Why People Gravitate and Submit to Certain Men of God in This Age

Why People Gravitate and Submit to Certain Men of God in This Age
By Dr Joel Dabbas 

In the previous reflection, we examined the colleagues mentality and the bandwagon of clan in ministry. But leadership culture does not exist in isolation. Every system of influence survives because there are people who sustain it. If we are to speak honestly about ministry culture in this age, we must not only examine leaders. We must also examine the motives of those who follow.

Let us now examine why people in this age gravitate and submit to certain men of God.

This is a delicate conversation. It requires honesty without cynicism and balance without bias.

In every generation, God raises voices. And in every generation, people gravitate toward those voices. But the reasons behind that gravitation are not always the same. Some are pure. Some are mixed. Some are deeply spiritual. Others are deeply human.

If we are to understand our times, we must examine the motives beneath the movement.

1. Tribal and Racial Sentiment

For some, alignment begins with familiarity. Shared language. Shared culture. Shared background. Tribal and racial identity can create immediate trust. It feels natural to submit to someone who looks like you and understands your social reality. While this can foster community, it becomes limiting when tribe replaces truth as the basis of submission.

2. The Pursuit of Visibility

There are those who seek connection with already established ministers because visibility travels through association. In a generation where recognition equals relevance, alignment can become a strategy. The thinking is simple. If I stand close enough to influence, I may become influential.

3. The Desire for Financial Gain

Some gravitate toward certain ministries because they perceive access to wealth. Influence can attract resources, and resources can attract followers. When money becomes the magnet, submission becomes transactional.

4. The Search for Platforms

Platforms are currency in this age. Conferences, invitations, microphones, media appearances. For some, submission is a pathway to being seen and heard. The relationship is formed around opportunity rather than transformation.

5. The Expectation of Open Doors

There is a belief that proximity guarantees access. That alignment will unlock doors that effort alone cannot open. While divine connections are real, chasing men for doors can quietly replace seeking God for direction.

6. A Genuine Hunger for the Anointing and Spiritual Covering

Not every motive is flawed. Some are sincerely drawn to grace. They see spiritual depth. They discern authenticity. They desire impartation and accountability. Their submission is rooted in growth, not gain.

7. True Divine Leading

There are those who are genuinely led by God. No ambition. No hidden agenda. Just obedience. God directs them to align with a particular leader for shaping, pruning, and purpose. This kind of submission carries peace and clarity.

But beyond these, there are deeper undercurrents shaping this generation.

8. The Need for Identity and Belonging

Many are not just searching for leadership. They are searching for a tribe. In a fractured world, alignment offers identity. It provides language, culture, and a sense of being part of something larger than oneself.

9. The Search for Spiritual Fatherhood

Ours is a generation marked by broken homes and absent fathers. When people encounter strong spiritual authority, something within them responds. They are drawn to guidance, affirmation, and structure. Sometimes what appears as loyalty is actually a cry for fatherhood.

10. The Attraction to Strength and Certainty

We live in uncertain times. Moral lines are blurred. Economic systems shake. Opinions shift daily. When a minister speaks with clarity and conviction, people gravitate toward that stability. Certainty feels safe.

11. Submission Rooted in Fear

Some align out of fear. Fear of missing out. Fear of being spiritually uncovered. Fear of being disconnected from what appears to be a move of God. Submission driven by anxiety is fragile because it lacks revelation.

12. Branding and Media Influence

Perception shapes reality in this age. A strong media presence can create an aura of authority. Polished conferences and global invitations can amplify influence. Some are drawn more to presentation than to substance.

13. The Hope of Acceleration

There are those who believe proximity will accelerate destiny. They see connection as a shortcut. They assume that standing near oil guarantees impartation. But destiny cannot be microwaved. It must be formed.

14. Miracles and Manifestations

Signs and wonders draw crowds. When healings, prophetic accuracy, and visible power manifest, people gravitate quickly. Power can be a powerful magnet. Yet power alone is not proof of character.

15. Intellectual Alignment

Some are drawn by doctrine. The teaching answers questions they have wrestled with for years. Their submission flows from theological conviction and mental clarity.

16. Reputation and Testimonies

Stories travel faster than sermons. Testimonies of breakthrough and transformation create momentum. People follow results. They hope to experience what others describe.

Now here is the balance.

Not every gravitation is carnal. Not every submission is opportunistic. But not every submission is spiritual either.

The real issue is motive.

Why do we align. Why do we submit. Why do we follow.

When the motive is ego, gain, tribe, fear, or ambition, alignment becomes transactional. When the motive is growth, conviction, divine leading, and hunger for God, alignment becomes transformational.

In this age, discernment is not optional. It is essential.

Submission must be to grace, not glamour.
Alignment must be to assignment, not advantage.
Following must be by conviction, not by crowd movement.

Because at the end of it all, true submission is not ultimately to a personality. It is to God, expressed through the relationships He ordains for our growth.

And when motive is purified, alignment becomes a blessing rather than a bondage.

If you have not read Part One, start here

Burnt Offering in the Bible: Meaning and Significance

Burnt Offering in the Bible: Meaning and Significance

Excerpts From The Teaching Ministry of Dr Joel Dabbas 

The burnt offering in the Bible carries deep spiritual meaning. From the book of Genesis to the Levitical laws in Leviticus, it reveals powerful truths about surrender, substitution, and total devotion to God

Beloved, lift your heart and your eyes to heaven as we explore a profound mystery in the dealings of God with men - The Mystery of the Burnt Sacrifice.

In Scripture, the burnt sacrifice was not just a ritual; it was a revelation. It was not merely an offering placed on an altar — it was a life laid down in total surrender.

From the days of Genesis, when Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice, to the Levitical ordinances given through Moses in Leviticus, God was unveiling a pattern — that access to Him would demand surrender, alignment, and substitution.

The Burnt Sacrifice as Total Surrender

In the burnt offering, everything was consumed. Nothing was held back. Unlike other offerings where a portion was eaten, the burnt sacrifice ascended entirely to God as a sweet-smelling savor.

This is the first mystery: God does not accept partial surrender.

The burnt sacrifice represents a life wholly yielded — spirit, soul, and body. Many believers give God their needs, their ambitions, or even their talents. But the mystery of the burnt sacrifice calls for something deeper — the offering of self.

As it is written in Romans 12:1, “Present your bodies a living sacrifice…” Notice — living, yet sacrificed. Alive, yet yielded. Active, yet surrendered.

The Fire Must Come from God

When Elijah stood on Mount Carmel in 1 Kings 18, he repaired the altar, laid the sacrifice, and called upon the God who answers by fire. And fire fell.

The sacrifice may be prepared by man, but the fire must come from God.

The burnt sacrifice is powerless without divine fire. Many offer their lives, but few receive the fire that validates the offering. The fire represents divine approval, empowerment, and the manifestation of God’s glory.

Beloved, if your life must carry weight in the spirit, it must be touched by fire.

The Mystery of Substitution

In the burnt offering, an innocent victim died in the place of the worshipper. This was prophetic — pointing to the ultimate burnt sacrifice, our Lord Jesus Christ.

On the cross, He was consumed — not by physical flames, but by the fire of divine justice. He became the offering and the altar.

The cross was heaven’s altar.
Calvary was the place of total consumption.
And redemption was the fragrance that ascended to the Father.

Through Him, we now become living burnt sacrifices — not to atone for sin, but in response to mercy.

The Fragrance of Obedience

Scripture repeatedly describes the burnt offering as a “sweet savor unto the Lord.” This teaches us that obedience carries fragrance in the realm of the Spirit.

When a believer says:
“Lord, not my will, but Yours,”
Heaven perceives it as worship.

True burnt sacrifice is not noise.
It is not performance.
It is quiet obedience sustained over time.

The Cost of the Altar

Every altar demands something precious.

• For Abraham, it was Isaac.

• For David, it was costly threshing ground.

• For Christ, it was His life.

The mystery of the burnt sacrifice is this: What you refuse to place on the altar may become the rival of God in your life.

God is not seeking destruction — He is seeking consecration. He burns away what competes with His Lordship, and what remains becomes pure.

Becoming the Living Burnt Sacrifice

In this dispensation, God no longer requires bulls and goats. He requires yielded hearts.

To become a living burnt sacrifice means:

• To surrender your ambitions.

• To submit your will.

• To endure the dealings of God without retreat.

• To allow His fire to refine motives and intentions.

It means saying daily,
“Lord, consume everything in me that does not look like You.”

Beloved, the mystery of the burnt sacrifice is the mystery of transformation. What ascends as sacrifice returns as glory. What is laid down in obedience rises in power.

When a man becomes an altar, his life becomes a dwelling place for God’s fire.

And when the fire rests upon a man, generations are illuminated.

May you not merely understand this mystery - May you become it.

You can read more about sacrifice and what gives it quality in the spirit realm here

What Makes a Sacrifice Acceptable to God? Lessons from 1 Corinthians 13:3

 What Makes a Sacrifice Acceptable to God? Lessons from 1 Corinthians 13:3

By Dr Joel Dabbas 

Beloved, it is important to note that it takes reference and spiritual intelligence to understand how to accurately interact with and enjoy the benefits of the things of the Spirit. The system of the Spirit is not mystical but revelatory it unveils itself when you grow in alignment.

From scripture we understand that if mortals must have any genuine dealings with God, sacrifice must be involved.

Now, the question is not merely “Is there a sacrifice?”
The deeper question is “Does the sacrifice have quality?”

Because in the economy of the Spirit, it is not the size of a sacrifice that moves God - it is its quality.

And Scripture gives us the standard.

1 Corinthians 13:3 (KJV):

“And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.”

Other translations render “charity” as love - the God-kind of love.

This scripture reveals something profound:
A man can give everything.
A man can even give himself.
A man can endure fire.
And yet, before God, it profits nothing.

Why? Because love is what gives sacrifice its weight in the Spirit.

Now let us explore this mystery.

Love Is the Substance of Sacrifice

A burnt sacrifice in Scripture was completely consumed. Nothing was held back. But Paul reveals that total consumption alone does not equal divine acceptance.

You can give:

• Your money

• Your time

• Your reputation

• Your body

• Your life

Yet if the motive is pride, competition, fear, self-righteousness, or performance — Heaven records zero profit.

Love is what turns an act into worship.

Without love, sacrifice becomes transaction.
With love, sacrifice becomes fragrance.

I often say that "when your sacrifice is not enough, love makes it more than enough."

Motive Determines Quality

Beloved, God does not only measure what leaves your hand — He measures what moves your heart.

Two people may give the same offering.
Two people may fast the same number of days.
Two people may preach the same message.

But Heaven weighs the motive.

Quality in a burnt sacrifice is determined by:

• Purity of intention

• Alignment with God’s will

• Absence of self-glorification

• Genuine affection for God and people

This is why Abel’s offering was accepted and Cain’s was not (Genesis 4). The issue was not merely the material — it was the heart posture.

Sacrifice Must Be Born from Revelation

Another dimension of quality is understanding.

A sacrifice offered in ignorance may carry sincerity, but a sacrifice offered in revelation carries authority.

When you understand:

• Who God is,

• What He has done,

• And what He deserves,

Then your giving becomes intelligent worship — not emotional reaction.

Love Makes the Fire Accept It

In the Old Testament, the fire consumed the burnt offering as a sign of acceptance. In the New Covenant, love is the invisible fire that validates sacrifice.

Love:

• Purifies intention

• Sustains consistency

• Removes resentment

• Makes giving joyful

If love is absent, sacrifice becomes painful.
If love is present, sacrifice becomes privilege.

The Highest Quality Sacrifice

The highest quality burnt sacrifice is not merely what costs you something — it is what flows from a heart that genuinely loves God and His purposes.

That is why Jesus could go to the cross without bitterness. Love gave His sacrifice eternal value.

Beloved, hear me:

• Not every giving moves God.

• Not every suffering counts as worship.

• Not every burnt offering rises as fragrance.

Love is what gives sacrifice its quality.

So before you ask, “What am I giving?”
Ask, “Why am I giving?”

Because according to Scripture — even if you give your body to be burned — without love, it profits nothing.

May your sacrifices not only be costly - 
May they be qualified by love.

The Colleagues Mentality and the Bandwagon of Clan in Ministry

The Colleagues Mentality and the Bandwagon of Clan in Ministry
By Dr Joel Dabbas 

There is a silent struggle in ministry that many will not talk about openly. It is not the struggle against sin, nor the burden of leadership, nor even the warfare of the spirit. It is the struggle within the camp. The struggle of colleagues mentality and the bandwagon of clan.

Ministry was never designed to be a marketplace of comparison. It was never meant to be a political field where alliances determine relevance. It is a calling. It is service. It is obedience to God. Yet today, many who wear the same collar and speak the same language of faith quietly measure themselves against one another.

Colleagues mentality in ministry is subtle. It begins when fellow servants of God stop seeing each other as co laborers in one vineyard and start seeing each other as competitors for space, honor, members, and influence. The heart posture shifts. Applause becomes currency. Invitations become validation. Platforms become proof of significance.

When ministry becomes a stage for comparison, purity is lost. You no longer rejoice at another man's growth. You begin to calculate it. You no longer pray for your brother sincerely. You monitor him. And when you gather, smiles are exchanged but hearts are guarded.

This mentality is dangerous because it feeds pride and insecurity at the same time. It makes ministers perform rather than serve. It tempts them to guard territory rather than build the kingdom. And slowly, the focus shifts from Christ to self preservation.

Then there is the bandwagon of clan.

Clan in ministry is not always about tribe or bloodline. It is about circles. It is about camps. It is about who belongs to which father, which stream, which association. There is nothing wrong with spiritual covering or accountability. We all need fathers and mentors. But when identity in ministry is built more on affiliation than on calling, we have lost our way.

The bandwagon of clan creates inner rings and outer courts. Access is no longer based on character or grace but on connection. Doors open not because of faithfulness but because of familiarity. And those outside the circle are treated as threats or strangers.

This spirit fractures the body of Christ. It creates suspicion instead of synergy. It breeds competition between camps that preach the same gospel. We begin to defend territories instead of advancing the kingdom together.

Let me speak plainly. God does not anoint clans. He anoints servants. He does not endorse bandwagons. He calls individuals and places them in the body as He wills.

If ministry becomes a network game, we will produce celebrities instead of shepherds. If colleagues become competitors, we will lose the fragrance of unity. And if clans become idols, we will trade divine assignment for group loyalty.

The cure is humility.

Humility that remembers that the work is God's. Humility that celebrates another man's grace without feeling diminished. Humility that understands that the vineyard is vast and the laborers are many, each assigned to different fields.

Another cure is a God and kingdom first mentality.

When God truly comes first, personal ambition bows. When the kingdom becomes the priority, reputation loses its grip. A minister who is governed by a kingdom first mindset does not ask, How does this benefit me. He asks, Does this advance the will of God. Does this glorify Christ. Does this strengthen the body.

When God and His kingdom are the center, there is no need to compete. The success of another becomes a shared victory. The growth of another church becomes evidence that the kingdom is advancing. We stop building names and start building lives.

Another cure is pursuit devoid of personal gain and ego.

Ministry must never be a tool for self elevation. The moment ego becomes the engine, the oil of grace begins to dry. A pure pursuit is one where obedience is enough reward. Where serving in obscurity carries the same joy as serving on a large platform. Where faithfulness matters more than visibility.

When we are free from the hunger for applause, we are free to truly serve. When we are not driven by personal gain, we can collaborate without fear. We can support without comparison. We can celebrate without insecurity.

A healthy minister sees another ministry flourishing and says, God is at work. A secure leader raises sons who may surpass him. A mature servant builds bridges across streams rather than walls around his circle.

We must return to the heart of service. We must remember that we are stewards, not owners. That the church belongs to Christ. That no man died for it except Jesus.

When we stand before God, He will not ask which clan we defended. He will not ask how many colleagues we outshined. He will ask if we were faithful.

Let us labor without rivalry. Let us serve without insecurity. Let us build without forming factions. Let us decrease so that Christ may increase.

That is the ministry that heaven recognizes.

But this conversation does not end with ministers alone.

If there is a colleagues mentality among leaders, there is also a deeper question among followers. Culture in ministry is never one sided. The posture of those who lead often reflects the expectations of those who follow, and the motivations of those who follow often shape the conduct of those who lead.

If clans form at the top, it is because there are crowds willing to gather around them. If competition thrives among ministers, it is often sustained by the appetite of those who celebrate personalities over purpose.

So we must look at the other side of the mirror.

Why do people in this age gravitate and submit to certain men of God.
What drives alignment.
What fuels loyalty.
What shapes spiritual submission.

In the next reflection, we will examine the motives behind the movement.

Read Part Two

The Struggles of Religious Leaders in Jesus' Teachings: Lessons on Faith, Hypocrisy, and Authority

 

The Struggles of Religious Leaders in Jesus' Teachings: Lessons on Faith, Hypocrisy, and Authority

By Dr. Joel Dabbas 

Introduction

The questions that religious leaders asked Jesus during His time on earth provide deep insights into the struggles of faith, tradition, and spiritual authority. Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes frequently challenged Jesus’ teachings, testing His understanding of the law, His authority, and His vision for God's kingdom. These interactions not only reveal the conflict between religious tradition and the message of grace but also expose the timeless issues faced by religious individuals today. In this article, we will explore how the struggles of these religious groups in biblical times can still resonate in contemporary faith discussions, offering valuable lessons on authenticity, humility, and spiritual growth.

1. The Struggle with Legalism and Tradition

One of the most significant challenges religious leaders faced in their encounters with Jesus was the tension between legalism and spiritual authenticity. The Pharisees, in particular, were known for their strict adherence to the law and traditions passed down through generations. However, they often prioritized rituals and external actions over the heart of God's commandments.

Legalism vs. Heart Transformation

When the Pharisees asked Jesus why His disciples didn't wash their hands before eating, they were concerned about the violation of an established tradition rather than a deeper understanding of purity (Matthew 15:2). Jesus responded by pointing out that their focus on external rituals masked the corruption within their hearts.
Lesson: This interaction teaches that religious legalism—the belief that strict adherence to rules can earn favor with God—misses the point of faith. True spirituality is about the transformation of the heart, not just outward compliance.

The Danger of Traditions Over Truth

Another point of contention arose when Jesus healed on the Sabbath, a day traditionally reserved for rest. The Pharisees were more concerned with maintaining the sanctity of Sabbath observance than with the miracle of healing. Jesus countered, reminding them that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27).
Lesson: Traditions and customs, while important, should never override the fundamental truths of compassion, mercy, and God's love. Religious traditions should enhance spiritual life, not hinder it.

2. The Struggle with Authority and Control

Another recurring theme in the questions posed to Jesus revolves around the issue of authority. Religious leaders questioned Jesus’ right to teach and heal, especially when He challenged their interpretation of the Law.

Jesus' Authority to Teach

In Matthew 21:23, the Pharisees ask Jesus, “By what authority are You doing these things?” They were threatened by His boldness and His growing influence. For the Pharisees and scribes, authority was tightly controlled within their circles. Jesus’ radical message exposed their lack of spiritual authenticity and challenged their established positions of power.
Lesson: Religious individuals often struggle with the concept of divine authority when it disrupts the systems of control they have put in place. True authority in faith does not come from human status or titles but from alignment with God's will.

The Fear of Losing Power

The Sadducees, who were more aligned with the political elite, often used questions about taxes and politics to entrap Jesus (Matthew 22:17). By asking Jesus whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, they sought to make Him choose between loyalty to Rome or the Jewish people. Jesus’ famous response, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s," showed His ability to navigate power struggles without compromising His message of spiritual integrity.
Lesson: Religious leaders and institutions often struggle with the temptation to maintain power and control. However, true faith calls for a higher allegiance—to God’s purposes above all earthly systems.

3. The Struggle with Hypocrisy and Self-Righteousness

One of the most glaring issues Jesus highlighted during His confrontations with the religious elite was hypocrisy. The Pharisees and scribes often exhibited a double standard—calling others to holiness while failing to live according to the same standards themselves.

External Righteousness vs. Internal Transformation

In Matthew 23, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their outward show of righteousness, saying, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence” (Matthew 23:25). Jesus accused them of being like whitewashed tombs, appearing righteous outwardly but full of spiritual corruption within.
Lesson: The struggle here is the temptation to focus on external appearances—what people see—rather than genuine, inner transformation. Faith is not about being seen as righteous but about a heart that is authentically aligned with God’s will.

The Dangers of Self-Righteousness

The Pharisees often viewed themselves as morally superior, especially when comparing themselves to others, like tax collectors and sinners. This sense of spiritual pride led them to distance themselves from those they deemed "unclean." Jesus, however, demonstrated a radically different approach by associating with sinners and outcasts, showing that God’s grace is available to everyone, not just the righteous.
Lesson: Self-righteousness can blind us to the need for grace and humility. True spirituality is not about comparing oneself to others but about recognizing our own need for God’s mercy.

4. The Struggle with Understanding God’s True Nature

Religious leaders also struggled with understanding the full nature of God and His kingdom. Their questions about the resurrection, the Messiah, and God’s ultimate plans often revealed limited or flawed perspectives on God’s intentions.

Misunderstanding the Resurrection

The Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, tried to trap Jesus with a hypothetical question about marriage in the afterlife (Matthew 22:23-28). Jesus responded by explaining that in the resurrection, people will not marry but will be like the angels in heaven. This answer not only corrected their misunderstanding but also revealed that God’s kingdom operates on principles that go beyond earthly expectations.
Lesson: Many religious individuals, then and now, struggle to understand the nature of God’s kingdom and His eternal plan. True faith requires a willingness to trust in what is unseen and beyond human comprehension.

The Nature of the Messiah

Jesus was often questioned about His identity as the Messiah. Many religious leaders expected a political savior who would overthrow Roman rule. Jesus, however, redefined the concept of the Messiah, teaching that He came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).
Lesson: Our expectations of what God’s plan should look like can limit our ability to recognize His work in the world. Faith involves being open to God’s unexpected and often countercultural methods.

Conclusion:

The struggles of the religious leaders in their encounters with Jesus reveal a series of timeless challenges that still resonate today: the tension between legalism and grace, the desire for control and power, the danger of hypocrisy, and the difficulty of understanding the true nature of God’s kingdom. These challenges are not unique to the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes; they are part of the broader human experience of faith. By reflecting on these encounters, we can learn valuable lessons about authenticity, humility, and the importance of aligning our lives with the deeper truths of God’s word. True faith requires more than following rules or maintaining religious status—it demands a heart transformed by the grace and love of God.

Call to Action:

What struggles do you think modern religious communities face that mirror those of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes? How can we learn to embrace God’s grace and avoid the pitfalls of hypocrisy or self-righteousness? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The Slow Fade

Sermon Title: The Slow Fade

By Dr. Joel Dabbas 

Text: James 1:14-15 | Revelation 3:15-16 | Hebrews 2:1

Opening Statement:

I remember a song I think by Casting Crowns we use to sing it in my cycle those days in the University and we called it the "sound of realignment or reset." The title of the song is slow fade. You can't truly listen to the wordings of this song and you won't begin a quick Spiritual checks and scan to see whether something is already eating you up.

Beloved, today we are going to examine one of the most subtle but dangerous traps that many believers fall into-the slow fade. It is a gradual decline, not noticed at first, but which ultimately leads to destruction. It is a spiritual slide that begins with small compromises and ends in spiritual shipwreck.

Let me make this clear from the outset: no one falls into sin overnight. It’s a gradual process. Just like a car that begins to veer off course inch by inch, so does the soul. The slow fade is like a river that starts with a trickle and becomes a raging flood. It begins unnoticed, but eventually, you find yourself in a place you never imagined.

The slow and subtle decline of fire, fervency, passion, enthusiasm, and commitment. That state of convenience that becomes the culture for decay and retrogression in our walk with God. A person might begin by being on fire for God, filled with zeal, prayer, and hunger for the Word. But over time, little by little, they begin to settle into a place of comfort—no longer seeking God with fervency, no longer pursuing His presence with passion.

And you see, beloved, when convenience and complacency take over, they create a culture of spiritual decline. It’s like a well-watered plant that stops receiving sunlight-eventually, it begins to wither. And so does the soul, when it becomes satisfied with mediocrity.

Today, I want to sound the alarm in your spirit! I want to stir the fire of God in your heart so that you will not become another casualty of the slow fade. We will open the Word of God today to understand the dangers of this spiritual decline, and more importantly, how we can stand guard and ensure that we remain on fire for God until the very end. 

1. The Nature of the Slow Fade:

James 1:14-15 says, "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."

This passage reveals the gradual process of sin. The Bible says that temptation comes to us through desires—not necessarily bad desires, but desires that are not governed by the Word of God, desires that are not yielded to the Holy Spirit.

It begins with a subtle drawing away—a temptation to look at something, say something, or entertain a thought that is contrary to God’s Word. At first, you think it is harmless, but little by little, the seed of compromise begins to grow.

Sin does not usually begin with an outward act. It begins in the mind. It begins in the desires. If you do not address the desires in your heart, they will eventually give birth to sin. The slow fade is a process that often goes unnoticed. But by the time the sin is full-grown, it brings forth death.

You see, beloved, the slow fade is deceptive. The enemy is not in a hurry. He knows that if he can just get you to step back one inch at a time, he will have you far from the place where you started. And before you know it, you’re spiritually cold and disconnected from the very presence of God.

2. The Subtlety of the Slow Fade:

Revelation 3:15-16 says, "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth."

This was the message to the church of Laodicea—lukewarm, neither cold nor hot. This is the result of the slow fade. Lukewarmness is the dangerous middle ground where a person is not fully on fire for God, but also not completely dead. It is a place where passion has been replaced by apathy and zeal by indifference.

The slow fade is subtle, beloved. It doesn’t come with a loud bang, but with a quiet whisper. You stop praying with the fire you once had. You stop fasting with the dedication you once displayed. You stop reading the Word with the hunger you once carried. You stop witnessing with the boldness you once knew. And before long, you find yourself in a place where spiritual fervor is a distant memory.

The enemy’s plan is not necessarily to get you to fall into gross sin immediately—no. His aim is to dilute your passion for God. His goal is to make you lukewarm, to make you satisfied with mediocrity in your walk with God.

Beloved, I have seen many believers who once burned with passion for God, but now their fire is barely a flicker. It didn’t happen overnight. It was a slow fade—a series of small compromises, a series of minor indulgences, a series of spiritual neglects. And before long, their hearts became cold.

3. The Consequences of the Slow Fade:

Hebrews 2:1 says, "Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away."

The word “drift” here is key. This is the picture of the slow fade. It’s a drifting, a gradual movement away from the truth. The Bible warns us to pay close attention to what we hear, to the Word of God, to the voice of the Holy Spirit-because if we do not, we will drift away. The danger is that drifting happens slowly, almost imperceptibly. It’s like a boat that is left untethered to a dock; it drifts farther and farther from the shore without even realizing it.

The consequences of the slow fade are devastating. It is a departure from the presence of God. It is a loss of spiritual clarity. It is the hardening of the heart. It is the withering of spiritual gifts and graces. And ultimately, it leads to spiritual death.

You might think you can handle the slow fade, but the truth is, no one can. The gradual loss of passion, the steady erosion of truth in your life, can lead to a place of complete spiritual dryness. I have seen this in my ministry: believers who started off strong but allowed small compromises to creep in until they became entirely disengaged from their spiritual life. And some never recover.

4. Guarding Against the Slow Fade:

So, what can we do to prevent the slow fade? How can we protect ourselves from drifting away from the things of God?

1. Stay in the Word:
   Matthew 4:4 says, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." The Word of God is our anchor. It is our daily nourishment. If you neglect your Bible, you will starve spiritually. You must stay in the Word daily, allowing it to guide and strengthen you.

2. Guard Your Prayer Life:
   Luke 18:1 says, "Men ought always to pray and not to faint." Prayer is the lifeline to the presence of God. When you cease to pray, you begin to lose the fire. You begin to lose your sense of God’s nearness. It is in prayer that we stay connected to the heartbeat of God. Do not let your prayer life grow cold.

3. Stay in Fellowship:
   Hebrews 10:25 warns us, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together." Fellowship with other believers keeps us accountable. It keeps our fire burning. You cannot do this alone. If you isolate yourself, you make yourself an easy target for the enemy’s attack.

4. Repent Early:
   If you notice any gradual drift in your spirit, repent quickly. 1 John 1:9 tells us, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Do not let small compromises fester. When you notice that you are slipping, run back to the Lord before it leads to deeper bondage.

Conclusion:

Beloved, the slow fade is real, and it is a dangerous thing. It starts with small things, but those small things eventually pull you far away from God. Let me encourage you today-stay awake, stay alert, and stay on fire for God! The enemy wants to lull you into spiritual slumber, but the Word of God warns us to stay vigilant. You were not saved to live a lukewarm, compromised life. You were saved to burn with passion for God!

I charge you today: Do not let the slow fade take root in your life. Keep your heart pure, your passion alive, and your commitment strong. You are called to walk in victory, to finish your race strong, and to be a light in a dark world.

The slow fade ends in regret, but your story can end in glory. Stand firm in the faith. Keep your eyes on Jesus. And may you be found faithful when He comes.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Altar Call:

Father, in Jesus' name, I thank You for those who are stepping forward today. I ask that You reignite their passion, restore their zeal, and fill them once again with Your Holy Spirit. Where they have drifted, bring them back. Let Your fire burn bright in their hearts again. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Prayer Points 

1. Prayer for Restoration of Passion and Fervency for God

Prayer Point:
Heavenly Father, I come before You today with a heart that longs for Your fire. Lord, I confess that in some areas of my life, I have allowed my passion and zeal for You to fade. I have let the demands of life, the distractions of the world, and the lure of convenience dampen my spiritual fervor. I repent for allowing complacency to take root in my heart. I ask for a fresh infilling of Your Holy Spirit to reignite the fire within me. Awaken my spirit, Lord, to seek You with the same fervency and hunger as when I first knew You. I commit to guarding my heart and soul against every subtle compromise that leads to spiritual decline. Let my life burn with passion for Your Kingdom until the day I meet You face to face. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.

Scripture:
Matthew 3:11 – “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

2. Prayer for Vigilance and Strength to Resist Spiritual Drift

Prayer Point:
Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your Word that warns me against the danger of drifting away from You. I ask for Your grace to remain vigilant in my spiritual walk. Help me to discern the subtle ways in which the enemy seeks to lull me into complacency. Strengthen me, O God, to resist every form of temptation and distraction that would lead me to compromise. May I never grow satisfied with a lukewarm walk, but always seek to grow in faith, prayer, and obedience. I declare that I will not drift away, but I will press forward in Your strength, staying close to You and abiding in Your presence. Keep me focused on my purpose in You, and help me to finish my race with joy and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Scripture:
Hebrews 2:1 – “We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”

It Is Given Unto You to Know the Mysteries of the Kingdom

 It Is Given Unto You to Know the Mysteries of the Kingdom

By Dr. Joel Dabbas 

In the Kingdom of God, there is an invitation extended to every believer to experience the deep things of God—those hidden truths that are not easily accessible to the casual observer or the seeker who is not truly invested. This is what Jesus is conveying in Matthew 13:11 when He says, “Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.”

The word "mystery" in the New Testament refers to divine secrets that have been hidden in God, secrets that are not apparent to the natural mind or to those who are not yet initiated into the ways of the kingdom. These mysteries are not meant to be elusive or inaccessible. They are meant to be known, understood, and revealed, but the pathway to understanding them lies in the revelation of the Spirit. It is not a matter of human intellect, nor is it about simply acquiring knowledge; it is about receiving divine insight that opens your eyes to the realm of the supernatural.

In the Kingdom of God, there is a system of knowledge and wisdom that transcends what the world can offer. When Jesus said it is "given unto you", He was speaking to those who had made the choice to follow Him, to seek after His presence, and to live by His Word. This is crucial—there is a distinction between simply hearing the Word and truly pursuing it with a heart that is open and willing to understand. To “know” the mysteries is not a passive experience; it is a function of relationship and discipleship. It is about being in constant communion with the Spirit of God, who is the Revealer of these deep truths.

The key to unlocking these mysteries is not just in having a general knowledge of Scripture, but in allowing the Holy Spirit to open our hearts to the deeper revelations contained within it. It is a process of spiritual growth and transformation. When the Holy Spirit begins to reveal to you the mysteries of the kingdom, He does so not for your personal edification alone, but to equip you for effective kingdom service. The mysteries are meant to be understood, but they are also meant to be shared and manifested in the lives of those who will walk in them.

Jesus told His disciples that “it is given unto you”—this is a gift. To be able to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom of God is not something that can be earned by merit or intellectual capacity. It is a grace, a gift of divine favor. This speaks to the generosity of God’s heart. He does not withhold wisdom from those who earnestly seek it. He gives liberally to those who ask in faith and humility.

However, there is a caveat: to those who are outside the Kingdom, who have not yet chosen to follow Christ, who are not yet partakers of His nature, the mysteries remain hidden. The knowledge of the kingdom is not given to those who are outside of fellowship with Christ. The message of the Kingdom, while universally available, requires a specific posture of the heart to be understood. Jesus made it clear that to those who are indifferent, skeptical, or unbelieving, the truth will remain veiled. This is why He often spoke in parables—so that those who truly wanted to understand would search for the meaning, while others would pass by without grasping the depth of the message.

This principle holds for us today. The capacity to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom is given to those who are in Christ, those who are willing to walk the narrow path, who desire not just to know about God, but to intimately know Him. It is an invitation to those who are willing to pay the price of spiritual pursuit, of seeking God above all else.

As believers, we must understand that this capacity to know is not a passive gift. It is a privilege that comes with responsibility. We are called not only to understand these mysteries, but also to live by them, to manifest them in our lives, and to teach them to others. The knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom is meant to bring transformation in the way we live, think, and operate. It elevates our perspective from the natural to the supernatural and gives us the wisdom to function in the world as ambassadors of Christ.

In conclusion, the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven are indeed a treasure, given to us by grace. They are not reserved for a select few but are available to all who earnestly seek God with a sincere heart. It is given unto you to know the deep things of God—seek them out, for in the mysteries lie the keys to living in victory, to walking in the fullness of God's purpose for your life.