A prophecy given to Steve Kimes in 1996, in Portland, Oregon:
A Rose Garden
The Lord showed me a rose garden. There were thousands of branches, and tens of thousands of flowers. But most of the flowers were brown, many of them had bugs or were diseased. The Lord told me, "This is the church of the West today. While it seems to be flourishing, the reality is that most of it is diseased. While it has the semblance of being alive, it is dying." Then the Lord showed me the same garden, some time later. Every single branch had been pruned. Out of the tens of thousands of flowers there were only a few buds left. "This is how today’s church will look if it continues on as it is presently. I shall have to prune the church, and very little of it will be left. Only if the church gets rid of the diseases that are plaguing it will it again flourish."
A Ruined Wood
The Lord showed me a garden full of trees. Once the trees were green and flourishing—then a winter storm took hold of it and crushed it. The ice bowed many of the trees down, and they crashed under the weight. "Again," said the Lord, "this is my church. It will be like a forest, crushed to the ground, unless they release themselves of the weight that is destroying it."
The First Disease: Upward Mobility
What is destroying the church? I asked. The Lord, the God of the Kingdom said, "Three diseases. The first is upward mobility. My Son taught that to be great, one had to accept the lowest position. But all the leaders in the church think that they need to raise themselves higher and higher in order to be great. They want to be like politicians, like the leaders of the Gentiles. So very, very few wish to be like Jesus—to sacrifice themselves totally for the sake of the kingdom of God. They teach, ‘Give yourselves over to God, but not too much—keep something for your own self-preservation.’ That is not the way of my Son. My Son taught, ‘The one who loses his life shall save it to eternal life.’ They want power and glory—but my Son said that those who would come after him would take up the cross of shame and rejection. They do not want the way of Jesus—they want the way of the world.
The Second Disease: Greed
"The second disease is desire for wealth. My Son showed that to have the resources to build the Kingdom is to depend on the Father. But the philosophy of the church is, ‘Let us gather the resources of the world and we will use it for God.’ The Christians of the world are looking to use their money and possessions for themselves first, and perhaps they will give some to their wealthy church. But my Son taught that those who looked to gain the wealth of this age will prove to be those who do not endure to the end. The Christians of this world work their jobs in order to gain money as the source of their livelihood. Yet the Christ taught that one cannot do slave-service to both God and money. They do not want the resources of God—they want the resources of the world.
The Third Disease: Apathy Toward the Needy
"The third disease is apathy to the poor. My Son taught to sell your possessions and give to the poor. But the church thinks nothing of building a three million dollar auditorium, while not even praying for the homeless or the immigrant or the refugee—let alone offering a few some space in the heated auditorium during winter. The church has words of judgement for the poor—‘Why don’t they get a job? Why don’t they do something productive? We want proof that we aren’t being taken advantage of!’ My Son said that the one without sin could be free to cast the first stone. You may speak of the poor ‘misusing’ the few dollars you cast aside to them, once you have recognized that you have misused the thousands I have given you on your own greed. Surrender your wealth to the needy, and judge not. But the church does not want to welcome the people of faith—they want the approval of the world."
The Cure: Repent!
The message to the church is simple: repent. The Lord of the Church says to the Christians of the United States: "Repent of your upward mobility and seek to be downwardly mobile. Take on the lowest positions and use all your resources to do service for the humble. Repent of your greed. Be rid of your possessions and stop seeking for more money. Depend instead on my resources which are greater than you can imagine—or drain. Repent of your apathy. Have compassion for the needy—whoever and wherever they may be—and use your time and resources to give the needy some help. Repent of your adultery! I am jealous and I lust after my own—yet you are seeking the world!
Destruction of the Church
"Should this message of repentance not be heeded, then the church as it currently exists will be destroyed. The leadership will be no more, and it will have to begin again. I have disciplined my church before—causing the destruction of thousands—and I will do it again, if I have to, only millions will be effected. Heed my warning and you shall endure."
This warning was sent in 1996 to James Dobson of Focus on the Family. Dr. Dobson’s letter-readers misunderstood it and then passed on a two-line summary of what they did understand to Dr. Dobson. According to the prophecy, Focus on the Family will itself be destroyed, and James Dobson will be discredited, unless they repent in these areas. It would do them well to pay attention to the word of Jesus.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Is The United States A Christian Nation?
"The Majority of people in the United States are Christian"
In a recent national poll, as many as 90% of the people in the United States consider themselves Christian in some way. A Christian viewpoint certainly dominates the U.S. culture. In broad outlines, most people in the U.S. believe in one God who created the universe and that Jesus died for our sins. Almost everyone has good things to say about Jesus in the U.S., even those who do not claim to be Christians. People desire to be forgiven for their sins and they think that Jesus is ready to help them.
However, most people in the U.S. do not understand what Jesus demands to follow him, let alone follow it. To be a "Christian" may be a good thing, but it is mostly a social title today, having nothing to do with Jesus’ death or teaching. Even the majority of people who go to churches have a false understanding about what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Most people will agree that Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life: no one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). But they do not agree with or even understand the following:
If anyone is to enter the kingdom of God, they must obey the teaching of Jesus. (Matthew 7:21-27)
If anyone is to follow Jesus, they must deny themselves and take up their cross. (Mark 8:35)
If anyone wants to gain their life, they must lose it. (Mark 8:36)
Whoever wants Jesus to accept them before the Father, they must accept Jesus before men. (Mark 8:38)
No one can follow Jesus unless they renounce their possessions. (Luke 14:33)
Those who will gain the kingdom of God must be poor, mourning and persecuted. (Luke 6:20-24)
Whoever will be raised from the dead must humble themselves. (Luke 14:11)
These are the demands of faith, and the people of the United States, especially the "Christians", are usually looking for ways to avoid this faith of Jesus, not embrace it.
"The Laws of the United States are based on the Bible"
Some say that the foundation of the law of the United States is based on a British system of law, which is based on the Bible, especially the Ten Commandments. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are based on "Christian" principles. Thus many people think that the laws of the U.S. are fundamentally Christian.
However, the laws of the United States have been drawn up and applied without reference to the teachings of Jesus, which is the basis of the laws of the kingdom of God. Seven of the Ten Commandments are not enforced by the laws of the United States. The makers of the laws of the U.S. are not concerned with the Bible, but with making the society well-running on their own principles, not on the principles of God.
Here are a few examples of where the law of God and of the United States are in opposition:
The law of God insists that idolatry is unacceptable. (Exodus 20:4; II Corinthians 6:16-17)
The law of the United States says that everyone has a right to worship whoever they want.
The law of God insists that those who take God’s name in vain will be punished. (Exodus 20:7; Matthew 12:31)
The law of the United States insists on freedom of speech, without punishment.
The law of God forbids covetousness and greed. (Exodus 20:17; Ephesians 5:3)
The law of the United States encourages corporations that thrive on greed.
The law of God says to teach one’s children about loving God. (Deuteronomy 6:7; Ephesians 6:4)
The law of the United States forbids the public teaching about God.
The law of God teaches to love everyone, even if they harmed you. (Matthew 5:43-44)
The law of the United States insist that the police and the military must harm others, and even encourage them to kill, if the threat seems bad enough.
The laws of the United States are, in many ways, opposed to Scripture, not in agreement with it.
"The United States is a Christian Nation"
The early colonists of the United States were all Christians, many persecuted for their faith. North America has been the site of many major revivals, which caused many towns to turn completely to the Lord. The majority of the leaders of the United States have been Christian, and have written statements that could be called devotional. So many say that the United States is a Christian nation, or that it should be.
However, the United States cannot today be called a Christian nation—nor can any nation on the earth. There is already a Christian nation, called the kingdom of God and Jesus is the king. There can be no other nation with any other system of government with anyone else as leader that could call itself "of Jesus" or "Christian". The kingdom of God already has its people all throughout the world. And though the kingdom does not now have a land that it can call its own, it is very much a living, vibrant nation.
On top of this, the United States is opposed to the kingdom of God in many areas. Following are many areas that the United States and the kingdom of God are diametrically opposed:
The kingdom of God is a distinctly religious kingdom, devoted exclusively to God.
The United States separates any religious practice or belief from the government.
The kingdom of God is a nation in which every member and citizen is devoted exclusively to God through Jesus Christ. (Romans 10:9)
The United States insists that every citizen can worship whatever God they want, or none at all, and hold to any teacher they want. To insist otherwise, it claims, is unethical.
The kingdom of God is a country ruled by an appointed benevolent dictator: Jesus Christ (Romans 1:4)
The United States firmly believes that only a republic where the leader is voted in by the people is a proper government.
The kingdom of God has all of its laws and ethics come from God himself, and all policies are allowed to be determined by local bodies, as long as they do not judge apart from God’s law. (James 2:8-10)
The United States judges according to the laws passed by their legislative body, with no regard to God’s will.
The kingdom of God is empowered by the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17)
The United States is empowered by economic and military strength—namely, the flesh.
The kingdom of God has values such as faith, love, endurance through persecution, following the teaching of Jesus that are requirements to remain in it. (Acts 14:22)
The United States does not promote love, generosity to the poor, devotion to God, faith in Jesus, humility, sound teaching or other values that would cause one to enter the kingdom of heaven.
The kingdom of God insists that one’s security comes from God alone, who sends angels to fight for it. (Matthew 26:52-53)
The United States firmly insists on having the strongest, most superior armed force in the world to promote its own security and its ideals.
The kingdom of God insists that greed must not be found among God’s people. (Ephesians 5:3)
The United States promotes greed, self-gratification and spending beyond one’s need as the backbone of its economy.
The kingdom of God teaches that to hate or destroy one’s enemy is to be unlike God and unworthy to be in God’s kingdom. The kingdom of God claims that God’s way is to do good to one’s enemy and pray for that one. (Luke 6:27-36)
The United States promotes the destruction of their enemies, killing even innocents in the pursuit of their goals of revenge, security and economic stability.
The kingdom of God grants salvation to those who have faith, obedience and love in Jesus Christ. (Galatians 5:5-6)
The United States grants its salvation to those who qualify and have filled out the proper paperwork—whether rich or needy, deserving or swindlers.
The United States, like all other nations, is not any kind of a Christian nation. It is a secular state, based on the principles of the world. It is completely opposed to God’s ways of running his nation.
In a recent national poll, as many as 90% of the people in the United States consider themselves Christian in some way. A Christian viewpoint certainly dominates the U.S. culture. In broad outlines, most people in the U.S. believe in one God who created the universe and that Jesus died for our sins. Almost everyone has good things to say about Jesus in the U.S., even those who do not claim to be Christians. People desire to be forgiven for their sins and they think that Jesus is ready to help them.
However, most people in the U.S. do not understand what Jesus demands to follow him, let alone follow it. To be a "Christian" may be a good thing, but it is mostly a social title today, having nothing to do with Jesus’ death or teaching. Even the majority of people who go to churches have a false understanding about what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Most people will agree that Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life: no one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). But they do not agree with or even understand the following:
If anyone is to enter the kingdom of God, they must obey the teaching of Jesus. (Matthew 7:21-27)
If anyone is to follow Jesus, they must deny themselves and take up their cross. (Mark 8:35)
If anyone wants to gain their life, they must lose it. (Mark 8:36)
Whoever wants Jesus to accept them before the Father, they must accept Jesus before men. (Mark 8:38)
No one can follow Jesus unless they renounce their possessions. (Luke 14:33)
Those who will gain the kingdom of God must be poor, mourning and persecuted. (Luke 6:20-24)
Whoever will be raised from the dead must humble themselves. (Luke 14:11)
These are the demands of faith, and the people of the United States, especially the "Christians", are usually looking for ways to avoid this faith of Jesus, not embrace it.
"The Laws of the United States are based on the Bible"
Some say that the foundation of the law of the United States is based on a British system of law, which is based on the Bible, especially the Ten Commandments. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are based on "Christian" principles. Thus many people think that the laws of the U.S. are fundamentally Christian.
However, the laws of the United States have been drawn up and applied without reference to the teachings of Jesus, which is the basis of the laws of the kingdom of God. Seven of the Ten Commandments are not enforced by the laws of the United States. The makers of the laws of the U.S. are not concerned with the Bible, but with making the society well-running on their own principles, not on the principles of God.
Here are a few examples of where the law of God and of the United States are in opposition:
The law of God insists that idolatry is unacceptable. (Exodus 20:4; II Corinthians 6:16-17)
The law of the United States says that everyone has a right to worship whoever they want.
The law of God insists that those who take God’s name in vain will be punished. (Exodus 20:7; Matthew 12:31)
The law of the United States insists on freedom of speech, without punishment.
The law of God forbids covetousness and greed. (Exodus 20:17; Ephesians 5:3)
The law of the United States encourages corporations that thrive on greed.
The law of God says to teach one’s children about loving God. (Deuteronomy 6:7; Ephesians 6:4)
The law of the United States forbids the public teaching about God.
The law of God teaches to love everyone, even if they harmed you. (Matthew 5:43-44)
The law of the United States insist that the police and the military must harm others, and even encourage them to kill, if the threat seems bad enough.
The laws of the United States are, in many ways, opposed to Scripture, not in agreement with it.
"The United States is a Christian Nation"
The early colonists of the United States were all Christians, many persecuted for their faith. North America has been the site of many major revivals, which caused many towns to turn completely to the Lord. The majority of the leaders of the United States have been Christian, and have written statements that could be called devotional. So many say that the United States is a Christian nation, or that it should be.
However, the United States cannot today be called a Christian nation—nor can any nation on the earth. There is already a Christian nation, called the kingdom of God and Jesus is the king. There can be no other nation with any other system of government with anyone else as leader that could call itself "of Jesus" or "Christian". The kingdom of God already has its people all throughout the world. And though the kingdom does not now have a land that it can call its own, it is very much a living, vibrant nation.
On top of this, the United States is opposed to the kingdom of God in many areas. Following are many areas that the United States and the kingdom of God are diametrically opposed:
The kingdom of God is a distinctly religious kingdom, devoted exclusively to God.
The United States separates any religious practice or belief from the government.
The kingdom of God is a nation in which every member and citizen is devoted exclusively to God through Jesus Christ. (Romans 10:9)
The United States insists that every citizen can worship whatever God they want, or none at all, and hold to any teacher they want. To insist otherwise, it claims, is unethical.
The kingdom of God is a country ruled by an appointed benevolent dictator: Jesus Christ (Romans 1:4)
The United States firmly believes that only a republic where the leader is voted in by the people is a proper government.
The kingdom of God has all of its laws and ethics come from God himself, and all policies are allowed to be determined by local bodies, as long as they do not judge apart from God’s law. (James 2:8-10)
The United States judges according to the laws passed by their legislative body, with no regard to God’s will.
The kingdom of God is empowered by the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17)
The United States is empowered by economic and military strength—namely, the flesh.
The kingdom of God has values such as faith, love, endurance through persecution, following the teaching of Jesus that are requirements to remain in it. (Acts 14:22)
The United States does not promote love, generosity to the poor, devotion to God, faith in Jesus, humility, sound teaching or other values that would cause one to enter the kingdom of heaven.
The kingdom of God insists that one’s security comes from God alone, who sends angels to fight for it. (Matthew 26:52-53)
The United States firmly insists on having the strongest, most superior armed force in the world to promote its own security and its ideals.
The kingdom of God insists that greed must not be found among God’s people. (Ephesians 5:3)
The United States promotes greed, self-gratification and spending beyond one’s need as the backbone of its economy.
The kingdom of God teaches that to hate or destroy one’s enemy is to be unlike God and unworthy to be in God’s kingdom. The kingdom of God claims that God’s way is to do good to one’s enemy and pray for that one. (Luke 6:27-36)
The United States promotes the destruction of their enemies, killing even innocents in the pursuit of their goals of revenge, security and economic stability.
The kingdom of God grants salvation to those who have faith, obedience and love in Jesus Christ. (Galatians 5:5-6)
The United States grants its salvation to those who qualify and have filled out the proper paperwork—whether rich or needy, deserving or swindlers.
The United States, like all other nations, is not any kind of a Christian nation. It is a secular state, based on the principles of the world. It is completely opposed to God’s ways of running his nation.
True and False Christians
The word "Christian" is a combination of a Greek title and a Latin ending which means, "One who is a servant of Christ." This is specifically one who belongs to the household of Jesus, the Christ and Lord, the anointed one of God who was crucified by the ruling governments and was raised by God. More than a billion people in the world today call themselves "Christian", but according to the teaching of Jesus, there are many who call Jesus "Lord", but they are not truly servants of Jesus.
Jesus said, "Not everyone who calls me ‘Lord’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven. Many will call me on that day and say, ‘Lord, Lord did we not prophecy in your name and in your name cast out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘Depart from me, you who did not obey my law, into eternal punishment prepared for the devil and his angels, for I never knew you.’ Again, not everyone who calls me ‘Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of my Father who is in heaven. So why do you call me ‘Lord’ but do not do what I say?" (Matthew 7:21-24; Matthew 25:41; Luke 6:46)
Even so, there are many who call themselves by the name of Jesus today, but they do not do what Jesus says—and many of these do so knowing that Jesus taught against their practices! Thus, the difference between a true Christian and a false one is based on their actions.
Those who claim the name of Jesus but determine to hurt or destroy their enemies are hypocrites. But whoever responds to evil done to them with good is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 6:27)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and attempt to sell the teaching of Jesus or the promises of God or do miracles for their own profit are hypocrites. But whoever freely gives the teaching and salvation of Jesus to all who would listen is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 10:7-8)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and speak evil of the poor and withhold their wealth and resources from the needy are hypocrites. But whoever sells their possessions and gives to the poor liberally is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 12:33)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and demand repayment of a loan upon threat of consequences are hypocrites. But whoever loans money or possessions and does not expect it back is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 6:34-35)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and respond in rage and in insults to another’s offense are hypocrites. But whoever attempts to make peace with one who wronged them is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 5:21-24; Luke 17:3)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and look longingly at someone of the opposite sex are hypocrites. But whoever keeps their mind pure is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 5:8, 28)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and are constantly breaking promises made are hypocrites. But whoever does everything they can to keep their word is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 5:37)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and hold to the traditions and rituals of their church with equal status as the teaching of Jesus are hypocrites. But whoever focuses on faith, devotion to God, love of one’s neighbor and obedience to Jesus as the focus of his or her life is a true follower of Jesus. (Mark 7:8-9; Luke 7:44-50)
Those who claim the name of Jesus but despise the lost, lowly or disobedient are hypocrites. But whoever calls sinners to repentance and declares good news to the needy is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 15:1-10)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and collect many possessions and treasures are hypocrites. But whoever renounces all of his or her possessions is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 6:19; Luke 14:33)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and despise others who have wronged them, never forgiving them even though there was a misunderstanding or an apology, are hypocrites. But whoever forgives wrongs done to him or her and accepts apologies and explanations is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 17:4, Matthew 6:14-15)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and break their covenant of marriage by divorce or sexual relations with another are hypocrites. But whoever remains with their spouse through his or her whole life or who refrains from marriage altogether is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 19:3-12)
Those who claim the name of Jesus but deny any of the teaching of Jesus or deny that their disobedience of Jesus is sin are hypocrites. But whoever sins against the teaching of Jesus and confesses his or her sin and repents from it is a true follower of Jesus. (Mark 1:15)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and say that the wealthy, popular and prosperous are the blessed ones of God are hypocrites. But whoever endures suffering, poverty and persecution for the sake of Jesus is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 6:20-26)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and attempt to create justice through violence, lies or other evil acts are hypocrites. But whoever asks the Father daily for justice is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 5:38-42; Luke 18:7)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and attempt to keep people from doing merciful acts on the Sabbath are hypocrites. But whoever grants grace to the poor and needy on the Sabbath is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 12:1-8)
Those who claim the name of Jesus but are careless with their words and tear down the righteous with their speech are hypocrites. But whoever speaks with care and gives others peace with their words are true followers of Jesus. (Matthew 12:36; Matthew 5:9)
If you have failed in any of these areas (and we all have), do not despair, but turn to the Lord. Ask forgiveness of your sin and ask that the Holy Spirit might come to you and renew your life in accordance with Jesus’ teaching. True Christians aren’t perfect—but they are repentant and reconciling. Pray for the church—that we might all acknowledge the Lord in word and in action.
Jesus said, "Not everyone who calls me ‘Lord’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven. Many will call me on that day and say, ‘Lord, Lord did we not prophecy in your name and in your name cast out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘Depart from me, you who did not obey my law, into eternal punishment prepared for the devil and his angels, for I never knew you.’ Again, not everyone who calls me ‘Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of my Father who is in heaven. So why do you call me ‘Lord’ but do not do what I say?" (Matthew 7:21-24; Matthew 25:41; Luke 6:46)
Even so, there are many who call themselves by the name of Jesus today, but they do not do what Jesus says—and many of these do so knowing that Jesus taught against their practices! Thus, the difference between a true Christian and a false one is based on their actions.
Those who claim the name of Jesus but determine to hurt or destroy their enemies are hypocrites. But whoever responds to evil done to them with good is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 6:27)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and attempt to sell the teaching of Jesus or the promises of God or do miracles for their own profit are hypocrites. But whoever freely gives the teaching and salvation of Jesus to all who would listen is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 10:7-8)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and speak evil of the poor and withhold their wealth and resources from the needy are hypocrites. But whoever sells their possessions and gives to the poor liberally is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 12:33)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and demand repayment of a loan upon threat of consequences are hypocrites. But whoever loans money or possessions and does not expect it back is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 6:34-35)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and respond in rage and in insults to another’s offense are hypocrites. But whoever attempts to make peace with one who wronged them is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 5:21-24; Luke 17:3)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and look longingly at someone of the opposite sex are hypocrites. But whoever keeps their mind pure is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 5:8, 28)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and are constantly breaking promises made are hypocrites. But whoever does everything they can to keep their word is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 5:37)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and hold to the traditions and rituals of their church with equal status as the teaching of Jesus are hypocrites. But whoever focuses on faith, devotion to God, love of one’s neighbor and obedience to Jesus as the focus of his or her life is a true follower of Jesus. (Mark 7:8-9; Luke 7:44-50)
Those who claim the name of Jesus but despise the lost, lowly or disobedient are hypocrites. But whoever calls sinners to repentance and declares good news to the needy is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 15:1-10)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and collect many possessions and treasures are hypocrites. But whoever renounces all of his or her possessions is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 6:19; Luke 14:33)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and despise others who have wronged them, never forgiving them even though there was a misunderstanding or an apology, are hypocrites. But whoever forgives wrongs done to him or her and accepts apologies and explanations is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 17:4, Matthew 6:14-15)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and break their covenant of marriage by divorce or sexual relations with another are hypocrites. But whoever remains with their spouse through his or her whole life or who refrains from marriage altogether is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 19:3-12)
Those who claim the name of Jesus but deny any of the teaching of Jesus or deny that their disobedience of Jesus is sin are hypocrites. But whoever sins against the teaching of Jesus and confesses his or her sin and repents from it is a true follower of Jesus. (Mark 1:15)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and say that the wealthy, popular and prosperous are the blessed ones of God are hypocrites. But whoever endures suffering, poverty and persecution for the sake of Jesus is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 6:20-26)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and attempt to create justice through violence, lies or other evil acts are hypocrites. But whoever asks the Father daily for justice is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 5:38-42; Luke 18:7)
Those who claim the name of Jesus and attempt to keep people from doing merciful acts on the Sabbath are hypocrites. But whoever grants grace to the poor and needy on the Sabbath is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 12:1-8)
Those who claim the name of Jesus but are careless with their words and tear down the righteous with their speech are hypocrites. But whoever speaks with care and gives others peace with their words are true followers of Jesus. (Matthew 12:36; Matthew 5:9)
If you have failed in any of these areas (and we all have), do not despair, but turn to the Lord. Ask forgiveness of your sin and ask that the Holy Spirit might come to you and renew your life in accordance with Jesus’ teaching. True Christians aren’t perfect—but they are repentant and reconciling. Pray for the church—that we might all acknowledge the Lord in word and in action.
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