Environment

Reverend Stephens preaches from Hebrews 11:23-24, focusing on Moses' refusal to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, and Numbers 26:10-11, where the children of Korah did not die with their father. He argues that environment profoundly shapes spiritual development, using the analogy of plants and children raised in different circumstances. He emphasizes that while parents should create a righteous environment, there are no guarantees—citing Samuel's sons as an example—and that Proverbs 22:6 is a proverb, not a doctrine. Turning to the church, he warns against an overemphasis on praise without prayer and worship, referencing a prophecy about praising a God one no longer prays to. He contrasts genuine worship—which brings repentance and transformation—with mere emotional excitement that can mask hidden sin. He illustrates this with a stark account of a church where outward shouting and manifestations coexisted with adultery, fornication, and sexual abuse, showing that environment matters. He urges the church to be a nursery that patiently nurtures new believers, not an abortion clinic that cuts them off. He calls for knowing the Father, not just loving the church (the mother), and for contentment where God has planted one, being a fire starter rather than a fire chaser. The message's spiritual purpose is to challenge believers to prioritize genuine repentance, prayer, and worship to create an environment where spiritual growth can occur.