Opening the Gates of Heaven Perry Stone

shouting above the strife and unforgiveness. It is sad that in the church we engage in worship that may not be acceptable to God. Jesus said some people praised Him “with their lips, but their heart is far from Me” (Matt. 15:8). It may be possible that ministers accept offerings that are blemished with strife, bitterness, and unforgiveness. It is clear that God is more concerned with the condition of your heart than the amount of money you are giving. Jesus made this clear in the parable of the unforgiving servant. One man owed the king fifty-two thousand dollars. He begged the king for mercy, and the good hearted king forgave the debt. This forgiven servant went out and found a friend who owed him fifty-two dollars. He had the poor fellow arrested. The king heard about it, arrested the unforgiving servant, and placed him in prison to be beaten by the prison guards until he would submit to obedience. Jesus warned, “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses” (Matt. 18:35). Jesus states that He will allow the “torturer” to move into your life if you walk in unforgiveness (v. 34)! This is exactly what occurred at the church at Corinth. A young man was committing fornication with his stepmother. Paul rebuked him and commanded that they “deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh” (1 Cor. 5:5). Later Paul wrote to Timothy and told the young pastor to instruct those who