Podcasts about fear of man

In Episode 223, we explore Luke 12:8-12 and one of the most personal and searching promises Jesus ever made. We've all been there—the moment when someone in the group says something that puts your faith on the spot, everyone turns to look at you, and the very human temptation is to take a small step back and quietly distance yourself. Jesus says: don't do that with Me. Through guided meditation, discover the breathtaking promise at the heart of this passage: "Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God's angels." This is one of the most personal promises in all of the Gospels. Jesus is saying: if you stand up for Me in front of people—if you own Me, claim Me, refuse to distance yourself from Me when it gets uncomfortable—I will stand up for you in front of the angels of God. The God of the universe will say your name. He will acknowledge you. He will claim you as His own before the heavenly host. And the reverse is equally sobering: "But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God's angels." This episode explores what this means in practice. This isn't about a single moment of weakness—Peter denied Jesus three times and was restored. This is about a pattern. A life lived at a careful distance from Jesus in public. A faith kept carefully private to avoid the cost of association. A habit of staying quiet when His name comes up, of omitting Him from conversations where He belongs, of being known as a good person but not as a follower of Jesus. This episode also explores the relief Jesus offers to those who are afraid of speaking up. When you're put on the spot, when you're brought before authorities, when you don't know what to say—don't worry. The Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said. You don't have to have all the answers. You don't have to be a theologian or a trained apologist. You don't have to have a perfect argument or a polished testimony. You just have to be willing to stand up. And when you do, the Holy Spirit will show up. Learn how to identify the specific situations where you've been quietly distancing yourself from Jesus—the conversations where His name hasn't come up but it should, the relationships where people don't know you follow Him, the moments where someone said something about faith and you stayed silent. Discover what it means to stand up for Jesus not just in safe spaces but in the places where it actually costs something. Find the courage and confidence that comes from knowing that when you acknowledge Jesus publicly, He acknowledges you before the angels of God—and the Holy Spirit will give you the words when you need them.

In Episode 222, we explore Luke 12:4-7 and Jesus' profound teaching on the two kinds of fear—and which one is actually worth having. Jesus addresses His disciples as "dear friends"—a tender opening before He says something that sounds hard: "Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. But I'll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he's the one to fear." Through guided meditation, discover the two kinds of fear Jesus identifies. The first is the fear of people—fear of what they think, fear of what they might do, fear of rejection, ridicule, and loss. This is the fear that keeps us silent when we should speak, hidden when we should be seen, performing instead of living. It's the fear that gives other people control over our decisions, our words, and our lives. Jesus says: don't be afraid of them. They can harm your body—but that's the absolute limit of their power. They cannot touch what God holds. The second kind of fear is the fear of God. And here's where the passage takes a breathtaking turn—because Jesus immediately follows this call to fear God with the most tender and intimate image imaginable. Sparrows. Five of them sold for two copper coins—the cheapest possible transaction in the ancient marketplace. Essentially worthless by human standards. And yet God does not forget a single one. And then Jesus says something that should stop us completely: the very hairs on your head are all numbered. Not counted—numbered. God knows not just how many hairs you have. He knows each one individually. That is the level of attention, the level of care, the level of intimate personal knowledge that God has for you. This episode explores the profound truth that these two things belong together—the awesome power of God and His intimate, personal love for you. This is the God we're called to fear. Not a distant, indifferent power who rules from a cold distance. Not an angry judge waiting to catch you failing. But a Father who knows every hair on your head, never forgets a single sparrow, and calls you worth far more than a whole flock of them. Here's the truth about fear: when you truly fear God—when you understand how vast and powerful and loving He is—every other fear shrinks. The opinions of people lose their grip. The threats of the world lose their power. The disapproval of others loses its control. Because you realize that the One who holds everything is also the One who holds you. Fear of God doesn't paralyze. It liberates. Learn how to identify the specific fear that has been controlling your decisions, your words, and your life—and how to hold it up against the truth that you are known, numbered, and valued by the God of the universe. Discover what it means to take one step today that fear has been preventing. Experience the freedom that comes from replacing the fear of people with a deeper awe of the God who holds you.

Episode Summary Missions do not begin only across an ocean; they begin wherever God has placed a believer. In this GoMission interview, retired police officer Bill Chaney tells Mark Gillmore how weekly soulwinning became a way of life and followed him into daily police work. His testimony of compassionate witness, workplace opposition, and trust under authority challenges every Christian to reject the fear of man and speak for Christ where they are. Topics Discussed Discipleship and weekly soulwinning Bringing the gospel into daily police work Showing compassion to vulnerable people Facing discipline after sharing a gospel tract Responding respectfully to authority while trusting God Support from fellow officers How God reopened a closed door for witness Key Takeaways Every workplace and daily setting can become a mission field. Consistent discipleship builds habits of faithful Christian service. Personal evangelism begins with seeing people and caring about their greatest need. Respect for authority and confidence in God are not opposites. No closed door is beyond the ability of God to reopen. Courage begins with the next faithful opportunity to speak for Christ. If you've been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

This is The Energy to Heal, your resource for all things Splankna, the faith-based inner healing modality that will help you achieve emotional freedom. In this episode, Laura Milliken explores one of the greatest invitations of the Christian life: living free from the opinions, expectations, and approval of other people. So many of us unknowingly build our emotional stability around circumstances we can't control—whether it's how people treat us, whether they approve of us, or whether life unfolds the way we hoped. But Jesus offers something radically different. In this episode, Laura unpacks what it means to live from an inside-out peace that is rooted in Christ rather than external circumstances. Drawing from Scripture and practical examples, she explains how the fruits of the Spirit naturally grow from intimacy with God—not from trying harder—and how believers can begin breaking free from people-pleasing, fear of man, and emotional reactivity. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the fruits of the Spirit are evidence of abiding in Christ Paul's secret to finding contentment in every circumstance How to stop depending on external validation for your peace Why people-pleasing keeps us emotionally stuck What it means to live with an "Audience of One" Practical ways to respond to criticism, disrespect, and difficult people How Scripture renews the mind and reshapes emotional patterns Why true freedom is found in surrendering control to Christ If you've ever felt emotionally hijacked by other people's opinions, this episode will help you discover what it looks like to live with a peace that cannot be stolen.

What controls your decisions: fear of people or fear of God? In Judges 6, we see how the fear of others can keep us from living in faithful obedience, but God's presence gives us the courage to trust Him instead. Pastor Joel Tomkinson explores how hearing God's truth, holding onto His presence, and honoring Him above everyone else weakens the grip of fear and leads to a life of bold faith.

What controls your decisions: fear of people or fear of God? In Judges 6, we see how the fear of others can keep us from living in faithful obedience, but God's presence gives us the courage to trust Him instead. This message explores how hearing God's truth, holding onto His presence, and honoring Him above everyone else weakens the grip of fear and leads to a life of bold faith.

Are you trapped by the fear of man or caught in the cycle of people pleasing? Discover how to break free from this spiritual bondage and live as a true “Godleaser” rather than a people pleaser. In this powerful message, we dive deep into understanding the biblical concept of fear of man, its roots in idolatry, and practical steps for living a life focused on glorifying God instead of seeking human approval.In this transformative teaching, you'll learn how the snare of people pleasing entraps believers and how to replace that with a profound desire to please God alone. Drawing on insights from well-known biblical counselors like John Piper and Lou Priolo, the video explores the dangers of codependency and constant approval-seeking from others. It also offers biblical truths and encouragement to place your identity, value, and worth fully in Christ rather than in the opinions of people.If you struggle with seeking approval, avoiding conflict out of fear, or sacrificing God's will for man's praise, this message is your spiritual breakthrough. Learn why people pleasing is idolatry, how it hinders your walk with Christ, and what it means to serve only one audience — God.### Key Content/Main Points Covered:- Definition and biblical understanding of the fear of man and people pleasing - John Piper's concept of Christian hedonism and replacing lesser pleasures with God's glory - Lou Priolo's emphasis on the bondage and futility of people pleasing - Personal testimony on overcoming approval addiction in ministry and life - Practical reflections on motivation, conflict, and living for God's approval alone - Scriptural insights from Galatians 1:10, Proverbs 29:25, and Romans 1:25 revealing the dangers of seeking man's favor - Encouragement to repent from idolatry and fully lean into God's grace and identity

In Episode 191, we explore John 7:11-19 and the profound contrast between the crowd's fearful silence and Jesus' courageous boldness. The Jewish leaders are searching for Jesus at the festival, and the crowds are grumbling about Him. Some argue He's a good man. Others claim He's a fraud who deceives people. But notice what happens: no one has the courage to speak favorably about Him in public. Why? Because they're afraid of getting in trouble with the Jewish leaders. They're afraid of losing their standing. Fear silences truth. But then Jesus shows up. Midway through the festival, He goes to the Temple and begins to teach. And He speaks boldly—not apologetically, not carefully, not with one eye on the crowd's reaction. He speaks truth. Through guided meditation, discover the key to Jesus' boldness. He explains: "My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me." Jesus isn't speaking to build His own reputation or win approval. He's speaking to honor God and do God's will. This is the crucial distinction Jesus makes: "Those who speak for themselves want glory only for themselves, but a person who seeks to honor the one who sent him speaks truth, not lies." When you speak your own message, you're protecting yourself, managing how people perceive you, afraid of consequences. But when you speak God's message, you're free. You're not trying to win approval. You're trying to honor God. The crowd remains silent because they're afraid. Jesus speaks because He's focused on something bigger than the crowd's approval—not because He's fearless, but because His mission transcends the need for human validation. This episode challenges you to examine what truths you've been silencing out of fear. What message from God are you too afraid to speak? What would it cost you to speak it? Learn how to distinguish between your own message and God's message, and why speaking God's truth requires releasing your grip on others' approval. Discover practical steps for identifying your fear, assessing whether it's bigger than your commitment to God, and finding the courage to speak truth to one trusted person today. Find the freedom that comes from honoring God instead of the crowd, and experience the boldness that flows from knowing your approval comes from God, not from people.

Proverbs 29:25 says, "Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety." There are a lot of people who fear others, instead of trusting in the LORD. As Christians, God's opinion should be the most important thing to us. Ask yourself, "What is the fear of man stopping me from doing or driving me to do?" This message will help lead you to the truth found only in Christ.

Ps Matt Pritchard

Ps Matt Pritchard

Are you being controlled, intimidated, or threatened by the fear of man? In this bold message, Pastor Steve exposes how the fear of man operates as a snare — trying to control you relationally, intimidate you socially, and threaten you physically — and shows you how to break free through radical obedience to God. From the powerful story in Acts 5, discover:- Why the apostles chose to obey God rather than men- How to exercise your faith without compromise- The boldness that comes when Jesus is your ultimate defender- How to stand strong when culture pressures you to conformWhat has the fear of man been holding you back from? It's time to break free.

When Christians grow to where God becomes our greatest fear instead of men, we can enjoy God and love others well

Shame is a powerful and damaging emotion. It can make us hide who we are, what we believe, or the message God has entrusted to us. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains that shame is closely connected to fear—especially the fear of what others think. Paul warned Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony about the Lord or of those who suffer for Him. That warning is just as urgent today. Many Christians have allowed the world to shame them into silence, hiding the Gospel, softening Biblical morality, or retreating from God's standards. But Paul's command is clear: do not be ashamed; instead, join in suffering for the Gospel by the power of God. Dr. Youssef points believers to the ultimate reason we can stand firm: Jesus has conquered death. Through His cross and resurrection, Christ has not only defeated death for His people—He has broken the fear of death itself. Because of Him, we can give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord, knowing our labor is never in vain. If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed. Praise God that you bear the name of Christ, and stand firm in the victory He has already secured. Prayer: Father, may I never be ashamed of the Gospel. May I remember that I am Yours even in death. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile” (Romans 1:16). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Never Give Up, Standing for the Gospel: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

At any point, we all have chosen to do or not do something, say or not say something, based on what others might think. It's normal for humans, but it's a trap. Continuing our "What Do You See?" sermon season, Pastor Jon Chasteen preaches a timely message on the fear of man—how it traps us and how we can overcome it. We pray this message is encouraging to you! Key Scriptures: Jeremiah 1:4-12 (NLT) Proverbs 29:25 (NASB1995) Matthew 10:28 (NLT) Connect With Us: To learn more about Victory Church and to get connected, visit us at https://victory.church/ Worship Gathering Times: To see locations & worship gathering times, visit https://victory.church/locations/ Prayer: We believe in praying big prayers to a big God and expecting big results. If you're in need of prayer, our team would be honored to pray with you. You can reach us for prayer at https://victory.church/prayer Giving: At Victory, we steward God's resources well and with radical generosity. If you'd like to give toward the mission of Victory Church, visit https://victory.church/give/ Follow Us: OKC Campus: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorychurchokc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victorychurchok Edmond Campus: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoryedmond/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victory.churchEDM Grapevine (Texas) Campus: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorychurchgrapevine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089341962919

Discover how the gifts of the Spirit are meant to adorn the bride of Christ and confirm the word of His grace, empowering you to walk in supernatural power!

What if the most loving thing isn't the comment everyone else is leaving? Before you hit "proud of you," "you look beautiful," or "live your truth," ask yourself: are you encouraging someone toward life, or cheering them further into the very thing that's destroying them—and what does God think about it?#ChristianTikTok#ChristianReels#JesusChrist#BibleTruth#BiblicalTruth#ChristianPodcast#FaithOverFeelings#KingdomMindset#FollowJesus#DiscipleOfChrist#LoveAndTruth#SpeakTheTruth#TruthInLove#RealLove#BiblicalLove#ChristianLiving#ChristianEncouragement#FearGod#RepentAndBelieve#Watchman#CultureAndChrist#CounterCulture#ChristianPerspective#WorldVsWord#ModernChristianity#HardTruth#DeepFaith#ThinkAboutIt#TruthMatters#WakeUpChurch#LikingTheirPostsWontSaveThem#YoureNotHelpingThem#LoveDoesntCheerForSelfDestruction#IdentityInChrist#CreatedByGod#SpiritualDiscernment#ChristianContent#BibleTeaching

Sara teaches on the fear of man and the detriment it has on all of us when fear the approval of strangers versus the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.

You are seen by the King of Kings. Release the need for validation and let Jesus breathe life into your broken places.

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What the Bible calls the fear of man goes by many names in modern parlance, often cloaked in socially acceptable language or chalked up to personality quirks. But beneath the surface of these terms is a controlling belief system—a misplaced trust in people over God. When we speak of traits like insecurity, peer pressure, or people-pleasing, we're not just pointing out emotional struggles or behavioral patterns. We are exposing a functional theology—a core belief system about where our hope lies and what ultimately defines our worth. The fear of man is far more than a social discomfort; it's a faith issue. It reveals where we are placing our confidence. Read, Watch, Listen: https://lifeovercoffee.com/synonyms-for-insecurity-or-fear-of-man/ Will you help us to continue providing free content for everyone? You can become a supporting member here https://lifeovercoffee.com/join/, or you can make a one-time or recurring donation here https://lifeovercoffee.com/donate/.

4/27/2026 – Blake Glosson, on combatting the fear of man in our identities

Jason Eby presented this message on 4-26-2026 at Wellspring Mennonite Church

Do you struggle with the fear of other peoples' opinions, not getting their approval or being rejected? Are you finding that your perspective and your decisions are being clouded by a fear of what other people think? You may be wrestling with the influence of the fear of man. If recognize you struggle with the […]

In this episode of Compared to Who?, Heather Creekmore welcomes Morgan Krueger to discuss the idea of living for something greater than ourselves, particularly through a Christ-centered lens. Morgan Krueger shares her personal journey from seeking the approval of others and wrestling with identity, to finding freedom in magnifying the Lord above all else—even during seasons of major life transition, including job changes, moving, and motherhood 00:53-03:16. Together, Heather Creekmore and Morgan Krueger explore themes such as the fear of man, the dangers of self-focus, and the liberating practice of self-forgetfulness inspired by Tim Keller's The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness 05:06-06:50. They discuss biblical stories, like Mary and Martha, and the difference between Christ's invitation to "come" and his command to "go," emphasizing the importance of being with Jesus before doing for Jesus 09:33-10:13. The conversation then delves into the tension Christian women feel between cultural pressures to be busy and productive and the biblical call to rest and trust 10:13-11:16. They candidly address the traps of shame and pride, the relentless pull to center life on self-glorification, and the continual invitation from Jesus to return, receive grace, and reorient towards Him 15:20-18:14. Heather Creekmore and Morgan Krueger highlight that our deepest issues with identity, approval, and body image are not just shaped by culture but by the condition of our hearts, and that true rest and purpose are found in magnifying God's name, not our own 24:29-26:03. Morgan Krueger introduces her new book, Made to Magnify: Choosing to Live for Jesus When Everything Tells You to Live for Yourself*, which explores these themes in greater depth and offers encouragement and practical guidance for women seeking to center their lives on Christ. The episode closes with information on how listeners can connect with Morgan Krueger and a reminder to focus less on comparison and more on living in the beautiful invitation to follow Jesus. *Amazon affiliate link. Made to Magnify by Morgan Krueger – Available wherever books are sold Tim Keller, The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness Follow Morgan Krueger on Instagram or visit her website: morgankrueger.com Connect with Heather Creekmore: Compared to Who? website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Dr Jeffrey Arthurs joins Mike Neglia for a rich and encouraging conversation about preaching, courage, and the freedom that comes from fearing God rather than fearing people.The discussionincludes a striking quotation from Puritan preacher William Gurnall:"We fear men so much because we fear God so little. One fear cures the other."That idea opens the door to a wide ranging conversation about the fear of man in ministry and how a deeper awareness of God reshapes the way we preach, lead, and serve.Jeffrey Arthurs shares insights from decades of preaching, teaching, and mentoring preachers. Along the way he offers practical wisdom on understanding the people we preach to, communicating with clarity and specificity, and learning how different biblical genres should shape the way we proclaim Scripture.In this conversation you will hear about:The difference between fear of man and fear of the Lord in ministryWhy specificity makes preaching more powerfulThe importance of understanding both the biblical context and the congregational contextHaddon Robinson's Subject/Complement approach to sermon structureThe difference between feedback and feedforward when helping preachers growThe hidden hope inside biblical lamentWhy different literary genres in Scripture should influence our preaching styleWhether you are a seasoned preacher, a young Bible teacher, or someone who simply wants to communicate Scripture more clearly, this conversation is full of thoughtful encouragement and practical insight.About Jeffrey ArthursJeffrey D. Arthurs is Professor of Preaching and Communication at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. His passion is helping people proclaim the Word of God with clarity, faithfulness, and creativity.His books include Preaching with Variety, Devote Yourself to the Public Reading of Scripture, and Preaching as Reminding. Before entering the classroom he served in a wide range of communication roles including pastor, missionary, announcer, and ministry consultant.Upcoming Training WeekendMay 15th-16th, 2026 at Reliance Church in Temecula, CaliforniaTake advantage of early bird pricing until April 26th – only $120 per person!Register Today!The Expositors Collective is a network of pastors, leaders, and laypeople which exists to equip, encourage, and mentor the next generation of Christ-centered preachers. What to expect:In this interactive training weekend, attendees will hear insightful lectures, participate in Q&A panels, meet in small groups with a seasoned mentor, build ongoing relationships, and participate in a studying/teaching practicum.Who should attend:Christ-following men and women of all ages, ministry experience, and church backgrounds who are students of Scripture and desire to grow as teachers of the Word. Whether you're a regular Bible teacher or have never taught the Bible in a public setting before, this training weekend offers invaluable tools to equip you in your journey.ConnectJoin our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

Jacob Mitchell Preaching on Luke Chapter 12.

In this sermon, we will see four steps to overcoming the fear of man.

Hear God say to you in all your troubles, “I will deliver you. You will triumph in the end. You will be more than a conqueror.”

By Mary Lindow   I welcome you to today's podcast and look forward to sharing this message with you!  I told you in my last podcast that had some things on my heart that we're concerning me as well as just observing some of the trajectory of things going on, I guess we could call it “largely in the Body of Christ”, as well as the Lord allowing exposures and allowing things to be brought to light when others choose to not fear and revere the Lord.  When they have no real understanding of how long he gives us before we are allowed to have that brought to light.   In Ecclesiastes 8:5-6 it says, (This is the key scripture I'm using to address part of this message.) “Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure. For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a man's misery weighs heavily upon him.”   BEING TESTED, STRETCHED, AND RESTRAINED. It's in all of our lives as believers, we face times and settings where there is a feeling of being pulled and tested, stretched and restrained. Often, during these excruciating events, those who avoid personal character development tend to give unrestrained advice, spiritualized platitudes, and often, trumped up words of “so-called” prophetic inspiration to help us not suffer so much!   As we begin to see the Lord's plan in all of this we also come to understand that if we are not first hearing His voice, His heart, His word in the matters that are straining us, nothing any man or woman says can bring the ultimate light of clarity and release!   WE HAVE WINTER, SPRING, SUMMER, AND FALL. We all face seasons of change that correspond much like the four seasons we observe yearly. Nothing is more surprising than to have an interruption of what we anticipate to be what is "normal" for an earthly expectation, in one of those seasons. When a sudden ice storm blows in unexpected in the late spring and encrusts the tender blooms on fruit trees and garden plants, we are devastated by the loss of not only the blooms, but also the fruit it could have produced. It appears as if there has been a cruel storm, sent to cause crop failure.   UPHEAVAL. LOSS. DISAPPOINTMENT.  For many listening to or reading this message, you feel as if you have experienced a "Crop failure", perhaps several, and just can't take one more aching disappointment.  Many hearts have passed their tender agonies on to me on paper, in emails and through the telephone.   ANGUISH HAS ITS OWN PERFUME I have also heard the whispers of the voices of darkness try to entice, with wearisome words of worry, paranoia and doubting! "Give up!" they say!  “What good is this time of shaking doing?" "What possible good can come out of believing that there is something occurring that will bring a fresh and healthy  move of God's goodness, when all seems to have stalled or strained?"   In Galatians 5:19-21 Paul lists the works of the 'flesh' (“sinful nature”).   In the middle he mentions “idolatry, sorcery” (NKJV) or “idolatry and witchcraft” (NIV).   THE CONTROL CONNECTION! This is our fallen, rebellious, sinful nature. And if not brutally dealt with - this insidious root can deceive even the Christian believer if he of she is not transparent before God and is in humble, healthy and mature relational accountability to other members in the Body of Christ!  (Not easy to do…but healthy!) But real godly accountability must be vulnerable at all times, wise in listening to advice, and not selective about what things WE want to be accountable for or not.    “Delicatessen Accountability” is not going to bless your life,  and it will frustrate your family and friends to tears.     HUMILITY HAS NO PROBLEM EXPOSING ITSELF. It's a natural outpouring of what is in the heart of a true follower when put under the pressure of the test of exposure.   NOTICE IN THE BOOK OF ACTS THAT SOME BELIEVERS  OPENLY CONFESSED THEIR SINS TO ONE ANOTHER!   Acts 19:18 says,  “Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds.”   AND AGAIN IN THE BOOK OF JAMES, ALL BELIEVERS ARE URGED TO CONFESS THEIR SINS  HUMBLY TO ONE ANOTHER, AND ALLOW THEM  TO BE PRAYED FOR AND HEALED OF HIDDEN WRONGDOING!   James 5:16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other, and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”     So! What's The Definition of ACCOUNTABILITY?  Accountability - noun responsibility."  Liability, answerability :  the quality or state of being accountable;  especially,  an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions   THIS NATURE OF THE FLESH OFTEN MANIFESTS ITSELF,  EVEN IN INFANCY, IN EFFORTS TO CONTROL OTHER PEOPLE!  We feel secure if we can control others. Then they do not threaten us!  They do what WE want!     GOD, ON THE OTHER HAND… …NEVER SEEKS TO CONTROL US. He respects the free will He has given to each of us, although He does hold us responsible for how we use that freedom.   THERE ARE THREE WAYS THE DESIRE TO CONTROL OTHERS EXPRESSES ITSELF:   ☑ MANIPULATION ☑ INTIMIDATION ☑ DOMINATION   THE GOAL IS DOMINATION! People who recognize that they are weaker than those they seek to control, tend to manipulate. Those who feel stronger tend to intimidate.  But the end purpose is the same:  TO DOMINATE -  meaning…. … To control others and get them to do what we want.   MANY FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS PORTRAY THIS. Husbands intimidate their wives by fits of rage or actual violence. Wives manipulate their husbands by tears and hurt feelings, and often making them feel guilty for their shortcomings.  Parents frequently intimidate or manipulate their children.  But, alternatively, children can become extremely good at manipulating their parents.   ONE MAIN TOOL OF MANIPULATION … … IS GUILT. Once we learn to recognize the desire to control others as an evil, manipulative force, we will see it at work in many different areas.   ONCE WE RECOGNIZE THESE DEVICES ARE  DISGUISES OF REBELLION, WE REALIZE  THAT IN OUR CONTEMPORARY AND POST MODERN CULTURE  WE ARE BEING EXPOSED CONTINUALLY TO ITS PRESSURE!      This sure gives new meaning to Paul's statement in 2 Corinthians 4:4 that says,  “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers”.  People who are in the habit of using manipulation or intimidation to control others will be taken over by a deceitful spirit masquerading itself in many cloaked forms, often shifting it's present behavior or mask, in order to influence others to THEIR  WAY way of thinking.  This is still a form of evil.  After that they will be unable to relate to anyone apart from these tactics. “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” -Proverbs 28:13   “Then I acknowledged my sin to you,  And did not cover up my wrongdoing. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "- And you forgave the guilt of my sin.”  Selah. -Psalm 32:5     EVERY PERSON MUST MEET THE CONDITIONS FOR BEING SET FREE Psalm 38:18 says “I confess my wrongdoing; I am troubled by my sin.”   ON ONE SIDE, THE PERSON EXERCISING CONTROL MUST REPENT AND RENOUNCE HIS OR HER DESIRE TO CONTROL. ON THE OTHER SIDE, THE PERSON BEING CONTROLLED MUST REPENT OF SUBMITTING TO SUCH CONTROL. (This does not mean necessarily a separation from the relationship… but a healthy detaching from 'being controlled' as the relationship functions.  Fear is at work underneath this structure… fear of man…etc.)   FEAR OF MAN. What IS That? It is obvious that we must fear God rather than man. If we fear man more than God, we will displease God most of the time, because man's ways are usually opposite of God's.   THE WORD "FEAR" MEANS TO "TREMBLE". The fear of man may be evident by someone being overly fashion-conscious, needing to be noticed for their trendy appearance. Other forms of having the fear of man is being easily embarrassed (even when doing right), being quick to defend ourselves (with lies, if need be), the telling of grandiose or constant lies and deceptions to gain honor from others, by pretending to understand when we don't, by giving compliments which we don't mean, by pretending to agree when we should disagree, by avoiding giving criticisms and warnings even when necessary. AND, here's a big one. Gaslighting or planting suspicious seeds about someone else in order to appear more credible or spiritual to peers.  Oh the insidious nature of the flesh!    OBVIOUSLY, A MAN-FEARER WILL NOT ONLY DISPLEASE GOD,  BUT WILL ALSO ULTIMATELY BE CONSIDERED TOTALLY UNSTABLE AND UNTRUSTWORTHY BY OTHERS - BECAUSE HE OR SHE WILL CHANGE THEIR MIND AS SOON AS THEY FACE SOMEONE ELSE.   In other words, the "honor" that they receive is only a momentary acknowledgement for "convenience" provided by their man-pleasing deed.  ➡️ Man-fearers are "used" and then despised. ⬅️ Besides… …WHO KNOWS WHEN A "MAN-FEARER" MAY TURN AGAINST YOU, AND "SLAY" YOU, SO THEY CAN OBTAIN HONOR FROM OTHER MEN OR WOMEN?   Look at the way politicians cave in under pressure due to the fear of man and loosing face in front of the “Big MONEY OR INFLUENCER People”! EVEN if a man-fearer was loved by another, he or she is not loved, but actually his/her “pretended-self” is the "one" that is loved.   WHAT GOOD IS HAVING FEAR OF GOD AT WORK IN OUR LIVES?  PROVERBS 9: 10 says, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom"   The word 'fear" means to "reverence". One who fears God is more concerned about what God thinks than what men think. (ACTS 4:19)  The result of this fear, this reverence is a single-minded obedience to God's Word, and a single-minded aim to glorify God!    A GOD-FEARER IS WILLING TO SUFFER SHAME AND PAIN RATHER THAN TO DISOBEY GOD. (Like Daniel and his friends did. Read DANIEL 3).     THE FEAR OF GOD IS: THE RESULT OF LOVING HIM BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US! Fearing Him because He is constantly watching us,  and  Expecting from Him alone, all our present and eternal rewards.    Since man's ways are usually opposite to God's, there will be a continuous struggle in us whether to honor God or man.   The fear of God is pretty evident in many instances by practicing a godly carefulness regarding being "In fashion and trendy ", having a slowness to be embarrassed before men, speaking that will not only compliment but  will also warn (in a gracious and loving manner, Romans 10:18), having a quickness to defend God's honor, and a quickness to admit your own mistakes. Having a cautiousness to accept lavish and public compliments, and having a quickness to give the glory to God in a humble manner.   SOMEONE  WHO FEARS GOD IS STABLE, PREDICTABLE AND TRUSTWORTHY  He or she will simply obey God's Word and will not change their mind because of man's faces or “undertones of condescension.”   FRIENDS!  WE MUST STOP JUST "ACTING" SPIRITUAL! WE MUST "BE" SPIRITUAL. We must stop concentrating on the outside and start concentrating on the inside. Management experts say that there is no formula for success but God says: "Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them,  so that you may flourish in all that you do" (DEU. 29:9).   In the midst of these strains and attempts to distract comes a clear undeniable "Divine Tension" that pulls and stretches the heart of the humbled believer. It calls simply, firmly, and does not lack a depth of confidence and direction. This “Presence” causes a clash with all that seems to be "the way of man" and will not relent.   THE EARTH IS IN TURMOIL! It doesn't take much to understand that the earth is in upheaval, rivalry, and chaos wherever we look. There is a tangible and penetrating "tension" in the events we are seeing unfold every day.  Parallel to this explosion of pure evil and lulling to sleep of many, there is a Divine Course being laid out for those who have come to the end of themselves.     ETERNITY IS IN THE SIGHTS OF THOSE LOOKING TO A KINGDOM YET UNSEEN! The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have been preparing a bride.  This is done only through the shaping tools of heavenly choice. The chisel and hammer have been at times brutal and unflinching, yet when the soft hand of The Almighty begins to apply the oil of polishing,  He does it with His own hand as well. He makes it beautiful in His own timing, even though the “Divine Tension” seems as if it might cause us to "snap" under the pressure of His hand, smoothing away the roughness of our thoughts and soul's intentions.   Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; Yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”   HEARING, REFINING,  and HEEDING These three words can be hard to listen to at times.  The King of all Glory is training those who have been thrust on the altar of fire to hear from Him as one who strains to catch the song of a bird in distant meadow. It takes the "spiritual ear" and training it to identify even the slightest note or sound, however distant, and to learn to silence the sounds and voices of distraction until the "honing in" on the sound, the glorious sound of peace, finally directs and sustains us with all that we hear. And then, having drunk deeply of the Voice of the Beloved and Divine Counselor, quickly, without the mental filing way of instructions, or the weighing of how much it might cost, we move and heed His mapping out of plans for this appointed time.   Isaiah speaks so clearly about those who desire to honor God fully and who see the world in need of the telling of the good and beautiful truth of the sacrifice that Jesus was for their redemption.     As I read this passage in closing, I would encourage you to speak it as if it was your very own words. Speak them before the Lord and own them, take them to heart and allow him to use you more beautifully and purposefully in the days ahead, more than ever before.   Isaiah 61 1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,Because the LORD has anointed me To preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim freedom for the captives And release from darkness for the prisoners,   2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor And the day of vengeance of our God, To comfort all who mourn,   3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion To bestow on them a crown of beauty Instead of ashes, The oil of gladness Instead of mourning,  And a garment of praise Instead of a spirit of despair.   They will be called oaks of righteousness, A planting of the LORD For the display of his splendor.”   Wow! These are such beautiful words!  I just love reading the words of God and speaking them out loud.  Speaking these words to remind myself that this is the voice of the ONE who created me, the voice of the Savior who died for me, and the power of the comforter, the Holy Spirit, the advocate. The one who comes alongside to help! These are the Beloved Ones, and the ones who have loved me and they function in a unit of such glorified deity that I stand in awe that they acknowledge that I am loved and wanted and valuable enough that a life was spilled and spent, that I might have eternity!    I thank you for listening today and I ask the Holy Spirit to speak these words clearly to you and that you would ponder and let them move deeply within you in these days where there is just so much noise and so many good and “not so good” podcasts to listen to.  Sometimes  you just feel like you get hooked on listening to certain threads or certain themes, and I have found myself needing to pull back a little bit and just be quiet, just be still!   You know friends, the greatest gift to a believer is peace in the presence of God, and then rest comes from that.    I encourage you to maybe share this podcast with someone else who needs to hear it! Good bye for now!   Duplication and re-transmission of this writing is welcomed provided that complete podcast source and website information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You! Copyright  2026 "THE ADVOCATE OF HOPE " ~ Mary Lindow www.marylindow.com https://marylindow.podbean.com/   If you would be so kind and assist Mary helping her to meet other administrative needs such as website and podcast costs,  or  desire to bless her service in ministry with Spirit-led Love gifts  or regular support: Please JOYFULLY send your gift in the form of:  ► Personal Checks ► Business Checks ► Money Orders ► Cashiers Checks To:  His Beloved Ministries Inc.  PO Box 1253 Denver, Colorado 80614 USA    Or feel free to use our send a tax-deductible gift with Pay Pal   paypal.me/mlindow  Under the name of - Mary Lindow His Beloved Ministries Inc.    ALL gifts are tax-deductible under His Beloved Ministries 5013c non-profit status.   We are financially accountable and have been in full compliance since 1985.  THANK YOU!

This sermon exposes the fear of man as a soul-snaring rival to the fear of the Lord, showing how human approval quietly dethrones God, corrupts worship, and distorts the entire Christian life. From Proverbs, it argues that true worship can only grow where God is feared above man, while the fear of man turns obedience, identity, and even church life into a performance. But the good news is that Jesus Christ stood fearless where we have compromised, bore the shame of our cowardice, and now frees us to live and worship in the security of the Father's unchanging approval.

In this eye-opening MTNTOUGH Podcast episode, host Dustin Defenderfer sits down with world-renowned high-performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais—performance coach to Olympic athletes, Super Bowl champions (Seattle Seahawks), elite military units, and host of Finding Mastery podcast. Dr. Gervais dives deep into why fear of people's opinions (FOPO) is the #1 constrictor of potential for men today, blocking generational impact, chain-breaking purpose, and world-changing pursuits. Drawing from The First Rule of Mastery and real-time Olympic examples (Mikaela Shiffrin's gold-medal mindset shift), he unpacks training the mind to master thoughts/emotions, escape performance traps, build post-traumatic growth, and thrive under pressure—while addressing rising male numbness, complacency, anxiety, depression, and the critical need for community, present-moment focus, meditation, and fundamental commitment to being your best. A must-listen for hunters, dads, entrepreneurs, and men ready to break free from fear and live dangerously aligned.Join Dustin Diefenderfer, Founder of MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab and creator of the MTNTOUGH+ Fitness App in the top podcast for Mental Toughness and Mindset. (P.S.

Are you living for God—or for people's approval? In this vibrant episode of A Voice In The Darkness, Gwendolyn Fourté empowers you to break free from the fear of man and walk boldly in obedience. It's time to silence intimidation and step into fearless faith! #FearOfMan #BoldFaith #ChristianPodcast #FaithOverApproval #AVoiceInTheDarkness #GwendolynFourte

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: https://www.lvbaptist.org/wfmz-program/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

Jarek Berga - January 25th 2025 When fear gives people more weight than God, idolatry quietly takes root. In this message, Jarek pauses our journey through Matthew to walk us through Exodus 32, the story of the golden calf. Rather than treating idolatry as an ancient or obvious sin, Jarek exposes how fear subtly reshapes our worship today—especially when the voices of people begin to carry more weight than the voice of God. When the vertical relationship with God fades, the horizontal pressures of approval, performance, and independence grow until people feel like giants and obedience feels impossible. Through the contrast between Aaron and Moses, we see two very different responses to pressure. Aaron edits God's word to calm the crowd, preserving peace at the cost of obedience. Moses, however, goes to God for the people, interceding rather than compromising. This distinction becomes the heart of the message: fear elevates people above God, but love brings people before God. The sermon ultimately points us to Jesus, our greater High Priest, who succeeds where Aaron and Moses fail. While we often cave, stay silent, or resist authority, Jesus always lives to intercede for us. He pleads our case before the Father, restores proper perspective, and frees us from the exhausting burden of seeking approval or defending independence. As His voice becomes the loudest in our lives, people return to their proper size—and God returns to His rightful place. Learn more about our church: https://restoredtemecula.church Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restoredtemecula and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restoredtemecula #Exodus32 #Idolatry #FearOfMan #Intercession #JesusOurHighPriest #Obedience #RestoredTemecula Share this message with someone who needs to hear it. Chapters (00:00:00) - Ideal for False Worship(00:01:33) - Prayer for the Day(00:04:02) - The Year of 1955(00:07:50) - Living in a Fallible World(00:13:36) - Alexeya: Echoes of Anxiety(00:16:54) - Exodus 32: Who brought Israel out of Egypt(00:20:06) - Aaron and the Idolatry(00:22:10) - Fear of the People(00:29:33) - The Reasons Why Aaron Had to Die(00:34:35) - Fear of Losing Approval(00:37:45) - Exodus 32:7-8 Moral Perspective(00:42:57) - The Lord of the Israelites(00:48:35) - Moses the Desecrator(00:52:45) - Jesus the Message for the Hebrews(00:59:14) - A Giant in the Court(01:02:33) - Wonders of the Church Prayer

What if boldness isn't just for street preachers with megaphones—but God's call for every believer? In this new episode, John and Lisa share how real, Spirit-filled courage is born through surrender, overcoming the fear of man with the fear of the Lord. Through their own stories and Scripture, you'll see that biblical boldness isn't harsh or hype—it's truth spoken with authority that comes from being with Jesus. Watch now and let God awaken holy boldness in you!_____________________________________________FREE Show Notes Here: https://page.church.tech/266d69f7_____________________________________________Order premium meat now through Good Ranchers—use code “BEVERE" at checkout: https://go.goodranchers.com/bevere____________________________________________Click here to start your free extended trial with LOGOS today: Logos.com/Bevere____________________________________________Our generous listeners who faithfully support this content monthly make Conversations with John and Lisa possible. Support this podcast by becoming a Partner here (tax-deductible): https://3szn.short.gy/conv 

FEAR OF MANPrioritizing... self?Pleasing others (needing their approval)Impressing others (wanting their praise)Fearing others (fearing their opinion, their power)Protection from others (stuck in their influence, their wounding)FREEDOM in CHRISTChrist over us.Christ in us. Christ as us.

There is a very common type of fear identified in the Bible that is not talked about much. It is the fear of man. It's a fear of people and it can include intimidation, peer pressure, social anxiety, isolation, and insecurity. The fear of man can lead us to make choices that aren't right for us or avoid making decisions at all. Main Points:1. When we are filled with the fear of man we are no longer focused on God, his presence, and his power in our lives. The fear of man leads us to a place of bondage and enslavement. We become slaves to our fears and unable to move forward.2. The fear of man asks: What do people think of me? Will they accept me? What if I'm rejected? What if they don't like what I'm doing? How can I face something like that?3. The will of God for your life is peace and rest. God's will is for you to live with confidence in your Heavenly Father's love. When we fear others we live for their approval. As believers, we are to live for the approval of God.Today's Scripture Verses:Psalm 29:25 - “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”Hebrews 13:6 - “So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”Galatians 1:10 - “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”Psalm 27:1 - “The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?”Proverbs 14:27 - “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

In this powerful conversation originally recorded for Lecrae's podcast, The Deep End, ******Francis Chan joins Lecrae for an honest and deeply personal dialogue about insecurity, identity, and the love of God that casts out fear. Together they explore the fear of man that grips so many leaders today, the dangers of living for approval, and how the revelation of God's love transforms everything. Francis opens up about his own journey from striving and performance to living securely as God's beloved - the same message that inspired his new book, Beloved.