RE Verse reading–Acts 2:41-47, 4:32-35 (day seven) “Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles” (2:43) Occasionally, I hear people say that awe means “respect or reverence”. Maybe so, but the Greek word used by Luke in Acts 2 is the common word for fear. (phobos-“panic, dread or flight”) One more place where the New Testament is obviously not designed to appeal to consumers. When the Holy Spirit makes the presence of Christ real, we will fell afraid. . .uncomfortable. . . not in charge. . . vulnerable. Unless we encounter a God who makes us “want to run” (at least in part), we may not be dealing with the true God. Until we fear (sin and discipline and the possiblity that the Father would be displeased), we have probably not gone far enough into the life He has promised. Church is supposed to be awe full. Those who fear God ususally don’t fear anything else.
