9:45 A.M. each Sunday with Bible Training.
I am "Theophobic" not "homophobic."
by Rev. John Stephen Brown, Pastor, B.R.E..
Friends, phobias, generally speaking, are unhealthy, unfounded, and too often they are simply unreal. It has been reported that a typical man has 2.21 phobias, while a typical woman experiences 3.55 phobias. These fears range from a morbid dread of open spaces (agoraphobia) to a terror of inclosed places (claustrophobia). Conceivably, someone reading these lines may have a fear of heights (acrophobia). Many people have an awful dread of a slithering serpent (ophidiophobia). One of my daughters when she was much younger would come running at the sound of cracking thunder (ceraunophobia). Why someone would be horrified of a domesticated cat (ailurophobia) truly baffles me, however, there are men and woman who are petrified by cats.
After years of indoctrination from the government schools, dubbed accurately by some wit as "public fools," many people have an impression of what "homophobia" is. There is no doubt that not a few people do indeed have a dreaded apprehension regarding those within the sodomite culture. Rather than being "homophobic," however, we should be "Theophobic."
Fears, as Bible believers readily know, are clearly forbidden in Scripture based upon 2 Timothy 1:7 which reads: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Also, Proverbs 29:25: "The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe." Nevertheless, there is one fear that is acceptable in the sight of God. It is what is called "Theophobic" (a fear of God). "Theophobic" is a holy, healthy respect for Almighty God.
Jesus cautions us when He said, "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28 It entails a deep reverence, awe, and veneration for HIS Word. will, and wishes. A "Theophobic" person has not the baggage and negative connotations associated with ordinary phobias. To be "Theophobic" means one that fears God. It is a word coined by combining two of the Greek terms: "Theos" which means God and "phobia" which means fear. "The fear of the LORD [is] clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD [are] true [and] righteous altogether." Psalms 19:9
I am "Theophobic" not "homophobic." I am not "homophobic" (fearful of homosexuals) because these misguided souls are but mere men and women with twisted minds and shriveled souls. To be "Theophobic" is clean we saw. Moreover, it is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom. Since I am "Theophobic," my reverence for the LORD and deep respect for HIS Holy Word causes me to fear God rather than men. Because I fear God, the sodomite life - death - style is denounced pursuant to the authority of God's Word. "The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:7. "The fear of the LORD [is] to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate." Proverbs 8:13
Holy Writ says that "The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy [is] understanding." Proverbs 9:10. All those that really know the LORD referred to as Holy realize the abominable nature of the sodomite. "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood [shall be] upon them." Leviticus 20:13
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man." Ecclesiastes 12:13
May God be glorified in each of our lives!
Sincerely,
Pastor Brown
Pastor Brown has served our LORD Jesus Christ at the Eternal Grace Baptist Church, which is a historical, particular, unregistered Baptist assembly of the persuasion that Christ's victory is good for time as well as eternity, for nearly fifteen years. You may reach Pastor Brown by Phone: (765) 522-1308 or E-mail: preacher@link2000.net (lower case). Snail mail: 8965 N. Co. Rd. 675 E. Bainbridge, Indiana
"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. What I can do, I should do. And what I should do, by the grace of God, I will do." - Edward Everett Hale