Spread the Fire - May 2008 - (Page 16)

it was for a purpose He was yet to disclose. Have we taken the revival spoils and fashioned them to resemble the religion we’ve always known or to serve our selfish purposes? Have we substituted what we’ve fashioned for the real presence of God? It is time to ask ourselves, what are we doing with what He’s given us? God gave us this blessing to fulfill His purpose for our lives as ambassadors of His Kingdom, so have we done any better than the Israelites did in the wilderness? less, because that’s what the people want. Without realizing they are compromising, a leader like this says, “I want revival,” but they blame the religious status quo on the people. “It’s the congregation’s fault. It is they who want a golden calf. I want God’s glory to come, but the people keep whispering in my ear. And I am afraid they will all leave the church, so I’m giving them what they want!” At that moment, there is nowhere to turn but to a substitute for the real presence of God, a life content with mixture. Leaders, we need to recognize that if we do not passionately pursue Him, then what hope is there for the people? MIXTURE Things got worse at the foot of Sinai. When Aaron saw the golden calf, he built an altar before it and proclaimed, “Tomorrow is a feast to the LORD.” The next morning the wild party began. Aaron made a golden calf to appease the people and only hoped that it would please God. Looking at the image of the golden calf, one of the gods of Egypt, he proclaimed a feast to the God of Israel! God hates mixture; and when He saw Israel’s revelry, He sent Moses down the mountain. SEPARATION IS COMING After Moses confronted Aaron, he confronted the people and cried out, “Who is on the Lord’s side?” The sons of Levi gathered to Him. Before God could reveal Himself further, he had to separate the people who wanted Him from those who were content with mixture. God is pouring out His Holy Spirit all over the world, but there is a choice to make. Are we going to jump into this living river of God or stay on the Full immersion in God’s presence has forever transformed God was hurt and angry and was ready to disown and destroy Israel; but Moses stood between God and the people and interceded for them and the scriptures tell us that God “repented” of His anger against them. Then Moses went down and confronted Aaron, the leader who ironically was to be the future High Priest. Are there any similarities in the Church today? I don’t want to be a leader like Aaron who will continue to settle for banks? Are we going to settle for the comfortable, familiar place and remain lukewarm, or are we going to become red-hot for the Lord? God is saying today, “Who is on the Lord’s side?” Do you want to see your loved ones and friends get saved and other Christians go deeper? Postponing the inevitable decision to act will only help them build their golden calves. So what can we do? It is certainly not time to criticize, but we can do what Moses did for Israel which was to pray. S TF - 1 6

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Spread the Fire - May 2008

Spread the Fire - May 2008 Contents In the River From Mystery to Clarity: Understanding the Language of Heaven Don't Settle for a Substitute Marooned in Bolivia The Sign of Israel's Blooming International Itinerary Resource Center Catalogue Visitor Information Upcoming Events

Spread the Fire - May 2008

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