[1 Corinthians 5:1-8 KJV] “It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife. [2] And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. [3] For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, [4] In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, [5] To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. [6] Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? [7] Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: [8] Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth“.
The desire of every pastor and missionary is for the church he plants to grow. We all look forward to seeing increase, but that growth cannot, and should not be at the expense of church purity. The Lord has planted and desires to have a pure church; one that reflects and shows forth His glory. We are planted to show forth His praises. We cannot and must not compromise the purity and holiness of the church.
We must create an atmosphere that is conducive for sincerity and truth, not one that promotes wickedness, lies and lust.
The surprise, however, is when we glory and even feel the presence of God while sin is thriving in the glaring view of the leaders of the church. I pray that the burden of the Lord shall move us to pray and act right. Inasmuch as we want more people to join the church, we cannot allow sin to thrive among us.
The church must not look on while sin thrives; we must stand and confront it. I pray for the boldness of Phinehas for our pastors and leaders. I pray that the church shall be supportive and rally round leadership to fight and purge out every leaven of sin. It is my desire that we shall glory in well doing and not pretend, and think that God will lower His standards.
Let us arise, be real, and deal with the yeast that leavens the whole lump.
Be blessed; I love you!
Noah Simpe Bediako
