Overcoming the Spirit of Fear.

The Lord warns that in the end times people will be overcome by a spirit of fear.

`And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men`s hearts failing for fear and the expectation of those things, which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken.` (Luke 21: 25 & 26)

However He encourages us, saying -

`These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.` (John 16:33)

The Lord by His Holy Spirit enables us to overcome the world`s spirit of fear. As we learn to walk by the Spirit we receive His enabling to stand for the truth of His character of care and compassion; and our minds, sober and teachable.

`God has not given to us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.`                                                                                                                                    (2 Tim. 1: 7)

Overcoming, looking expectantly for the Lord to come.

The Apostle Paul often encouraged the believers to comfort and encourage each other especially as the Day of the Lord; (judgment) was drawing near.

`For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.`                                                                                                                            (1 Thess. 5: 9 - 11)

It is as the believers come together in 2`s and 3`s or a small group that this building up, encouraging and comforting can be effective. The Lord especially says that as we see the judgment of God coming that we are to come together more.

`And let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting, (encouraging and warning) one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.` (Heb. 10: 23 - 25)

The believers will be waiting eagerly, looking expectantly for the coming for the Lord. This is a very important attitude as many will be too busy about their earthly cares and material possessions.

`To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time.`(Heb.9: 28)

They will gather in houses as the early believers did and thus we have come full circle. The Lord, the Head of His Body has led His people over the centuries till finally they come to fully understand His character and His purposes - the whole Counsel of God.