With Great Power

"With great power comes great responsibility." That was a quote from the movie Spiderman. Yet, even watching a Marvel Comic movie, you can find the spiritual if you look and listen closely. The Bible tells us in Acts 1:8, "but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and Judea and Samaria, and even the remotest part of the earth" (NASB). Notice, Jesus never told the disciples, much less even us, that we would be anything else for Him but to be His witnesses. The Greek meaning of the word "witnesses" comes form the word "Martus" which derives from the word "Martureo." This is where we get the word "Martyr." This means, we are to be His "witnesses" in our testimony and in our speech. Again, with great power comes great responsibility. As the Lord continues to grow His church, His desire is to utilize the tools that are in His hands-US! You and I are to be a "tool" in the hand of God, an "arrow" in His quiver, obedient to His plan! May we learn easy as His children. Throughout the Bible we read how God's judgment fell on His people for lack of spirituality and lack of obedience. The same dangers can also lurk amongst us at FCOH if we are not spiritually inclined to His plan. I want to give you 7 "bombs" that can destroy the church if we are not careful.

1.) PRIDE: 5.) PRESTIGE:
2.) POSSESSIONS: 6.) PLEASURE:
3.) POPULARITY: 7.) PEOPLE:
4.) POWER:

*Pride can destroy a church when the individual is not teachable and humble.
*Possessions can destroy a church when the desire of the individual is focused on "treasures" on earth rather than the "treasures" that are in heaven.
*Popularity can destroy a church when the individuals begins to believe his/her own press. Wants to rub elbows with the "in-crowd." (MAY THIS CHURCH NEVER HAVE AN "IN-CROWD"!!)
*Power can destroy a church when we recognize our "clout" and try to advance ourselves. A servant is never over his master! The only power that should lead this church is the Holy Spirit and God's Word!
*Prestige can destroy a church when the individual believes that he/she is irreplaceable. Remember, we can all be replaced. Don't take being used of the Lord for granted much less trying to throw our "weight" into the mix to attempt to change things.
*Pleasure can destroy a church when we think we deserve "special treatment" amongst others. Let us remember, we are members of FCOH for the purpose and honor of worshipping at the feet of our King, not at the feet of His prince or princess!
*People can destroy a church basically because of a sinful life! It takes ONE individual to say ONE thing about ONE person and it can destroy a life, marriage, friendship and a church. Proverbs 17: 4 says, "An evildoer listens to wicked lips, A liar pays attention to a destructive tongue." One of my prayers as I have been away from the church as been that the Holy Spirit would bring such a person to complete repentance or that the Holy Spirit expose him/her and take them out of the church! Listen to what Proverbs 17:9 says, "He who covers a transgression (sin/mistake) seeks love, But he who REPEATS a matter separates intimate friends." Wow, what a way to destroy friendships! It's the moment you hear of a sin or a mistake from another brother/sister and than you repeat it to others as one of those "promise you won't tell" moments. May this never be! With great power comes great responsibility. The only way that we are able to see a move of God in the church is when there is a move of God in His people! These things have been heavy on my heart today as I have prayed for you. Let us "defuse" these bombs that can destroy a church by prayer, God's Word, and by having a genuine love for His people. Until next time- Pastor Sammy