In the English dictionary, "fervent" is defined as intense passion. Our English word comes from the Latin fervere meaning to boil. We are all acquainted with angry passion that rises quickly to the boiling point resulting in rash words or actions. But the word also has a positive application of good passion or zeal. Patrick Henry exhibited this in his famous "Give me liberty or give me death" speech. Today speech police abound, critiquing those who speak passionately about what they believe as if they should speak softer, sweeter, with less intensity. NO! God forbid we quench the fire of Jeremiah, John the Baptist, or Jesus. Let every man have a passion for Christ. Let every Christian boil with a desire and fervor that burns for God. Jesus exhibited righteous indignation against sin, injustice, and hypocrisy, but He never lost control of Himself. John 5:35 says John was a burning and shining light - don’t let Satan blow your light out and quench the fire of the Holy Spirit. Following are several questions for self examination. Do you have Biblical fervency?

1. Romans 12:11 - Are you fervent in spirit? In the Greek fervent applies to water or metals heated so as to bubble or boil. It expresses a glow, an intense zeal in spirit. Christians are to engage in the work of the Lord with great ardor and zeal. Do you attend church with this attitude? Do you worship with this kind of ardor? Do you serve the Lord with enthusiasm or have you lost your zip, sitting in church with indifferent apathy, waiting for the service to end?
   
   Acts 18:25-27 speaks of a man who was fervent in spirit, knowing only the baptism of John. He didn’t know much, but was full of zeal for the little he did have! Christians know a lot today but have no zeal. Give me Apollos any day. I’d rather have men who will speak boldly, receive correction without offense and continue with the same zeal in the power of the Spirit. Yes, we can be zealous and wrong, Israel was. Romans 10:2 says they had the zeal of God but not according to knowledge. When correction comes, don’t argue; but humbly search the scriptures and submit to truth. Zeal’s greatest value comes when joined with knowledge of God’s righteousness in Christ and tempered with the restraining power of the Holy Spirit. Do you have zeal and fervency? Fervency is contagious, a burning light showing the way.
   
   
2. 1 Peter 4:8 - Are you fervent in love? Matthew 24:12 warns a lawless spirit in the last days will cause the love of many to grow cold. It’s easy to have a zeal that is bold to sin, to burn with lustful desires. Men do what is right in their own sight when left to themselves. A man who is fervent in the love of God will not hide truth or ignore sin. This passage does not mean we cover sins by overlooking them. No, indeed! The only remedy for covering sin is confessing them and the blood of Jesus. This applies to each of us individually. If we have the love of God in us, it will keep us from sin. Romans 13:8-10 - Love in the Christian heart works no ill. God’s love in the heart of a true Christian will burn obedience into his life so he will not burn with lust, anger, covetousness and the like. Furthermore, God’s love ablaze in the heart results in a passion to warn the sinner of the consequence of his way and his choices. Ezekiel 33 clearly reveals the desire of God’s heart to warn the sinner. James 5:20, "He that converts the sinner from the error of his way saves a soul from death and covers a multitude of sins." A soul responding in faith to the Gospel, receiving forgiveness for his sins, is forgiven and covered by the blood of Jesus. He has been acquitted in the courts of heaven by God, the righteous judge. This applies to the backslider in need of repentance. Many wander back into a worldly lifestyle, growing cold in heart. Matthew 24:12-13 warns because iniquity abounds, the love of many shall grow cold...but he that endures to the end shall be saved. Have you lost your passion for the lost? Are you fervent in the love of God? He that has been forgiven much, he it is that loves much. - Luke 7:47
   
   
3. James 5:16 - <>Are you fervent in prayer? "Effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." Here fervent is preceded by effectual, significant because it means to produce an effect, to work, to be active. It is used with working of miracles - that’s power. Do our prayers have this energy, this fervency? Are we like water, boiling inside with intensity, knowing God will forgive, heal and provide every need? Let us not engage in lifeless prayer for show or in meaningless petitions. Let us be specific with prayer that is alive and energized with the power of the Holy Spirit. Knowing the will of God and assured of His precious promises, we can have confidence. 1 John 5:14-15
   
   "Love is kindled in a flame, and ardency is its life. Flame is the air which true Christian experience breathes. It feeds on fire, it can withstand anything rather than a feeble flame; but when the surrounding atmosphere is frigid or lukewarm, it dies, chilled and starved to its vitals. True prayer MUST be aflame." E. M. Bounds

Luke 9:62 - "And Jesus said unto him, no man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." In the context we see, what I call, would-be disciples. Many give the impression of wanting to follow Jesus, but it seems to be based on their selfish conditions and not those Jesus established clearly in the scriptures. When first saved, I remember singing the song, "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus." It was challenging to hear the words, "though none go with me still I will follow, the cross before me the world behind me, no turning back, no turning back." That was in 1973. Reflecting back over these past 35 years, I realize the grace of God in keeping me. It has been a long journey; I‘m still following Jesus. I have not turned back, though there have been times when I was tempted. His grace was, and is always near to prod, to keep me going forward and I thank God for His goodness. What about you? Are you facing the cross before you, knowing you must make a choice of your will to follow Jesus one day at a time, refusing a backward look to the world?

In Luke 14:26-33, Jesus challenged those who would follow Him to first count the cost. Yes, there is a cost, though salvation is a free gift. The cost is the sacrifice of your life to fully and without reservation commit your life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It may cost you friends, family, perhaps your job, and maybe even all you have. Certainly, it will cost you your own life. Why? Because you can not serve God on His terms and still hold on to the old lifestyle or the world’s ways. Persecution will come 2 Timothy 3:12 says, "all who live godly in Christ will suffer persecution." You never thought your closest friends would ever persecute you, not until you refuse to laugh at off-color jokes, listen to cursing and worldly music, and attend their parties! Can you ever imagine your own family ridiculing and rejecting your new life in Christ? You never thought you would consider turning back to old ways, but the temptation comes. Matthew 13:21 speaks of hearing the word and receiving it with joy, but when tribulation and persecution come, looking back is very tempting. Why am I persecuted? Because I am now committed to following Jesus, I have turned my back on the world; the way it lives, dresses, the immoral living. Now, I am different, a peculiar person, a stranger to those with whom I once indulged in sinful behavior. However, to Christ, I am salt and light to the lost, a shining light in my community. "No Turning Back."

Matthew 13:21 mentions two things that lure some to turn back:

1. Tribulation - We all will face temptations and testings. Why? To prove our faith genuine. If you are honest, you will stay true to the Lord. Will you be tempted to disobey? Absolutely! You will be given opportunities to prove your loyalty. Maybe you will be tempted to lie on your income tax or peak at something immoral or to compromise God’s word so you can excuse your sin.
   
   Does the world beckon you to use drugs, to drink, smoke and party? Will a young person be tempted and even encouraged to compromise their virginity? Yes! Will old friends and carnal Christians tempt you with worldly music and entertainment? Yes! What does God say about this? II Corinthians 6:14-18 tells us to separate from darkness and II Timothy 2:22 warns us to “flee youthful lust and follow righteousness, faith, charity, and peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” We will face ample temptations without having to place ourselves in harm’s way. The devil will tempt us to compromise just as he did Jesus in the fourth chapter of Matthew, but we have a promise in I Corinthians 10:13 that we can escape every temptation. We don’t have to give in, we can fight and overcome. Remember, you will be tempted but temptation is not a sin in itself, it is a test of your loyalty, convictions and faith. Do you really believe in living a life of holiness and daily victory? Then you will resist the temptation and escape the snare of the devil. "No Turning Back"
   
   
2. Persecution - We all face persecution at times, some more than others. Persecution is being criticized, ostracized, falsely accused or simply hated for what you believe. John 15:18-23 says some very hard things regarding the world and its attitude toward Christ and those who follow Him. Why does the world love you when you live the sinner’s life? Because your sinful life validates their sinful lives, they are comfortable around you. Why does the world hate you? Because you have chosen to live godly and be a positive testimony and that, my friends, makes the sinner uncomfortable and brings a consciousness of the consequences of the righteous judgment of God. In Titus 2:11-12 it is clear that we are to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, living soberly, righteously and godly in the present world; looking for the return of our savior, Jesus Christ. "No Turning Back"
   
   "No Turning Back" is a good, positive attitude and commitment. Psalms 80:18 - "So will we not go back from thee." The context of this Psalm is seeking God’s guidance through difficult times. There is a sense of broken relationship because of sin and failure; therefore, the psalmist prays for restoration of the relationship. Notice the repeated phrase, turn us again, which means to repent, to convert or change. In verse eighteen he says, "So will not we go back from thee: quicken us, and we will call upon thy name." If we have truly repented of our sins and have taken up the cross, we will have this attitude of "No Turning Back."
   
   

Five reasons for not turning back:

1. Worth - We view everything in this life with regard to its value. What is its worth or value to me? We often fail to remember the value of eternal life, of knowing Jesus and being delivered from sin. Consider, for a moment, the value of forgiveness. When we repent of our sins God removes the guilty verdict that hangs over all sinners. Before salvation, we were conscious of guilt, shame and the torment of being separated from God eternally in hell. Do we esteem the value of God’s forgiveness, which brings peace and joy, of greater value and worth more than all of the world’s riches? In Luke 15:11-32 we have the account of the prodigal son who took his inheritance and spent it on riotous living. When he had spent all, he found riches and sinful living could not bring him peace. He reflected on his life, came to his senses, and repented. When he returned home, he was received with open arms. He had a new understanding of what was truly worthwhile. Now forgiveness and restoration were what he valued and desired above all else. What do you value most? Hebrews 11:26 tells us Moses esteemed the reproaches of Christ greater riches than the pleasures of this world.
   
   
2. Security - Everyone is looking for security. We look to the security of the armed forces, insurance companies, banks, or medical science. But they are all temporary, they can not bring true security. What will you do when everything in this world fails? Who will help you? For the Christian, security is in Christ alone. He brings the kind of assurance everyone is looking for; being secure in His love, knowing he cares for your soul and knowing he will provide for every need in this life and in the life to come, eternal life. Looking back will bring insecurity, confusion and eternal death. If you want to be fit for the kingdom of God, you must have this mind-set of “No Turning Back.” The security of being His and the knowledge He will keep me in the palm of His hands gives assurance as I put my whole-hearted trust in His salvation. Where is your security? Are you trusting things of this world or Christ? "No Turning Back."
   
   
3. Benefits - In this life we look for what is beneficial to us. We are often selfish in our search to get the best of everything for our own benefit; but God truly has our best in mind when He saves us. He gives thousands of promises to help us navigate this life. 2 Corinthians 1:20 tells us He has said yes to every one of them! In 2 Peter 1:3-4 we find He has given us exceeding great and precious promises pertaining to this life, whereby we can partake of His nature. Philippians 4:19 promises to meet our needs, both physical and spiritual. In Psalm 103:1-5, David reminds himself not to forget all God’s benefits: healing, deliverance, safety, mercy and goodness, and loving-kindness. Who could reject such benefits? "No Turning Back."
   
   
4. Escape - We can escape the snare of the devil. Remember Lot’s wife, she looked back and was judged immediately, Luke 17:32. A warning to us all! How often are we tempted to take the easier way, the broad road that leads to fun and pleasure? The flesh and the lustful desires burn for forbidden fruit that appears to look good but is filled with sin’s poison. "Just a bite," the voice of temptation beckons, "will fulfill your longing desires and make you happy." "No Turning Back." Be careful, dear friend. What a tragedy to turn in the direction of eternal destruction, unable to come back to God Romans 1:26, 28 says God gave them up to a reprobate mind. Will you choose to embrace the cross and not look back? Matthew 24:13 says he that endures to the end shall be saved; not he who endures for awhile then, when tribulation or persecution comes, turns back. "No Turning Back."
   
   
5. Hope - The Bible is a book of hope. God’s prophets, sent to warn of judgment, always gave hope and encouragement if the people would turn back to God. You may feel you’ve fallen too far, you might as well quit, it’s no use. NO! God is sending His word to you to get your attention and turn you in the right direction. In Psalm 130:1-4 David says, "Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication. If thou, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou may be feared." This is hope to one in the depths of despair. Hope is a confident expectation of good. If you have fallen into sin, there is forgiveness with God. 1 John 1:9 says if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us. HOPE - Oh sinner, backslider are you in need of hope? Come to Jesus. He is full of mercy and pardon, calling you to return and receive forgiveness. He will remove your guilt, discouragement and despair and give you new hope, joy and peace. He is a God of hope willing that none would perish. "No Turning Back, No Turning Back." The cross before me, the world behind me - under the blood, forgiven, clothed with His righteousness and pressing on to the prize. “No Turning Back.”
   

Let us have the same determination and endurance as the saints of old who put their hand to the plow and refused to look back to this world that is passing away. They pressed forward with their eyes on the eternal kingdom of Christ, knowing they had a better and enduring substance in heaven, one day living in His eternal presence. They will then look back and forever be thankful God’s grace was with them always; that still, small voice encouraging them, "No Tuning Back." Following Christ brings worth, security, benefits, and eternal joy. "No Turning Back."

Have you ever heard of the "fog of war?" That's when soldiers and even generals in a battle can't really tell what's happening. They hear and feel the struggle, but what do they really know? Even soldiers on the winning side ask, "Are we really winning, or is the other side just luring us into a trap?"

In the heat of battle, how often does the fog of unbelief try to deceive us into doubting God's goodness, love and faithfulness. God has promised He would never leave us nor forsake us, Heb 13:5b. Moses endured as seeing Him who is invisible, Heb 11:27. We are called to walk by faith, 2 Cor 5:7, and to keep our eyes on the eternal not the temporal, 2 Cor 4:17-18. But we all know how easy it is to get distracted with circumstances and feelings that run wild, imagining the worst. Ask God to help you keep a clear vision of His love and faithfulness so you can stand in the "fog of war" and trust in God's promises for your situation. Remember what David said in Psalm 27:13, "I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." Exercise your God given authority over the devil's lies placed in your mind to defeat you. Cast down lying vanities, seductive imaginations that fly over your thought life to defeat you, 2 Cor.10:3-5. God is a very present help in the time of trouble, Psalm 41:1. Count Him faithful who has promised, resist the devil and he will flee; and the fog of doubt will lift and light will come with joy and peace.

Yes, you are really winning the war as you stand by faith against the assaults of the devil. The circumstances are not what defeat you but your attitude toward the circumstances. In 2 Kings 6:16f, Elisha addressed his servant, who was looking at the physical circumstances of the great enemy army surrounding them. And Elisha answered, "Fear not; they that are with us are more than they that be with them." And Elisha prayed, "Lord open the eyes of the young man, that he might see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." We see the victory by faith, looking to the eternal, holding on to God’s promises. There may be the fog of circumstances, doubt, and fear; but be sure God is on our side with a whole host of angels bringing us the victory. The fog will lift. Don’t be lured into the trap. STAND FAST!

The farmer plows through the fields of green, And the blade of the plow is sharp and keen, But the seed must be sown to bring forth grain, For nothing is born without suffering and pain -
And God never plows in the soul of man, Without intention and purpose and plan, So whenever you feel the plough’s sharp blade, Let not your heart be sorely afraid.
For like the farmer, God chooses a field From which He expects an excellent yield - So rejoice though your heart is broken in two, God seeks to bring forth a rich harvest in you.
(Author Unknown)
Romans 8:18 - For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy To be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Faith is frequently represented in Scripture, under the metaphor of bodily sight. Of Moses it is said that "he endured as seeing Him who is invisible" Hebrews 11:27. That is, his heart was sustained through faith's being occupied with the mighty God.
The eye is a very delicate thing--it is soon hurt and easily damaged. A tiny speck of dust will cause pain and make it weep. It is very striking to note, that this is the very way to recovery--it weeps out the dust that gets into it.
Just so, faith is a most delicate grace, thriving best in a pure conscience. Hence the apostle speaks of "holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience" (1 Timothy 3:9). The lively actings of faith are soon marred by the dust of sin, or by the vanities of the world getting into the heart where it is seated. And wherever true faith is--if it is hurt by sin--it vents itself in a way of godly sorrow.
-Arthur Pink
From: The Eye of Faith