A good fireworks show has always been something that my family has looked forward to, the problem is that even though it is enjoyable, it is also short lived. After the amazement of the sparkling lights, the show ends, and life goes back to the humdrum daily grind. In America, there has been a growing temptation to view the Christian life and ministry like a spiritual fireworks spectacular. We have become an entertainment saturated culture and have gotten caught up in wanting to see God do great things, while also desiring to be used by God in great ways, but the heart of the matter is that for many it is not for His glory but for our own. We have slowly created an idol of simply wanting to be part of something great instead of actually living in faithfulness to the calling that God has for each of His children. People may come from all over the world to witness what they believe is a “Revival” without realizing that fruit takes time to develop and the only way to see the truth of what is happening is when there is evidence by lives that are transformed. It is written in *Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].* Most sermons that are preached will not create revival. Not every evangelistic encounter ends in mass conversion. But at the end of whatever it is that  just happened, if transformation doesn’t come then you will have to question whether or not it was a true revival or just a circus sideshow spectacle. I like what Charles Spurgeon said, “If we want revivals, we must revive our reverence for the Word of God. If we want conversions, we must put more of God’s Word into our sermons…” In the 60’s, with the Jesus movement, it was amazing how hippies, homeless people and the marginalized were being transformed by the Word of God into preachers, worship leaders and agents of redemption. It was a genuine encounter with Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit for the glory of God. We have to stop looking at the current performers and attendees to see how they are behaving and truly look for the people who lift up Jesus and just disappear themselves. While it is important for every believer to remember, it is specifically important for every pastor/leader to realize that in our day of social media where it seems like there are firework shows going off in every ministry but our own, we cannot forget what the work of ministry is actually about, to equip the saints for the work of the ministry, build up the body of Christ, to glorify the Lord Jesus, and share the Good News with all who will listen. I have been blessed in that God has made sure that I am not in the ministry for the income, but for the outcome. Final note: How you treat people is a ministry. And it matters more than any stage or platform you speak/preach/or sing on. Maranatha, come quickly Lord Jesus. In Christ Love, douglas.

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me in financial support of the ministry activities that God has entrusted to me at pastord.blog@gmail.com