filmdavidb
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Joined: 23 Nov 2005
Posts: 141
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 Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 3:06 am Post subject: Why No Revival? Three Basic Reasons |
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Why No Revival?
In Genesis 3, we see the three temptations when Eve's conversation with satan ends with the partaking of the forbidden fruit:
"And when she saw that the tree was good for food, and pleasant to the eyes, a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof..."
Here, the three temptations occur:
Lust of the flesh,
Lust of the eyes, and the
Pride of life.
What is interesting about this is when we look for manifestations of idolatry in Scripture. It is surprising what we find:
1-Preoccupation - Lust of the flesh - (Idolatry in the body)
In 1 Cor. 10:7 it speaks of the children of Israel in the wilderness, and defines their idolatry. "Oh", you say, "I remember - when they made that golden calf." But it will surprise you that it was much more than that::
"Neither be ye idolaters as were some of them, as it is written they sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play."
The most blatant example of this today is found on major holidays when America parades it's idols. And no one can deny how we are preoccupied with television in this day and age with video games we can play for the rest of our lives, cable and Satellite TV with it's 900+ channels, to say nothing of the World Wide Web (The Wild, Wild West) - where anything goes - literally an "institution without a government.” As a tool, I am not against these, per se. I am pointing out how we can become preoccupied with entertainment in this great land of ours 24/7.
2-Covetousness - Lust of the eyes - (Idolatry in the soul)
Col. 3:5 says "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness which is idolatry"
To covet "Anything which is thy neighbors" is more than just one of the commandments. It is a basic greed that began with Lucifer's fall, and also considered idolatry. No wonder it is specifically defined here. Our cashless economy allows us to have "Anything our little heart desires", purchasing on "credit" with money that doesn't even exist! Add to that an out-of-context mentality adapted in many Christian circles of appealing to a materialistic lifestyle, rather than priorities in the Great Commission. "Godliness with contentment is great gain"(I Tim. 6:6)
3-Stubbornness - the pride of life - (Idolatry in the spirit)
I Samual 15:23 "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry."
Who would ever think that by being stubborn and bullheaded is the same as setting yourself up as a god! Yet that is exactly what is brought out here. Not only that, but also it is something done in the heart, an area where we believe. You have heard people say "My mind is made up - don't confuse me with the facts." Some people are like concrete - "Thoroughly mixed up and too well set", so close-minded that they deliberately refuse the truth when faced with it, and choose to believe a lie.
We find ourselves in a society that describes II Tim. 3:
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
David Film. www.DavidFilm.ShortURL.com |
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