The testing of our souls is shown in 1 Peter 1:7. Resistance; struggles; trials and such are things we are promised if we live lives Godly in Christ Jesus. ( 2 Timothy 3:12). There are many verses which exhort us to gain wisdom; endure hardships; suffer persecutions and the like as Disciples of Christ. The testing of our faith produces the fruit of love; joy; peace; longsuffering; etc.
Discipleship should be an evidence of those who are growing in Christ; but sadly in many recent "revivals" we haven't seen much evidence of that at least in the long term.
It is true that growing in the Lord and fulfilling the Great Commission isn't a "spectator sport." That being said; it is often those behind the scenes such as prayer warriors that are doing much of the work ( 1 Cor. 3:6-8). This seemed to be the case even with Christ ( John 4:37-38); perhaps with the Disciples preaching with those the woman at the well spoke with in the area of the Samaritans after they came seeking Christ. There is too much concern with numbers and such; and whether people are made to feel comfortable enough to attend a church service. In reality nothing could be further than the truth; the Spirit should make them uncomfortable as the fear of God brings them to their knees; and the love of God reshapes their heart with a broken and contrite spirit ( Psalm 51). There is a way for the Word to pierce as a two edged sword to the thoughts and intentions of the heart ( Heb. 4:12). There is only one truth; but many ways the Lord will use to draw someone; it can be the still small voice and overwhelming love of God or the fear of God by boldly proclaiming our need for His blood to atone for us to avoid a fate of eternal damnation in hell. Ultimately both these concepts need to be understood as part of the character of God; if we love someone we must tell them the truth and of course The truth (Christ Himself) IS love ( 1 John 4:8).
The testing of our souls is shown in 1 Peter 1:7. Resistance; struggles; trials and such are things we are promised if we live lives Godly in Christ Jesus. ( 2 Timothy 3:12). There are many verses which exhort us to gain wisdom; endure hardships; suffer persecutions and the like as Disciples of Christ. The testing of our faith produces the fruit of love; joy; peace; longsuffering; etc.
Discipleship should be an evidence of those who are growing in Christ; but sadly in many recent "revivals" we haven't seen much evidence of that at least in the long term.
It is true that growing in the Lord and fulfilling the Great Commission isn't a "spectator sport." That being said; it is often those behind the scenes such as prayer warriors that are doing much of the work ( 1 Cor. 3:6-8). This seemed to be the case even with Christ ( John 4:37-38); perhaps with the Disciples preaching with those the woman at the well spoke with in the area of the Samaritans after they came seeking Christ. There is too much concern with numbers and such; and whether people are made to feel comfortable enough to attend a church service. In reality nothing could be further than the truth; the Spirit should make them uncomfortable as the fear of God brings them to their knees; and the love of God reshapes their heart with a broken and contrite spirit ( Psalm 51). There is a way for the Word to pierce as a two edged sword to the thoughts and intentions of the heart ( Heb. 4:12). There is only one truth; but many ways the Lord will use to draw someone; it can be the still small voice and overwhelming love of God or the fear of God by boldly proclaiming our need for His blood to atone for us to avoid a fate of eternal damnation in hell. Ultimately both these concepts need to be understood as part of the character of God; if we love someone we must tell them the truth and of course The truth (Christ Himself) IS love ( 1 John 4:8).
More upcoming in part 4.
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