Book Review

BIOGRAPHICAL ENTRY

Dollar, Creflo, Overcoming Fear: Eliminating the Bondage of Fear, Meadville, PA, Christian Faith Publishing, Inc., 2017, 310 pp.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF AUTHOR

Creflo Dollar is the founder and senior pastor of World Changers Church International (WCCI) in College Park, Georgia, World Changers Church-New York, and several satellite churches throughout the U.S. which has over 36,000 members nationwide. His award-winning Changing Your World broadcast reaches nearly one billion homes around the world. He and his wife, Taffi, have five children and live in Atlanta, Georgia.

SUMMARY OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION: Fear is more than a figment of our imagination or something that can be overcome merely by exercising willpower. Fear is not normal and should never be tolerated on any level. Fear is a spiritual force that is designed by the enemy to steal, kill, and destroy. God’s love transcends the spirit of fear and with faith in God fear is flushed out, and God brings victory.

CHAPTER 1: “Understanding the Laws That Govern Life.” There are two laws that govern everything in life: The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ; Law of Sin and Death. The law that we submit to determines what will happen in our life. We have the power to change choose by saturating our self with life or with death.

CHAPTER 2: “Set Free from Bondage.” Fear is bondage. Fear is a sin because it is rebellion against the way that God does things. Fear is supported by a demonic spirit that will absolutely destroy your life. We overcome fear by focusing on the word of God and speaking it instead of the negative words that come from the enemy through the world’s systems. We must act against the torment of our fears.

CHAPTER 3: “Redeemed from Destruction.”Bad things happen in the world because Satan who is the god of this world. His goal is to destroy everything of God. We have authority over the enemy and the responsibility to shed light on his tactics, and make the power of God known to this world. We must cultivate s relationship with God so that we can know and recognize His voice when He speaks to us. Through angels God protects us from all dangers.

CHAPTER 4: “Destroying Fear through Covenant Awareness.” A covenant is a binding agreement between two parties. We must develop a covenant-awareness so that our faith is unshakable. A covenant mind-set will destroy fear. We come into covenant relationship with God through Jesus, and we are no longer subject to torment and bondage of fear. We destroy fears by trusting God. Our confidence is built by reading and rehearsing His word and acting on the word.

CHAPTER 5: “Refuse to Worry.” Worry is not a natural, uncontrollable emotion that is an inevitable part of life. Worry is one of the many faces of fear. Satan needs our fear to operate in our life. God needs our faith to operate in our life. Meditating on God’s words produces a mind-set that eliminates worry.

CHAPTER 6: “Doubt: A Faith Killer.” Doubt is one thing that will destroy our faith and keep the promises of God out of reach. Those who do not know the word of God are easily deceived. The secular mindset is creating an atmosphere that promotes doubt. The enemy speaks contradictions to the word of God to our minds, and he speaks through other people. We must saturate our minds with the word of God found in the bible and by hearing the truth from others that are convinced that God’s word is true. Focusing on contradictions to the word of God allows doubt to set in and contaminate our faith.

CHAPTER 7: “Anger: Fear in Action.” Fear is at the root of anger. The area of finance can lead to fear and anger; especially between spouses. Anger, like fire, can be destructive, o it can be beneficial. Feeling the need to control others through brute force is based on inferiority and is nothing more than a manifestation of fear. The Pharisees were often angry with Jesus because they were afraid of Him; feared losing control of the people. The antidote for fear-based anger is love.

CHAPTER 8: “Dealing with the Fear of Lack.” The financial systems of the world are failing. People fear that they will lack needed resources to meet their needs. The media promotes their fear of lack by emphasizing the economic woes being experienced today. Feeding the mind with the negative reports of lack increases our fear, and the likelihood that we spend our time worrying. If you are a believer, you have an unlimited source of supply. Hosea 4:6 says that lack of knowledge of God causes people to be cut of (destroyed) from the promises and provisions of God.

CHAPTER 9: “Fear: An Attack on Marriage.” The enemy has unleashed an attack on marriage; injecting fear regarding marital relationships. The goal is to destroy the foundation of the family. The key to a healthy marriage is to allow the God-kind of love, not fear-based selfishness, to be the foundation of our relationships with one another. Marriages don’t have to end in divorce if our relationship is based on love instead of fear.

CHAPTER 10: “Is Lust Fear-Based? Lust is based in fear. It is the desire to have something that is against the word of God. A person lust something when they fear that they will miss out on something. By focusing on the desired thing instead of turning away from it we get to the point of no resistance to the desire that resides in our heart. Lust is seen in the areas of sexual desire and our appetite for food. Lust can never be satisfied. The Spirit is our source of the love of God which drives out all of our fears.

CHAPTER 11: “Combating Fear of the End Times.” We are living in the days of the end times. Fear is in the hearts of those that do not know Jesus Christ. Violence, perversions and general lawlessness is increasing all over the world. People without the security of knowing Christ are becoming more fearful of what will happen to them in a world of uncertainties. Matthew 24 records Jesus’ words to His disciples that describe the fear that will grip the world, but they are secure because they believe in Him. Christians should demonstrate God’s love instead of giving in to fear. The Rapture (catching away) is certain. We can best ourselves for end-time events by developing in the love of God.

CHAPTER 12: “Overcoming the Fear of Abandonment.” Many people experience abandonment at an early age and it can affect our relationships in adult life. Abandonment results when four basic needs are not met: acceptance, identity, security, and purpose in life. God loves us, and He will never leave us. We must get out of our personal world of fear and insecurity. When emotions are ruling our lives we make bad decisions. If we allow God's love to eradicate our fears we will receive wonderful relationships in our lives and we will walk in Hid divine perfect will.

CHAPTER 13: “Redeemed from Death.” Death is something that most people do not want to think about. By shinning the light on the subject of death, we can live our lives with fearless confidence, knowing something wonderful awaits us. Human beings were created to live eternally, but they suffered spiritual death and physical death because of their disobedience. Jesus died for us so that we could be reconnected to God, receive His Spirit and have eternal life.

CHAPTER 14: “conquering the Fear of Failure.” The slogan “Just do It” is a phrase that speaks of fearlessness and confidence, one that communicates a sense of taking immediate action. God blesses us so that we have the might that is supernatural ability, to do whatever called calls us to do. We must have faith because god calls us to do what we are unable to do by our own strength. We have to trust God to empower us to overcome the devil’s obstacles. Moving beyond the fear of Failure involves three basic steps. They are Take authority, recognize that you have been empowered to succeed in life, and step out.

CHAPTER 15: “Pornography: Fear of Real Intimacy in Action.”Pornography is a multibillion dollar industry. Pornography is an attempt to create the illusion of intimacy. It is born out of fear of real intimacy with others, and ultimately leads to emotional isolation and despair. Staying focused is the key to dealing with the worldly enticements that bombard our senses every day. Pornography is selfish and self centered; seeking satisfaction with God. Pornography is a way to receive a sense of intimacy without having to risk hurt by another person.

CHAPTER 16: “Phobias: When Fear Takes Over Our Emotions.” A phobia is defined as a “persistent illogical fear” driven by our emotions and causes panic. Phobias are a prime example of the bondage attached to fear that keeps us confined to certain places and things. Phobias are grouped into five categories: single issue; complex; social; panic attacks; agoraphobia. Overcoming phobias begins with small steps that progress to full deliverance. Believers have the power, through the Holy Spirit and the love of God to overcome the spirit of fear.

CHAPTER 17: “When Will I Get Married?” When people have a fear of the single life they may rush into marriage. Mistakenly, some people think of marriage as a cure all for emptiness, loneliness and other unresolved emotional issues. A relationship with Jesus Christ is can sustain us while we are single. You can be doing what you are supposed to be doing. Trying to make things happen on your own timing out of fear disrupts the timing of God. Focus on your relationship with the Lord and wait for Him to bring the right person into your life.

CHAPTER 18: “The Fear of Man: The Ultimate Snare.” Some people live in fear of what others think of them. There are others that are just outright afraid of people. Fear of others hinders one from being all that God has called them to be. King Saul feared the people’s opinion of him, causing him to disobey the commands of the Lord. We can break free from the bondage of fear of people by knowing who we are in Christ, allow God to be the source of validation, and remain in God’s presence at all times.

CHAPTER 19: “Keys to Staying Fear-Free.” Fear and torment are a package deal which means that if you has one the other will be present. We need to know how to stay free of fear, and we must understand how to keep new fears from developing in our hearts and minds. God doesn’t want us walking in disobedience because sin opens the door to Satan, the enemy in our lives. Speaking the Word rather than the fear-filled thought is the way to attack any area where the enemy tries to attack us with fear. Fear causes us to try to hide from God. Instead of running from God we should when we make a mistake we can move into the light of His presence and allow him to set things right again.

CHAPTER 20: “Angels: God’s covenant Enforcers.” Understanding and appropriating the power of angelic protection is one of the most effective ways to live free from the paralysis and bondage of fear. Angels that protect us outnumber our enemies. We put our angels to work by declaring our covenant and speaking the promises of God in faith.

CHAPTER 21: “Plead the Blood.” The blood of Jesus has a debilitating effect on our enemy. Pleading the blood over the areas of our lives that fear tries to infiltrate renders Satan helpless, and is vital to our victory. Fear is a tool of Satan and an enemy to us that can be eliminated by the blood of Jesus that gives us access to the presence of God and his protection.

CHAPTER 22: “The Truth about the Fear of the Lord.” The fear of the Lord means that we honor Him, respect Him and obey His commandments. Obedience to God’s commandments opens the door for God’s love resulting in His protection and provision. Submission to one another is an act of our honor and respect for God. When we walk in His ways out of respect and honor, we are empowered to prosper. Living God’s way will keep us from the fear and torment that Satan brings to our lives.

CHAPTER 23: “How to Overcome Agitation.” The Word of God is an anchor when we face the storms and temptations of life. Standing on God’s word gives us His peace. Agitation is an emotion that has the potential to distract us and move us away from God’s will for our lives. Agitation leads to fear. We can cut off fear by meditating on the word of God. By keeping our mind on the word we are demonstrating our trust in Him. We make a choice to become agitated just as we make a choice to remain focused on God’s word.

CHAPTER 24: “The Victorious Power of God’s Love.” The key to walking in victory and success in your life is through having a working revelation of god’s love for you. Meditating on His love drives away all fear; keeps the tempter at bay, and opens the door for our lives that is lived in faith in God. Praying in tongues activates God’s love. As the fruit of the Spirit continues to grow in our lives, we become more conformed into the nature, character, and image of Christ. When we know and believe this love, we will live a fear-free life and begin to experience the supernatural power of God. Fear and love cannot live together.

CHAPTER 25: “Grace: The Key to Victory in Spiritual Warfare.” We are engaged in a spiritual war between our old self and our new self. Satan uses fear to keep us from being our new self. We must know the purpose of grace and how it is a weapon of spiritual warfare against the devil. The devil suggests to Believers that they must do something to have a right relationship with God. We come to fear that God is inadequate so we need to get involved. The grace of God is our weapon in spiritual warfare. Grace is given because we cannot keep the law. The new covenant of grace frees you from fear, guilt, and condemnation.

CRITICAL EVALUATION

In his book Overcoming Fear, author Creflo Dollar says that the devil convinces people that their problems are rooted in social and legal issues. However, these issues are rooted in fear because the devil uses fear to keep people from experiencing the love of God. In twenty-five chapters Dollar list the fears that we have and the behaviors that we have in response to our fears. Dollar says that we must understand the two spiritual laws that govern our life. They are the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus and the Law of Sin and Death. Dollar show us how these two laws are diametrically opposed to each other. The Law of Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus covers everything promised in the Word of God. On the other hand the Law of Sin and Death includes depression, fear, sin and condemnation; and all of these lead to misery in a person’s life.

We activate the grace and love of God by reading the Bible, meditating on its words, prayer, on a continual basis whenever the devil tries to infiltrate our minds with thoughts contrary to the Word of God. Thus, there is spiritual warfare between the strategies of the devil and the promises of God.

This is a well-written book, explained in simple words, yet detailed enough for the reader to understand how fear may be affecting their own life. Dollar consistently encourages the reader to look to Jesus for all things; believe His promises, and live in the knowledge and experience of God’s love. God’s love drives away all fears and gives us confidence in His promises of protection and provision.

In every chapter of the book Dollar utilizes scripture to establish his premise for how we can overcome our fears. Believers now have a tool to help them to understand that many of their behaviors are rooted in their fears. These can be overcome when we trust God to love us and keep His promises to us.