Fear Means Fear.

I have heard much smarter men then me(and in truth not so smart), and men that should know better push a doctrine that is absurd. They substitute the word “fear” for the word “awe.” That we should be in awe of Yehovah and not in fear of HIM. There are two problems with this.
1.“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Mathew 10:28). I can go on and on about fear being fear. Instead I will show the implications of this bad thinking. “At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish those who are complacent, who are like wine left on its dregs, who think, 'The LORD will do nothing, either good or bad.”(Zephaniah 1:12). The Bible shows how Yehovah operates in lives of men back then, today, and till the end of time.
2.Feeling “Awe.” I cringe a little in my heart when any pastor wants his congregation to feel anything. We are powerless to start any sincerely good emotion towards GOD. We are sinful in our very soul. Our emotions are corrupted. Holiness and joy are as far from each other in our minds, we might as well have dictionaries begin with the letter 'H' and end in the letter 'j'. We can put on a smile. We can laugh. But it is not real joy nor laughter. You relate to GOD because he revels Himself in a related fashion. If GOD shows you HE is a mighty fortress. Then you take that testimony into you heart and you can always relate to HIM as your Mighty Fortress. Same with Salvation, same with joy, same with redeemer, same with LORD, same with king, same with ALL-IN-ALL. Wanting does not mean having. Seeking does not mean possessing. You knock then the door is open. You seek then you find. You ask then you are answered. Which means you are going to know unrest before you find HIS rest. You are going to be striped of strength before you find HIS strength. I am a Christian I should be able to relate to GOD as I want. You can't. Your will is weak.