That which we abide in cannot stay hidden, because what we have rooted ourselves in or given ourselves over to will eventually bud out and sooner or later the fruit will be known. Jesus said, "He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit" John 15:5b (read John 15.) We as individuals should never abide in or borrow from those things that are rooted in the world and its system, in hopes of adding something to our lives so that our walk with the Lord would be closer. John led of the Holy Spirit wrote, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world...And the world passeth away" (I suggest you read I John 2:15-17.) This world is fleeting and the fruit of this world is deceiving in that it looks good on the outside but the inside is rotten. Sin is often wrapped in the cloak of deception. What you see is certainly not what you will get. Many have fallen as they have walked in the flesh and been duped by the deceiver.
Our churches will only be as strong as each individual member. The children of Israel learned this at Ai when they experienced a great defeat because of Achan's sin (read Joshua 7:1-26.) As the pastor prays, visits, preaches and teaches, the people will be exposed to the word of God and the possibility for growth will be off the charts. But each church member has a choice and a decision to make; die to self and be filled with Holy Spirit and allow God to do a work in them as they follow the Lord and His commandments, or walk in the flesh and allow the world to be as weeds to hinder their growth while having a defiant affect on the church. The individual church member will either add revival fire to the church or they will act as water on the fire. A question that we should all ask ourselves.
I recently read these words from Andrew Murray and they ring true today, "The freer the church is of the spirit and principles of the world, the more influence she will exert in it. The believer sees that the only way to answer his calling is by being crucified to the world. The only way to withdraw himself from its power is to live in Christ and to rely on Him to go into it and bless it. He lives in heaven and walks on earth."
I have a burden for my pastor friends and the folks who attend their churches. Revival fire will only burn as bright as the fire that is found in each individual believer.
Our churches will only be as strong as each individual member. The children of Israel learned this at Ai when they experienced a great defeat because of Achan's sin (read Joshua 7:1-26.) As the pastor prays, visits, preaches and teaches, the people will be exposed to the word of God and the possibility for growth will be off the charts. But each church member has a choice and a decision to make; die to self and be filled with Holy Spirit and allow God to do a work in them as they follow the Lord and His commandments, or walk in the flesh and allow the world to be as weeds to hinder their growth while having a defiant affect on the church. The individual church member will either add revival fire to the church or they will act as water on the fire. A question that we should all ask ourselves.
I recently read these words from Andrew Murray and they ring true today, "The freer the church is of the spirit and principles of the world, the more influence she will exert in it. The believer sees that the only way to answer his calling is by being crucified to the world. The only way to withdraw himself from its power is to live in Christ and to rely on Him to go into it and bless it. He lives in heaven and walks on earth."
I have a burden for my pastor friends and the folks who attend their churches. Revival fire will only burn as bright as the fire that is found in each individual believer.
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