I'm a pastor who is frustrated with seeing Christians in my congregation who are not serving the Lord. At least forty percent of the people who come to my church are not on fire for God. What am I doing wrong?


First, it is important to realize that the Bible teaches us that only a percentage of believers will go all the way with God. In any church, anywhere in the world, you will never see one hundred percent of the people fervently serving the Lord.

I believe the parable of the sower reveals this truth.

The sower soweth the word. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.

And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.

And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.
(Mark 4:14-20 KJV)

According to this parable, only twenty-five percent of those who hear the Word of God will produce fruit. You have already beat the odds!

If you preach or teach the Word, and pray for your people, the percentage can rise even higher.

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