“These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him:
17 A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, [Ps. 120:2, 3.]
18 A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil,
19 A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren.”
Dear people of God, there are a number of practices some, even Christians, engage in today, not knowing they are offensive to God.
Some categorize sin, believing they should avoid the “obvious ones” and commit the not so obvious because according to them nobody is perfect.
Let us see what God’s Word says about Christians in Hebrews 10:10,14 (AMPC), “And in accordance with this will [of God], we have been made holy (consecrated and sanctified) through the offering made once for all of the body of Jesus Christ (the Anointed One).
14 For by a single offering He has forever completely cleansed and perfected those who are consecrated and made holy.
Drawing from this Scripture, the talk about nobody being perfect amongst Christians is wrong because God’s Word says Jesus has forever completely cleansed and perfected those who are consecrated and made holy.
We must therefore as Christians seek to align ourselves spiritually with what the Word of God says by believing it, accepting it as Truth and confessing and obeying it.
It is when you draw close to God through deliberate study, meditation, confession of His Word that God responds by also drawing close to you – James 4:8.
Today’s lead Holy Bible text gives examples of not so obvious but very offensive practices Christians dangerously indulge in and need to repent urgently before it is too late.
I will also list some others as follows.
ü Covetousness – strong desire or longing for what does not belong to you – Exodus 20:17
ü Going late to Church – given by Jesus Christ’s revelation to a ministry by Sister Happiness Aibangbee
ü Sleeping in Church while the service is ongoing – given by Jesus Christ’s revelation to a ministry by Sister Happiness Aibangbee
ü Chatting with others while church service is ongoing – Luke 10:38-42
ü Giving torn notes as offering in Church – Malachi 1:13-14 - given by Jesus Christ’s revelation to a ministry by Sister Happiness Aibangbee
ü Playing with your phone or taking calls during a Church service – Luke 10:38-42
ü Borrowing money without paying back – Psalm 37:21
ü Taking what does not belong to you without authorization – Exodus 20:15
ü Breaking agreements without any explanation – Numbers 30:2
ü Defending your pastor even when his error is obvious and contrary to God’s Word – Galatians 2:11-14; Ephesians 5:11-13
ü Loving father, mother, children, siblings, husband, wife, relatives above God and disobeying God’s laws just to look good in front of them – Matthew 10:37
ü Refusing to warn and tell others the Truth concerning their errors and disobedience of God’s commandments because you don’t want them to insult you – Ezekiel 3:17-21
ü Stopping church fellowship as a pastor to take a phone call – Luke 10:38-42
ü Continuous anger at someone without a reason – Matthew 5:22
ü Starting a false report – Exodus 23:1
ü Spreading a false report – Exodus 23:1
ü Insubordination at the place of work or at home – 1 Peter 3:10
ü Careless talk – James 1:26
Dear friend, this list is not exhaustive but just to show us that many of the things we take for granted in claiming to be Christians God would NEVER tolerate.
God is holy and expects us to be holy.
Save yourself from an eternal damnation by having a deep personal relationship with God Almighty and Father of my Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ.
Ensure to repent daily of all sins and ask God to reveal your errors to you so that you are clean with Him as His child through your obedience to His Word without compromise.
After the Great Tribulation, Jesus Christ is coming to take ONLY those who are qualified according to His righteous standards in the Holy Bible.
Are you living a genuine life as His disciple? Are you ready for Him? Come to Jesus today, for tomorrow may be too late for you.
May the good Lord bless you as you heed His Word today, act on it and share with others in Jesus’ Most Holy Name, Amen.
Gabriel Ama.