Opening the Gates of Heaven Perry Stone

Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and the blemishes are in our attitude, our thinking, and the words we speak. Bitter and sweet water cannot come from the same fountain, and grapes and figs cannot come off the same tree (James 3:11–12). It is sad to admit, but I have encountered men and women in churches who were charter members and prided themselves on how long they had been Christians. Yet their attitude toward others was critical and their words were cutting. Some were continually active in organizing small group rebellions to rise up against those in spiritual authority, including their pastor. They continued to give, sing in the choir, and serve on the church board, yet their heart was dark and filled with unclean motives. Do you think God will bless their giving and worship in spite of their uncleanness of spirit? The answer is no! Yet the spiritual cancer silently grows in a malignant body, while the head continues to receive offerings and pronounces promises of prosperity to a spiritually sick congregation. Their sacrifices have been filled with strife. Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife. —P ROVERBS 17:1

This verse in Proverbs is clear. A dry, quiet church is far better than one where people are whooping and