the fear of the Lord--how it keeps us from sinning and wandering into trouble, helps us focus on what matters, makes us open to hear from Him, etc. It helps us "see" what God is really like; whereas an improper regard for Him blinds and confuses us. The book concludes by leading the willing reader in a prayer asking God to develop a holy fear inside.

I appreciate a lot of what the author says in this book. He does a great job of integrating Scripture, personal experiences, and examples from history and his public ministry to illustrate his ideas. I feel like the fear of the Lord is one of the missing elements in modern churches, and it's why we don't see more healing, deliverance and lasting life-change in our congregations. Some of the things he says I feel are conjectural and stretch the Scriptures a bit. But most of this book is spot-on.

To gain maximum benefit from this book, you do not want to read it quickly. I read a chapter a day and meditated on what I read during my quiet time. I also reread and highlighted important points and took notes in the margins. In addition to enhancing your personal devotions, this would be an excellent choice for a Bible study. I especially encourage church leaders to read this, since you set the tone for your congregations--and thereby make God more or less accessible to your people. Any Christian who wants to grow deeper in your walk with the Lord should read and apply the principles in this book. If enough people do, then maybe we'll start to see a real move of God in our churches!

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

What is the fear of the Lord? Why does it matter? John Bevere explores the importance of the fear of the Lord through Biblical narratives and his own experience as a pastor and speaker.

I read this before, a really long time ago, and I remember being memorably struck by what he had to say. This time around, I felt like I was left with more questions than answers. Bevere wrote this book back in 1997, a time when Christianity was still pretty popular and my own youth group was shelling out cash left and right for WWJD shirts and youth conferences that were more like rock concerts. All that to say, this book feels outdated. I read this with some other ladies, and while we did find some helpful nuggets, the church simply doesn't look like the church of the 90s, and so a lot of what Bevere says comes across as legalistic or overly harsh. He is also coming from a charismatic background, so anyone that is not part of that tradition may struggle some. My biggest challenges were his seeming references to being able to lose your salvation and mishandling of Scripture to prove a point that, for me, is not clear in Scripture, such as the history of Israel being a trajectory for the church on a one to one comparison. Overall, I probably wouldn't recommend this book, but I would be willing to read his newest, The Awe of God, to see if time has brought more timeless truths.

[Kells Next Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual Ratings: 4.25

[Dergi Santana Martínez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una joya de libro. Uno de los mejores libros que he leído.

[Go2therock · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit, I watched this author on you tube and that moved my rating from 4 to 3 stars. I detest the practice of a speaker having his audience repeat things he says, some purposely and some randomly.

That said, reading this book was a good focus on recognizing the reality of who God is, as best my little mind can grasp, as I speak with him in prayer throughout my day. Fearing God is very much misunderstood, and John Bevere did a great job of using scripture to help us to see what holy fear is, and how important it is to the Lord.

Added plus is that his writing is broken up into manageable pieces so I could cover a comprehensive area and return later with a solid train of retention. For those of you over 40, you will understand how helpful this is. ;D

[Shannon]

Everyone must read this book and learn about "the fear of the Lord" and what God means when He speaks of it in scripture.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

the building shook, shadow of Peter cured and much more.

[Denise Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read it in one day. It kinda lost me the historical context. It talked about the difference between being afraid of God and fearing God. When you’re afraid of God you draw away from Him because of judgment and when you fear God you draw closer. I liked how he pointed out people nonchalant attitude during service. It was suggested that we have a different type of attitude out of reverence for God. He talked about preaching sermons that might make people feel uncomfortable so they can grow closer to God as opposed to many large charges preaching what people want to hear. God is holy so therefore we respect Him and we demonstrate our respect by obedience with pure motivation. It talked about balancing God’s attributes of love and sovereignty.if we focus too much on His love we could be tempted to believe He’s a pushover or not serious about consequences. We should acknowledge His power also to prevent future judgment. Delayed judgment doesn’t denied judgment. I liked the chapter about friendship with God. Throughout book it says we sometimes treat God as a buddy and fail to recognize His power. Although He’s personable don’t forget He’s holy. It talked about Christianity seems like a club when people join trying to fit in without having a relationship with Christ. Although God is omnipresent He makes His presence known in the natural realm usually during prayer, worship music and church sermons

[LaDamian Ammon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel “The Fear Of The Lord” by author John Bevere is not a fictional book. I really enjoy books about religion that are written from the perspective of the author. He goes into depth on his religious views and experiences that affected his views on christianity. I also really enjoyed reading about John’s argument on the importance of holding fear towards the lord as a christian and how it benefits your relationship with God and how holding fear and praise towards the Lord makes us open to hear from him. Most of the story he is talking about his personal past experiences with ministry, most taking place in the summer of 1994. I do not dislike anything about this book because I love hearing others opinions. It is a really good read and I highly recommend.

[Anna Wilkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook in two sittings and I think the strength of it lies in the stories told in between the exegesis. My heart turned over hearing the incredible supernatural experiences that followed times of repentance and consecrating again to a life of reverence to God. His criticisms of the church at the beginning of the millennium are not unfounded concerns, but in print or through an audiobook narrator who is not stating them with broken-heartedness makes some of what he says come off in tones of condemnation. However, I appreciate his focus on the the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and God's plan for the last days and took it as good medicine.

[Alaina Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful. Convicting. Truthful. Applying the principles of this book will change your relationship with God for the better. As believers, we want His glory to be revealed in us, yet we don’t reverence Him or give Him the glory due His name.

Living in his fullness and abundance requires obedience. Obedience comes from a profound respect. The promises given to those who fear God are worth it! I want to be His trustworthy, faithful friend!

I will revisit this book again, for sure! So much to chew on.

[Anne-Marie Madore · Rating 4 out of 5]

An evangelist came to our church. She spoke highly of John Bevere's book, The Fear of the Lord. Shortly after I bought it and read it for myself. What a great read. The book opened my eyes on the importance of having the fear of the Lord in our worship and daily lives. To fear the Lord is not to be afraid of Him, but to always have great respect for Him. This book is a keeper, and among my collection in my Faith Library.

[Chase Polishchuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although he spends far too much time on the experiential in the early portion of the book and in a few sections at other points within, John Bevere presents a solid work on the theology, the importance, and the practical implications of what it means to truly fear God. Personally, I was challenged and convicted about how I ought to relate to the King of kings and how my walk ought to model a holy reverence for Him. I highly recommend this for anyone wanting to grow in their walk with Christ.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought provoking and challenging read. I enjoyed the way John Bevere tracked through Old and New Testament showing how God set up an order of worship then released His glory and judgment. We live in such a time of grace where He calls us friend but we must not become contemptuous and forget to fear Him. We are carriers of glory and that is a huge calling and responsibility.

[Sara Mister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't let the title deter your from reading this book! It is a great and encouraging read! Helping you learn more about the Lord and how to live in a honoring for Him. Fear of the Lord and our understanding of fear are two different things. This book is able to help you understand this difference and live a set apart or holy christian life. I highly recommend this book!

[Kesia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bevere tackles the big topic of 'The Fear of the Lord' in a understandable and comprehensive way.
The way he breaks down the topic into different sections is really helpful in understanding the big picture.

As I was reading I found myself taking breaks just to ponder on challenging things and to repent every now and then. So convicting and loving. Will be back to read again!

[Joel Toppen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been several years since I last read this book by John Bevere. Back in 1999 this was the first of his books I read. Since that time I've read this one several times over. Each time through I've received fresh insights. This is a book that will challenge and directly confront worldly mindsets. It is very much worth prayerfully reading and considering.

[Denice Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lord is Kind anything other than His kindness is not of the heavenly Father. He may be strict yet He is Kind. God is good. He is loving, forgiving and shows mercy. The fear of the Lord is a great book! With full of respect guided by a Holy Spirit will make you embrace the book's content as it has been laid by Mr. John Bevere

[Matthew Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this first in high school and really enjoyed it. Now, I read it again, and although I do feel that the fear of the Lord is generally missing from our churches I feel that this book is at times judgemental and also gets a little repetitive by the end.

That being said, it is still worth a read as a reminder of the importance of fearing God.

[Erinn Yoder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cannot recommend this book enough! This is my second time reading through it and I gleaned just as much from it (if not more) than the first time I read through it about 7 years ago. Such a good reminder and challenge to believers and the Church to operate from and be submitted to the holy fear of the Lord. Plan to periodically re-read this book to keep its message fresh in my heart and mind!

[Lana Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this via Audio while doing a Bible Study on John Bevere's book "The Awe of God" which is his second book about the Fear of the Lord. I think reading this first book added more depth to our Bible Study because it goes into more detail about the Fear of the Lord. This study is transformational regarding relationship with our Heavenly Father.

[Drew · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wouldn't have read it if it wasn't in a stack of books that have been on my shelf a long time...

There are a number of good and right things to rejoice in in this book, but also tons of weirdness and error. Charismatic hermeneutics are quite odd, and the revivalistic ideal seems to drive every one of their aims.

[Geoffrey Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book with good godly principles, there are bits in it about how the spirits are moving in a congregation that made me put it down, but I am glad that I pick it up again after months and I truly got a lot from it.

we are living in a culture that over empowers the human spirit. We needs to be more measured. This book is a good way to remind us of that through the scriptures.

[Kayla Kilgore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book should be on every Christian’s bookshelf. The author is a deep well of wisdom and tells his life stories in digestible ways.

The only thing is that after reading the book, I began to read his other books and they all have the same stories. A very impactful piece of literature but kind of a copy and paste when comparing it to his other work.

[Daniel Read Good · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly believe everything in this book is God inspired and that anyone who reads this with an open heart and longing for God’s truth, will be blessed by it. The principles laid out here are excellently made and his exegetical explanations of Scripture are sound. I very much look forward to reading more from John Bevere.