Spiritual Growth

Pastor Martin introduces a series on the fear of God by demonstrating its overwhelming prevalence throughout Scripture. He surveys thirteen Old Testament and nine New Testament passages to show that the fear of God is a dominant and pervasive theme from Genesis to Revelation, concluding that to be devoid of the fear of God is to be devoid of biblical religion, and that the measure of spiritual growth is the measure to which one increases in the fear of God.

Pastor Martin undertakes a thorough study of what it means to meditate in the law of God day and night. He explains that the Hebrew word for 'meditate' means to mutter or mumble, connecting verbalization with focused thought. He identifies the object of meditation as the Word of God, the proper time as whenever the mind is free, and the great benefit as spiritual digestion -- bringing the general Word into direct contact with one's personal situation. He uses the analogy of the stomach in physical digestion and the art gallery illustration to show meditation's transforming power.