We understand that God is a God of love. It bothers me that Sapphira and Ananias died for lying about their offering. It torments me to think that Uzzah had to die when he touched the Ark of the Covenant. We want to think that God remains loving and kind at all times.

However, when the boys began to mock Elisha for being bald-headed, they were representing the royal cult center of the Royal Kings in Bethel. Elijah had come to Samaria to stand against the apostasy in that city, and Elisha was returning to it. Thus, when Elisha cursed the boys, two female bears came out of the woods and tore up 42 of the boys who were calling to Elisha,” Go up , you baldhead, go up!” meaning, ” Go up to Samaria.” Hair in those days was a sign of strength. Well, God showed his power! (see 2 Kings 2:23-24)

 In Exodus 25,God had instructed Moses how to carry the Ark,using  poles through rings on each side of the Ark.  The Ark was to be carried carefully in this way by Levites only. David, however, used a cart pulled  by an ox.  This had been the Philistine method of transportation, not the means specified by God.  The Holy had to remain Holy, so God brought correction. David corrected his behavior and finally took the Ark to Jerusalem.

 The lesson here is that you can quench the Holy Spirit and you can offend the Holy Spirit. Sapphira and Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit. David disobeyed strict orders from God as to how to carry the Ark. Those boys from Bethel mocked  God to the prophet’s face.  All of these saw the anger of God.

How can you quench the presence of God? Legalism can do it. Hating the sinner and persecuting him will quench the presence of the Holy Spirit. Self- righteousness will quench the Holy Spirit. I have seen empty churches just because the pastor wants everyone to know that he is not like one of those sinners and won’t put up with sinners in his church. When it is all done to impress others it  quenches  the presence of  God.  By the way, pride comes before the fall!

My suggestion to you is this: Be humble. Be truthful. Repent for your sins before God. Never think of yourself  above anyone. Be angry if you have to, but NEVER INSULT THE HOLY SPIRIT. 

A word to you leaders. You might not like me as a pastor or evangelist, but be careful when you refer to me and what I do. I serve the Lord and speak for Him in these parts. Since we have no bears around here, you can relax. However, God will not be mocked!

Rick Bonfim

When you glance at the disciples in the first century, you see them teaching at  Solomon’s Colonnade to thousands about the resurrection of Jesus. After the miracle  of the crippled man at the Beautiful Gate, the authorities seize Peter and John for questioning.  Peter preaches his second sermon:  “But you put to death the Prince of Life…therefore, repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away,in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord”  (Acts 3:15,19).

The word was given in the streets and byways by the apostles. When the priests and Sadducees began to question Peter and John for their teaching, the apostles responded: ” Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather then to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20).

Why are our churches struggling so much with attendance these days? Well, here are some ideas from the mind of an evangelist with over 40 years of service:

1-When stories are told but the Word is not preached,  we start liking the preacher, but liking the preacher will not bring growth. The Word revives while stories make you sleepy; the Word strengthens the spirit while football talk increases the offering.

2-When other churches double in attendance, especially the Baptists because they are speaking the Word, we sit with empty pews.  We are hearing about a good thing, but not good enough to feed the soul, because the preacher has decided to talk about his problems instead of preaching the Word!

3-When the Word is preached with power, conviction sets in. When the Word is preached from a book report, conviction is not present. When the Word is given and an invitation is given, the people come forward and ministry occurs. We do not invite people to the altar because we have no Word to convict. We have had enough of stories. The people want  the WORD!

It all started with 20 in the inner circle. It grew to another 100 as Peter started a Bible study in the heart of Jerusalem. After Pentecost, Peter’s sermon brought in 3,000 more souls. After the miracle of the crippled man, the church grew to 5,000 plus. Daily, the disciples ministered the truth in the streets. Just like in South America where hundreds come into the kingdom every minute. Why, because unschooled, simply and humble  Methodist ministers preach the Word!

PREACH THE WORD!!

Rick Bonfim