discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

Christmas, the Retold Story!

Leave a comment

Christmas is filled with traditions, including the story of Jesus’ birth. Some depictions show sheep, camels, and donkeys alongside people in costumes for effect. The event makes us feel happy and can be a fun, family-focused time. But is there more to the story—perhaps behind-the-scenes details that could make it more meaningful if known? Let’s find out.

First, the Son of God, born as a son of man, has existed since at least the creation of our universe (John 1:1-4). Nothing was created without Jesus’ presence and action!

Second, this Son of God had to live and die as a human for a reason: to restore the relationship between the Creator and creation by paying the penalty for the first humans’ rebellion and crushing evil (e.g., Genesis 3:15). Why? Paying the price could only be done by someone who had never rebelled against God. He began sending clues about this coming perfect Savior through various prophets like Isaiah: “Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

This Prince was born around 4 BC and was eventually crucified, as the prophet Daniel predicted 500 years before Jesus came to earth (Daniel 9:25-26). His birth brings God’s peace to those He favors (Luke 2:14), but it also sparked Herod’s wrath (Matthew 2:1-12). To protect Jesus, an angel instructed Joseph and Mary to flee to Egypt until Herod died (Matthew 2:13-15). How was such a journey possible? After all, travel and daily life were costly, just as they are now. Let me introduce the wise men.

To truly appreciate their contribution, we need to go back to Persia, 500 years earlier, when Daniel gained great respect and wealth. He was also knowledgeable about Babylonian arts, including astronomy. He knew when Jesus would be born (Daniel 9:25-26) and where (Micah 5:2). 

So, Daniel, the Jew who spent his life in Persia, had treasure, knew how to chart the movements of the stars, and understood where Jesus would be born and the timeframe. Therefore, we shouldn’t be surprised that Persian magi (wise men) knew that Jesus fulfilled prophecies and that the alignment of the stars at the time and place of His birth was significant. Daniel’s great wealth was likely the resource that funded Jesus’s trip to Egypt until Herod’s death. Our God is the master orchestrator who crafts everything according to His pleasure! “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

In summary, God and our Christian traditions can bring great blessings, peace, and joy! Where will we go next? Please allow me to encourage you who are “spiritual diamonds” in the making! Meanwhile, give what God desires: charity, justice, mercy, and a pure heart.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

The Tithe: Religion Over Love!

1 Comment

Recently, I discussed the Old Covenant Law, pointing out that Christians aren’t required to follow its religious or civil rules. Most Christian leaders agree, yet they often push congregants to tithe. However, there is no obligation to do so. Yes, God desires giving — but for charity, not for church expenses under the pretense of an Old Covenant tithe.

The tithe, meaning ‘a one-tenth part,’ was part of the ancient pagan suzerain-vassal (king-servant) covenant system that God adopted to establish His salvation-focused relationship with people, starting with Abram. However, as far as we know, God did not command a tithe until He renewed the covenant through Moses. Then He instructed the eleven tribes who received land to tithe to support the priests, their families, and the temple. Eventually, they disobeyed, which led to starvation and disrepair, prompting a sharp rebuke (Malachi 3:6-15). Today, there are no physical temples or priests: we are the spiritual temple and a priesthood of believers (e.g., 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Peter 2:5), and therefore, do not need a tithe.

So, there was no New Covenant tithe until Constantine reinstituted it in the fourth century to fund religious leaders and buildings. Previously, money was collected only for charity. For example, Paul collected funds from regional churches to support the beleaguered saints in Jerusalem. Additionally, Tertullian wrote: “Though we have our treasure-chest, it is not made up of purchase-money, as of a religion that has its price. On the monthly day, if he likes, each puts in a small donation; but only if it be his pleasure, and only if he be able: for there is no compulsion; all is voluntary. These gifts are . . . to support and bury poor people …”. Today?

Many church leaders misuse Scripture to guilt or excite congregants into tithing for things God never asked for, ignoring charity and discipleship—things that God and Christ commanded. Beyond misinterpreting Malachi 3:6-15, Luke 6:38 is often distorted to promote a tithing pyramid scheme, where giving more money supposedly leads to receiving more. Read it along with verses 1-36, and you’ll see the context is about judging and the exchange of justice and mercy, not tithing. Still, little return is seen from today’s tithes. Fewer than 5% of American churches make disciples that make disciples. Fewer than 20% of church members engage in spiritual disciplines. Typically, less than 1% of church budgets go to missions, and there’s usually nothing allocated for charity or discipleship—the core things we’re called to do. The solution?

Leaders: don’t misuse the Scriptures! Be open about church business needs and teach your people to prioritize charity—starting at home, then within the Body, and finally to others. I could write much more about solving this issue, but I’ve run out of space! Maybe in a future article…

In summary, there’s no New Covenant tithe, but loving others is essential. Next, we’ll revisit “Christmas, the Retold Story!”

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley (MDiv, DMin)

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

The Long Arm of the Law

Leave a comment

Many Christians say they’re “no longer under the Old Covenant Law.” That’s mostly true. However, the statement downplays the Law’s importance and ignores the need to follow its moral teachings. Here, we’ll examine both Old and New Covenant Laws. First, why are laws necessary?

Why do we have laws? Boundaries are everywhere. Traffic laws help keep us safe on the road. Others protect communities from harm. This is true even in the animal kingdom. For example, I saw an elephant herd temporarily expel a young male that was getting ‘frisky’ with already spoken-for females. Laws also helped Israelites honor God and love people.

Old Covenant Law. First, a better translation of ‘Law’ is ‘instruction.’ The Old Covenant version consisted of 613 instructions, starting with the Ten Commandments. Second, there were three types of instructions: civil, religious, and moral. Civil instructions addressed issues like handling corpses, sexual immorality, and other community safety measures. Religious instructions directed people to serve God, and an abundant life in ancient Israel depended on meditating on the Law’s commandments and obeying them (e.g., Deuteronomy 30:8; Joshua 1:8).

Although New Covenant Christians are no longer bound by Old Covenant civil or religious laws (e.g., Romans 7:6; Galatians 5:18), moral guidance—such as most of the Ten Commandments—is still relevant. These principles continue to apply (e.g., you don’t have a green light to murder someone!).

Old Covenant instructions served another purpose: to establish an impossible standard. Breaking the rules became sin that could cause physical or spiritual death, emphasizing the need for a remedy (e.g., Romans 5:20-21; 1 Corinthians 15:55-57). Now, there is a New Covenant Law that fulfills the Old Covenant’s civil and religious instructions and offers the cure for sin.

New Covenant Law. The relationship with God, as outlined in the Old and New Covenants, is a continuum from the Old to the New. The New doesn’t erase the Old (Romans 3:31), and offers the solution for our inability to perfectly follow the Old Law of God: Jesus, through whom grace and truth are made known (John 1:17). Through Him, those led by the Spirit by faith are justified before God. This isn’t achieved by merely following Old Covenant’s civil and religious rules (Romans 7:4-7; Galatians 2:16 and 5:18)! But don’t be fooled: belief and action go hand in hand (Romans 2:13; James 2:14-26)! A belief that produces no results is worthless to God and will lead to wrath at the end of the world (John 15, Matthew 25:31-46, etc.).

Summary. Christians no longer follow the Old Covenant’s civil and religious rules, but they still need to adhere to many of its moral principles. And the New Covenant’s instructions to honor God and love others (relational terms and conditions) must be obeyed … or else. What’s next? Let’s revisit “Christmas, the Retold Story!” to take a closer look at how the plan of reconciling creation with the Creator unfolded.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley (MDiv, DMin)

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

The Power Button of Faith

Leave a comment

Last time, I introduced third-century Perpetua as a prime example of unwavering faith. This time, I’ll answer the question, “Ron! Where’s the power switch to activate great faith like she had?” The button’s name is ‘experience.’ Keep pressing it and enjoy an extraordinary life with God here and in the hereafter, just like Perpetua. Alright—let’s explore the experiential ‘power button of faith.’

Everything in the Christian faith revolves around personal encounters and experiences. This includes what we read in the Bible and what we experience throughout our faith journey. For example, people encountered God through dreams and prophecies, which they documented. Others met Jesus as He spoke and healed, and they recorded those moments. Even the historical events, genealogies, love letters, and lamentations in the Bible are documented accounts of real experiences. Engaging with these—by reading, hearing, and seeing—can help build faith after an introduction to God’s Kingdom and making a well-placed choice (Romans 10:9-10).

Experience is essential for strong faith, and it can take many forms, such as biblical writings and the proclamation of God’s Kingdom being near to people. “But these [signs performed by Jesus] have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:31) And, according to the apostle Paul: “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14) One more: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)

Another kind of experience that can ignite and build strong faith is personal evangelism. Not as you might think, though. I’m not talking about speaking to strangers about things they don’t understand or handing out pamphlets, but representing God’s Kingdom as ambassadors through your actions. What you do matters much more than what you say!

“Alright, Ron. I believe in God through Jesus and have dedicated all I am and have to them (Romans 10:9-10); my faith power button exists. Now what? How do I energize and strengthen it? We grow stronger in anything through discipline; building faith is no different. Study the Bible. Don’t just read the words—study and ask for understanding! Pray regularly to adore and thank God, intercede for yourself and others, and confess sinful behavior. Practice your faith through self-control and charity. And when you lack faith (perhaps due to discouragement and doubt or spiritual immaturity), pray for faith-boosting wisdom (James 1:5-6).

In summary, develop a faith power button through experience, then strengthen it by practicing spiritual disciplines like study, prayer, self-control, charity, and fellowship. For something entirely different, we’ll explore the Old Covenant Law (Instruction) and its role in setting standards, revealing darkness, and understanding God’s nature in the following article.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

Perpetua: Faithful unto Death

1 Comment

Human life is valuable; we cherish ours above all else. Yet, Jesus said that God-fearing Christ-followers would willingly give up everything to enter God’s kingdom, even under severe persecution in the last day: “And they overcame [Satan] because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.” (Revelation 12:11) Here, you’ll meet such a martyr who had much to lose but infinitely more to gain: third-century Vibia Perpetua.

Twenty-two-year-old Perpetua, who had a breastfed infant son, had recently completed her discipleship and been baptized when she was condemned to die in the arena for her allegiance to God and Christ. Understand that her discipleship and martyrdom occurred when cheap grace, with its self-centeredness, and today’s ‘get-saved-quick’ culture, would have been unfamiliar concepts. Discipleship often took up to three years and required close mentoring and observation to ensure that the trainees (catechumens) truly understood the potential cost of their faith before being admitted to the Christian community and, presumably, God’s kingdom.

Perpetua weighed the costs and chose to relinquish all earthly pleasures for heavenly joys beyond imagination, even though she was offered the chance to keep her life and her infant son by denying Christ. What you’ll read now is from her diary, which was completed by an anonymous eyewitness and friend after her death.

  • Sentenced to death for becoming a slave to Christ: “Hilarianus passed sentence on all of us: we were condemned to the beasts, and we returned to prison in high spirits.”
  • Great joy and evangelism: “Some days later, an adjutant named Pudens, who was in charge of the prison, began to show us great honor, realizing that we possessed some great power within us. … By this time the adjutant who was head of the [jail] [became] a Christian.”
  • Death march: “… it was chosen that their sex might be matched with that of the beast. So they were stripped naked, placed in nets and thus brought out into the arena.”
  • Out with the old, in with the new: “… the heifer tossed Perpetua and she fell on her back. Then sitting up she pulled down the tunic that was ripped along the side so that it covered her thighs, thinking more of her modesty than of her pain. … She screamed as she was struck on the bone; then she took the trembling hand of the young gladiator and guided it to her throat.”

Perpetua showed that no one would willingly die for something they didn’t truly believe in. The apostles and early church fathers wouldn’t have lied about the good news of God’s kingdom out of fear of being held accountable by their peers. This should make you think about what’s ahead while you still can. You might wonder, “Ron! Where’s the power button to turn on the kind of faith Perpetua had?” Let’s find out next time!

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

Get Dirty But Shake Off the Dust!

Leave a comment

I’m a discipleship guy. Why? Because, without it, there’s little to no Christian transformation and the beautiful things it brings. So, I’m all about change and spiritual growth—mine and yours. But what is basic discipleship, and how can we be fruitful as we do it? And, what do we do when it’s not working out?

First, discipleship is about imitation: presenting something worth imitating and mimicking what is seen and heard. Jesus taught, modeled what He taught, tested, corrected, and sent as He discipled. He gave His disciples something good to imitate. Then, they did what Jesus did. Here’s an example from nearly 2,000 years ago, written by the apostle Paul to the Church in Thessalonica: “You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.” (Thessalonians 1:6)

Second, discipleship can be messy! It occurs when we walk with someone at their rhythm of life; their and our discipleship and spiritual growth must never stop. The disciple-discipler relationship develops the trust needed to share struggles, woes, and joys. Importantly, authentic discipleship ensures that you observe a disciple’s behavior and are prepared to answer questions or offer correction. This is where it can get messy. But discipleship doesn’t happen without it.

Third, discipleship isn’t for everyone, and most of these relationships will fail. Why? Most likely due to a lack of devotion to God or the discipleship process, which can be tough. So, what should you do if this happens as you disciple? Setting clear expectations about mandatory devotion to God and the discipleship relationship is essential. Then, hold the disciple accountable. But if they aren’t growing, showing up, studying, etc., it might be time to ‘cut bait.’ Ditch the spiritual dead weight and move on! “But Ron, the disciple is my friend! Are you saying I must end the friendship?” Absolutely not! Keep that relationship, but focus your discipleship efforts elsewhere. Jesus addressed this in Mark 6:7-13: “And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits . . . And He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave town. Any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet for a testimony against them.” They went out and preached that men should repent. …”

To recap, discipleship is about your speech and example, as well as others imitating what they hear and see. So, be someone worth imitating! And don’t get stuck in a dead-end discipleship relationship. There’s plenty for you to do, so move forward! Next week? You’ll finally meet two inspiring third-century martyrs worth imitating: Perpetua and Felicitas.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

Been Cleaned, Being Cleaned!

Leave a comment

Ron! If we are forgiven for our sins when we respond to God’s call through devotion to Him (making Jesus ‘Lord’ as seen in Romans 10:8-10) and obedience to honor and love God and people, why do we need to keep seeking forgiveness? Great question! Jesus hinted at the answer in John 13:5-10.

“Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. So He came to Simon Peter. He said to Him, “Lord, do You wash my feet?” … Peter said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” Jesus said to him, ‘He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.’”

This servant-leader taught that we need regenerative bathing in the New Covenant, as seen in 13:10, and regular washing (ongoing repentance) to inherit God’s Kingdom. Let me explain. There are two kinds of washings referenced in John 13. The first is washing a part of the body, such as the hand or foot (e.g., verses 5 & 6). It is referenced by the word Peter used in 13:6 when he said, “… Lord, do you wash my feet??” The washing of the part of the body referenced here is the Greek word pronounced ‘nip-toe.’ This ‘washing’ for forgiveness when we rebel against God’s standard is part of our repentance—turning away from sin as we exercise changed behavior because of a new heart.

The second washing is bathing the whole body, as in the Old Testament reference to what Bathsheba was doing when David saw her. This Greek word is pronounced ‘loo-oh,’ and we see this in 13:10. There’s a distinct difference between the two types of spiritual washing. First, the atoning work of Christ bathes – “loo-oh’s” – us from the sin and disobedience we practiced BEFORE we knew better, repented, and devoted ourselves to God through Christ. Second, we continue to repent and experience a cleansing when we fall short of God’s desires AFTER devotion to Him. In verse 10, we learn that the one who has been bathed (loo-oh’d) needs only to have regular washings (nip-toes) for forgiveness in repentance. Finally, Jesus explained to Peter that He and the other disciples had been ‘bathed’ (regenerated) except for Judas.

In summary, we are bathed (loo-oh’d) when we devote ourselves to God out of our belief in Him, and we continue to be ‘nip-toed’ in our repentance when we mess up. Next week, we’ll look at Jesus’ instruction for a disciple-maker to ‘wipe the dust off the feet and move on instead of stagnating.

Blessings and peace,
Dr. Ron Braley (MDiv, DMin)

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

The Problem with Divorce Isn’t Divorce!

Leave a comment

Destruction of husband-wife unions and resulting divorce is commonplace. But is divorce the problem or a sin? No. Underlying lies, abuse, and otherwise ungodly behavior are. And adultery isn’t the only culprit.

Traditionally, religious leaders teach that adultery is the only ‘authorized’ reason for divorce. Consequently, people often remain in physically and mentally abusive relationships, even unto death. However, we understand from the Scriptures that valid reasons for divorce can include other violations of promises to love, honor, and cherish.

Acceptable reasons can include grievous offenses that threaten the well-being of a spouse and damage the marriage relationship. This was certainly the case in ancient Israel. Since marriage is often founded on culturally cultivated vows and promises, divorce due to breaking those promises could (and can) also depend on cultural expectations.

Grievous offenses by Israelite women warranting divorce: Adultery is the only one, especially since the marriage bed consecrated the covenant in the first place. Her adultery violated the promise to honor her husband, and is why Jesus, who was speaking to men, said the only valid reason to divorce one’s wife would be sexual immorality.

Accepting Jesus’ response without considering the historical, cultural, or biblical contexts prompts the misbelief that sexual infidelity was, and is, the only valid reason for divorce by either spouse. This has been the unfortunate position held by the Church for many centuries. In fact, the Catholic Church and Protestant offshoots have historically banned divorce except for adultery and, at best, only allowed separation for physical abuse or abandonment. However, Jesus’ non-legalistic response was related to a contemporary ‘any cause’ divorce and Moses’ reluctant permission for men to divorce because of their lack of love and forgiveness. He wasn’t relegating married women to abuse or death unless sexual faithlessness occurred.

Grievous offenses by Israelite men warranting divorce: Husbands were to care for their wives and love them as they love themselves. That meant to protect and provide. What about adultery? Multiple wives and concubines were part of the culture, so this would not have been considered adultery and a marital violation. What would have been? Not providing for or protecting a wife. This could include physical, mental, or emotional harm.

What about today? Remember that marriages are born of promises—vows. Those made or implied in the marriage covenant must not be broken! Lying, cheating, beating, starving, gaslighting, or leaving breaks the agreement, violates godly love, and becomes a valid reason for divorce—especially if left unresolved.

To summarize, divorce is an unfortunate end to a marriage caused by unfaithful or ungodly behavior by either spouse, involving any violation of the marital contract, and possibly harming someone. It can result from neglect, abuse, or sexual infidelity—any broken promise. Next, we’ll learn about ancient martyrs, Perpetua and Felicitas. In the meantime, please treat your spouses with the love Christ taught and modeled, and avoid harmful relationships.

God’s blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Finding the End of the World, Uncategorized

God’s Names & Attributes

Leave a comment

Father of lights. Father of spirits. Creator, daddy, healer, and provider. All label and describe the One who was, is, and is to come. And, as He is, God cares for His children as no other. What follows is a sampling of God’s many attributes, starting with His name.

  • God’s name. Hebrew YHVH is His formal name, usually pronounced as Jehovah or Yahweh. Conversely, the Bible mentions ‘in the name’ of God or Christ. Just ending a prayer “In Jesus’ name!” is not what this means—it’s their power, character, and authority by which followers must operate.
  • Creator & Father. “This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made earth and heaven.” (Genesis 2:4)
  • Daddy. One of the coolest names of God is Abba, which means ‘daddy’ or ‘papa:’ “And He was saying, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me …” (Mark 14:36)
  • King/Lord. “The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.” (Acts 17:24)
  • Shepherd (YHVH Rohi). Psalm 23:1-3 reflects this attribute: “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.  He makes … He leads … He restores … He guides …”
  • Healer (YHVH Rapha). Exodus 15:26 states “If you will give earnest heed to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His sight, and give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the LORD, am your healer.”
  • Provider (YHVH Jireh). God gives so many things, including food, shelter, money, transportation, and salvation.
  • Savior. We see the saving hand of YHVH through His Son, whom we call Jesus, who obediently came to earth, lived as a human, died a horrible death, and was raised by the Father to be the first of many who would be raised on the last day: “We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.” (1John 4:14)
  • Judge. YHVH’s Son will judge everyone at the end of this age. Some will then enter eternal life. Others will experience eternal destruction (2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 25:31-46): “Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.” (Acts 17:30-31)

Summary. God can be Father, Daddy, Creator, Healer, Provider, and Savior. Is He yours? Next time, we’ll dive into the complex topic of divorce. Meanwhile, remember the Father of Spirits and honor Him appropriately.

God’s blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Finding the End of the World, Uncategorized

What God Hates

Leave a comment

While God loves many things, there are things He hates. Some, such as sexual immorality and deviousness (Proverbs 3:32), are disgusting—an abomination, according to the ancient language (Hebrew to-ay-baw’, to-ay-baw’). This makes sense, as He designed us to reflect His character and behave as He created us. Anything else is disrespectful and counter to God’s design. Here, we’ll focus on several categories of disgusting things after considering why they happen. But, before we do, a caveat: All rebellion against God is bad, and none is better or worse than another—the same fate awaits all who practice such things.

Why do we do stuff that God hates? Self-centeredness that seeks personal pleasure over obedience to God. Verse 1 John 2:16 states that, “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life;” these become the root of all kinds of abominations. Sexual immorality is an excellent example and one that deserves special attention because many Christian leaders have turned bad into good and corrupted the Church.

Sexual immorality. This includes adultery, prostitution, incest, bestiality, pedophilia, and homosexuality (Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13; Deuteronomy 22:5). Redefining the ancient language, distorting history, or promoting a self-gratifying love to legitimize disgusting behavior in the Church won’t make it less so or soften God’s response. See my related article for additional information (https://ronbraley.blog/2022/11/10/weed-patrol-weeds-beget-weeds-part-two-sexual-immorality/). Dishonoring God in a variety of ways is also something He hates.

Dishonoring God. Besides what I’ve already listed, God hates our prioritizing other gods, spiritual or material. Lying, especially to the detriment of others, and wicked behavior are also disgusting according to God (Proverbs 12:22; Exodus 20:16). God hates the abuse of His name (Exodus 20:7), which concerns His character and authority, not syllables. For instance, Ezekiel 13:6 condemns prophets who “see false visions and utter lying divinations” and claim, “This is what the Lord declares,” when He has not spoken. See also Jeremiah 14:14 and 23:16 and Deuteronomy 18:20. If I only had a dollar for every time I heard, “The Spirit said this…” or “God told me that …”)! God also hates the poor treatment of people.

Hurting people. Sexual immorality, lying, and injustice that God hates, as I’ve already mentioned, negatively affect humans. Add murder, theft, malice, slander, and envy (e.g., Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). God commands us to love our neighbors charitably. So, the lack of love would be something He also hates, as evidenced by the hell-bound nature of those who don’t care for the less fortunate. Matthew 25:31-46 tells us that we’ll be judged for how we care for them. And Jesus chided the Pharisees for honoring the religious tithe instead of treating people appropriately (Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42).

Summary. God hates, and often finds disgusting, behaviors that violate His standards and dishonor Him and hurt people. Next, let’s learn more about God through His names and attributes!

God’s blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

Biblical Truth by Ron Braley