What if Christ came back today?

Have you ever wondered how the Jesus Christ of the New Testament would be received if he were to return to earth today? Would Jesus be welcomed in your church?

In the modern culture of political correctness and tolerance, it is interesting to explore the hypothesis of Christ’s second coming in the context of liberal Western values. One cannot help but think would the Christ of the Bible be an offensive judgmental, out of touch dinosaur in the eyes of contemporary society. Maybe the words, “your kind is not welcome here, we are a tolerant, inclusive, and loving Church” will be on the lips of the respectable and benevolent Pastor.

Mark Twain, the American writer, is credited to have once said that if Jesus was alive today, the last thing he would be is a Christian. I suggest that there is an element of truth in that statement considering how the modern church portraits Jesus Christ. Today, a large section of those who profess Christianity preach a Jesus that is contrary to the one we see in the New Testament. Take Matthew 23, for example, where Jesus used very direct and strong language to condemn the practices of the religious people of his day. In verse 15, Jesus said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.” Did Jesus really say this? Did the meek and mild gentle Jesus of modern Christianity utter such damming words? As we read on Jesus’s condemnation, it is still very strong, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence” is recorded in verse 25.

It is evident that the teachings of Jesus are at odds with the values and customs of the modern age. In fact, this is nothing new. The world has always fought against the teachings of Christ. In the 1850s, there was conflict regarding the origins of the universe. This is just one example of the teachings of the Bible being brought into question by society.

As we live in an ever-growing secular society, it is very important that Christian people have a good grasp of key doctrines of Scripture and able to defend their beliefs in the public sphere. Alas, the teachings of Scripture are not popular, and some might say they have no place in our society today. However, with that being said, we need to really consider whose approval we value more, men or God. If it is God’s approval, then we must be faithful to Scripture and unashamed of the truth. Our Lord and Saviour said in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” This means that we can’t be faithful servants of God while trying to please those around us all the time.

In James 4:4 the Bible says, “You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” There is, of course much more to be said regarding the subject in hand. However, today my aim is to encourage you, the Christian, to ponder, pray, and search your heart before God.

“Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.”

1 John 2:15-17

 

The Cost of Righteousness

Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.

Matthew 5:10-11

Jesus gives blessings to the persecuted for His sake. In John 15:18 Jesus says, “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you.” Jesus said that His followers will be hated and persecuted by the world. The standards of God limit the evil of the unconverted sinner. No wonder the world hates the perfect Law of the Lord. The law convicts the heart and condemns the sinner. The law shines a spotlight on the sinfulness of man. The law shows us that our good works cannot save us. The law shows us we are judged guilty before God. The law shows us we are sinners.

The law points to the righteousness and holiness of God. The law is perfect, without error, and is just. The law is like a mirror, it shows us we do not match up to God's standards. The law points to the Saviour. That is why the ungodly hate the law of the Lord. They do not like the fact that there is a judgment to come and a holy and righteous judge. The purpose of the law is to point us to Christ. The law is our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. The law does not only condemn us before God, but it directs us to the remedy. The law serves two main purposes. Firstly, to show us we are guilty before God. Secondly, to show us that our sin and guilt were paid for by the Saviour.

In Matthew 5:12 Jesus said, “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Jesus said the child of God is blessed when they are persecuted for doing the right thing. Notice how Jesus tells us that they utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on His account. The Kingdom of Heaven is promised by Christ to those believers who suffer for His name's sake meaning that all true believers in Christ will suffer in the world. As believers, we may even suffer unjustly like the early Church. We know that God was at work when Christ was suffering on the Cross for sinners. Christ was fulfilling the plan of redemption. If you look at the trial from a secular point of view it was one of the most corrupt and unjust trials in all human history. There have been many people falsely punished for a crime, what happened to Jesus was a prime example of the corruption that happens in earthly courtrooms.

God's people will suffer in one form or another in the world. Not every believer will suffer extreme suffering or persecution, but every believer will know what it is like to suffer for Christ. Some believers may suffer mockery from family and work colleagues. Some believers may go through a time of rejection for their faith. Whatever the trial God knows about it. He is aware of our daily sufferings and will give us the grace to carry on.

Remember this, for the believer, this current life is the worst it will ever get and for the non-believer, this life is the best it will ever get. Remember to focus on things above and not the earth. Direct your thoughts above, direct your heart above and above all things. Considering the times in which we live it is not easy to make a stand for Christ publicly. I will never claim it is easy to make a stand, I know what it is like to suffer mockery and rejection. Many times, during evangelism I have come up against those who reject Christ. However, we must not give up. We must not bend our knees to compromise and the world's system. If we are faithful, we shall be blessed. It is important that we have the correct attitude regarding our service. Our goal must not be a spiritual reward, but the honour and glory of God.

The Church must make a stand now more than ever. We are living in an age that is growing ever more hostile toward the Gospel. If we want to see souls saved and pews filled, then we must share the Gospel. God teaches us to preach the truth in love. May I encourage you to be faithful to Christ, to hold fast to your godly convictions and beliefs even during suffering? I believe we must make a stand today and say like Martin Luther, "I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen."

Luther was one such man who made a stand for Christ. God used Luther's faithfulness to change the face of Europe forever. It was the nailing of Luther's 95 Theses to that famous door in Wittenberg, Germany that started the Protestant Reformation in October 1517. We should not be ashamed of the Bible or its message of hope. The Gospel is the power of God to change lives. That is why the devil hates it so much. That is why the Gospel is under relentless attack and is slowly being banned. No other religious book is being banned because no other book has the power that the Holy Bible has.

The world hates the righteous teachings and examples of Christ because it exposes the world's evil. Have you noticed the anger and contempt towards Christ today? When the Gospel is declared in public there is much opposition by the ungodly. In Matthew 5:10 Christ deals with persecution for righteousness sake and in the following verse 11 with suffering for His sake, both verses are very similar but there is a difference between the two. History has shown that the world hates followers of Jesus Christ. This has been shown by street preachers being jailed and dragged through the courts and in many cases in other parts of the world being killed for Christ's sake. The foundations of the early Church were built upon the blood of the early saints.

During the history of Christianity in England many believers were murdered and martyred for truth. 2 Timothy 3:12-13 says, “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” The world has always proven the Bible true. The child of God ought to expect suffering for their faith. It is important that we understand that our suffering in the world does not bring us our salvation or merit our salvation. We should not willingly seek suffering and trials. The blood of Christ is the only payment acceptable to God for sin. Rather our sufferings are a result of our salvation.

There is a time to speak and a time to be silent. I pray God will grant you wisdom in this. Sadly, many of God's people do not speak up when it is necessary and speak when it is not appropriate. Are you willing to serve Christ with your life? Are you willing to stand up for His Word? What will you do in the face of adversity? These three questions must be answered. Are you faithful to Christ Jesus? Are you willing to die for Christ? Remember what Paul said about living for Christ and dying is gain. What will you do when faced with those who ask you about Christ? Will you do what Peter did and openly deny Christ before men and repent later or will you boldly declare your faith in Christ? We must be ready and willing to give an answer for the hope that is in us.

 

 

Five Reasons Why I Attend a Gospel Hall

There is significant conversation regarding Christianity and the numerous traditions, denominations, and sects within the Christian community. Several queries revolve around church history, tradition, and authority. These inquiries are legitimate, and I think it's essential for us as Christians to be ready to respond to them. I aim to provide some clarity on the matter. This is not intended as a criticism of the diverse denominations in Christianity; many of these congregations are commendable and proclaim the truth found in Scripture.

Here are five biblical reasons that explain why I joyfully and confidently embrace the distinctives of the Gospel Hall:

I haven't always been able to express clearly why I choose to attend a Gospel Hall Assembly. This is not about denominational loyalty; it is about theological beliefs rooted in Scripture rather than mere feelings.

I haven't always been part of a Gospel Hall. I didn't grow up in that environment. In fact, my first experience with a place of worship was at the age of 14 or 15 when I attended a local Church in Wales (Anglican) congregation. After that, I participated in the Roman Catholic Church and eventually found salvation through the ministry of a Baptist Church. I have also been involved with a Reformed church and held Presbyterian beliefs. I harbor no negative feelings toward the previous churches I attended. Nevertheless, I believe that the Gospel Hall Assemblies best embody the New Testament Christian Church.

1. The Authority of Scripture

2 Timothy 3:16–17, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

Gospel Hall Assemblies have consistently stated that the Bible is our ultimate authority in all aspects of faith and practice—not creeds, not councils, and not traditions, but Scripture alone.

If it is not found in the Bible, we should not base our doctrines or church life on it.

- Assess every belief and practice through the lens of the Bible.

- Do not baptize infants or pray to saints, as we do not find those practices in the Holy Bible.

- Preach from the Bible.

This does not imply that we disregard history or theology; we engage with both subjects thoroughly. However, we do not elevate them above or on par with the Bible. Everything must be evaluated against it.

2. Believer's Baptism by Immersion

Acts 2:41, “So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.”

We hold that baptism is exclusively for those who believe and should be conducted through immersion only, as this is the consistent example set forth in the New Testament. It is not merely a family custom or a spiritual milestone but serves as a personal and public affirmation of one's faith in Jesus.

Additionally, baptism is an ordinance of the church rather than a private ceremony. A New Testament church possesses the authority to perform baptisms, and being baptized into that congregation signifies the beginning of both membership and ministry.

- It involves being submerged, not just sprinkled.

- It is not for infants, but for believers.

- It is not meant for salvation, but is done because one has already been saved.

3. Local Assembly Fellowship

Acts 2:47, “praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

We hold that participation in a local church community is meant for those who have genuinely repented, accepted Christ, and undergone baptism by immersion. It cannot be inherited or taken for granted; rather, it is entered into through personal conviction and faith.

Although some refer to a universal, unseen church, Gospel Hall Assemblies have traditionally focused on the local church as the main, visible representation of Christ's body. This is where accountability, biblical leadership, and fellowship take place. Fellowship requires dedication, responsibility, and active involvement within a particular body that is structured according to Scripture.

4. The Autonomy of the Local Assembly

Colossians 1:18, “He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.”

Gospel Hall Assemblies hold the belief that each local assembly is directly responsible to Christ rather than to a bishop, council, or central authority. Christ is the leader, and each assembly is accountable to Him. This implies that:

- Collaboration with other Gospel Hall Assemblies is optional, not required.

- Every assembly is self-governing under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the principles outlined in Scripture.

5. Freedom of Religion and Individual Spirituality

Matthew 22:21, “They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.”

Gospel Hall Assemblies believe that each person must respond to God on their own. This idea is known as soul competency. No one can impose their conscience on another person, nor can someone else believe for you. This concept is not about radical individualism, but about personal responsibility. Salvation cannot be passed down, and faith cannot be transferred; one must personally repent and embrace the gospel.

I am involved with a Gospel Hall Assembly not because it is trendy (it never has been) or because it is the safe option, but because I am convinced that it most closely aligns with New Testament Christianity.

Not everyone in a Gospel Hall Assembly adheres to this title, and those who don't attend one are not necessarily wrong in every aspect. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that the principles upheld by Gospel Hall Assemblies—when founded on Scripture and approached with humility—honor the Word, exalt Christ, and strengthen the Assembly.

I don’t consider "Gospel Hall Assembly" merely a label. Instead, it serves as a reminder of my biblical beliefs, the clarity of the gospel, and the significance of historical fidelity.

 

The Love of God

We hear today from many the words, "Jesus loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life." Is this biblical and should Evangelical Christians utter such a phrase? The big question in Scripture is not does God love us but do we love God. Our love towards God and the things of God is the most important aspect of our spiritual life. Our love for God does not come easy. We are by nature at war with God in our hearts. We are by nature opposed to God and in rebellion to His law. We do not naturally love God. It is only by God’s grace and enabling that we love him as our sinful nature does not permit us to love God. God grants this gift by his sovereign will.

The short answer to the question of God’s love is that God does not love everyone equally. We cannot address the topic of God lightly. This is not a trivial question. Love is just one of God’s attributes. It seems today that God’s love is talked about, preached about, and highlighted more than his other attributes, and His holiness and wrath are seldom talked about. God is one of love and mercy. He is also a God of judgment and justice. The Bible clearly says that God is love. 1 John 4:8 says, “The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” Scripture teaches us that God is love, not that love is God. It is important that we don’t make love a god. It is fundamental that we do not highlight one attribute over another, we must have a balanced belief based on all of God's attributes. If we are going to study this topic faithfully then we must get our view of God from God’s Word, not man’s view or our own personal opinion on the subject, nor from what society views as love. The one true God has revealed himself to us in the pages of Holy Writ. He has told us what He is like.

If we fashion a god in our minds that is not in keeping with Scripture, we are guilty of forming an idol in our mind. If we create and worship a god other than the One of Scripture we commit the sin of idolatry and thus breach the holy law of God.

Greek words for love

In English, there is only one word for love. There are four Greek words for love. The four Greek words are agape, eros, philia, and storge. Eros is the only Greek word for love that never appears in Scripture.

Agape - This is the kind of love that is expressed in action not feelings. A good example of this would be Christ going to the Cross to pay the price for sinful men and women. In Matthew 5 we are commanded by God to love our enemies. We can love our enemies with agape love. We can do what is right for them. For example, we can help our enemy in need. We can share the Gospel with them. We can feed our enemies and take care of their physical needs. This kind of love is the one God has for his children. 1 John 3:16 says, “We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”

Eros - This is sexual or romantic love. Eros is not mentioned in the Bible. It is very important to point out that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was never married and was never in a sexual relationship. He is the most full and complete person to ever walk the face of the earth. If we are saying as human beings, we get our worth, identity, and meaning from a sexual relationship then what are we saying about the Lord Jesus Christ? A marriage relationship is a high form of love, but not the height of love nor is it the greatest form of love. Remember the Bible teaches us that the greatest form of love is Christ who laid down his life for sinners. Our identity as believers is found in Christ alone. If we say that our worth and identity are found in a romantic relationship, then we are saying that married people are of more value than single people or widows. Marriage is an honourable estate. Marriage is a gift from God and a blessing to mankind. Marriage is a beautiful form of love and that love between a man and his wife is for life. Marriage was created by God in man’s innocence.

Philia - This is the bond of friendship and that emotional connection to those closest to us. There is a city in the United States of America named after this Greek word, Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. This Greek word for love is a dispassionate virtuous love between friends or equals. We would use this type of love to express our affection for our family.

Storge - This type of love is used to express the affection parents show to their children. This is also the kind of love we have for our church family and fellow Christians. Romans 12:10 says, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.”

In the Gospel of John, the Lord Jesus Christ asked a very important question to Peter. In John’s last chapter and verse 15 Christ said, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” I am sure you have read the account a number of times. Jesus questions Peter about his love for him three times. One thing you might not have realised is that there is a difference in the Greek words for love. Jesus asked Peter, do you "agape" me? Peter answers with a "Philo" love. Jesus asked Peter do you love me more than you love the other apostles. Three times Jesus asked the question to Peter as three times Peter deny knowledge of Christ. Our Lord ask Peter, “Do you love me?” Peter responded with a love that is akin to fondness.

In a world that is growing ever more secular and against the authority of Scripture, God commands us to affirm our love for truth and our faith in the Saviour. Do you love God? Do you truly love God? Do you love God more than anything? Christ said if you love Him, you, will keep His commandments. Can we say from the heart that we love God and His truth while committing sin or living a life of sin? There is nothing worse than a man who does not practice what he preaches. We must confront sin and repent of it. We must fight against sin and not tolerate what sent Christ to the Cross.

In Matthew 5 our Lord tells us to love our enemies. Christians who misunderstand this will find it very difficult to do. Jesus is not asking us to like our enemies. He is asking us to show benevolent love to our enemies. For example, we can do what is right for them. The Christian ought to show respect towards God by faithfully following this commandment. We can give food and water to our enemies. We can show mercy toward them. The commandment to love our enemies does not mean we have to like them, but we do have to do good towards them.

Psalm 116:1 says, “I love the Lord, because He hears My voice and my supplications.” This is the only place in Scripture where "I love the Lord” appears. The Psalmist writes he loves God because the Lord has heard his voice. God supplies the needs of the one who calls upon him. The covenant God of Israel hears the voice and answers the cry of his people. One cannot help but think of what the Apostle John wrote in his first letter, “We love him because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

C. H. Spurgeon wrote in his commentary on this Psalm, "A blessed declaration: every believer ought to be able to declare without the slightest hesitation, I love the Lord.” If there is any doubt in your heart regarding your love or attitude towards God and His Word then confess that before Him. How can we say we love God and doubt His Word or attempt to justify our wrongs before him? Your attention is drawn to the above paragraph. Do you truly love God? Recently I have been thinking long and hard about my love for God. Is there any aspect of my life that needs to be confessed, repented over or even questioned by Scripture? Remember there is no such thing as secret sins, as God sees and knows all things.

Some of the worse sins we can commit are those in private. The hypocrites live a life that is contrary to the one lived before the eyes of the world; privately committing the most wicked of sins and then publicly presenting a persona of righteousness and godly living. Are we like the religious leaders of Christ’s day who were full of dead men's bones? Are we religious hypocrites? Are we really striving to be holy for the glory of God? Do we fight the battle against indwelling sin in the power of the Holy Spirit by the grace of our God? Or do we think that sin is no big deal, that it does not really matter if we keep it private? The eyes of the world might well be blind to your double-minded lifestyle, but the eyes of God see your lifestyle in the clearest of light. To love God means to obey his loving voice for your own good. To love God means to trust Him. To love God means to confess your sins before Him. To love God means to confess Him before men. Do you really love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind?

Scripture warns us, "Be sure your sins will find you out" (Numbers 32:23). Many people have escaped earthly judgment and justice but make no mistake about it not a single soul will escape the divine and eternal judgment of the Almighty. This is good news, God is just. Wicked and evil men such as Adolf Hitler who escaped earthly judgment will face the consequences of their deeds and justice will be served in the afterlife. The Bible declares that every soul will give an account of the life they have lived on earth. We are accountable and one-day divine judgment will be executed. God has made one way to be declared righteous before Him and that is by the blood of Christ which cleanses us from all sin. Christ is the sinner’s joy. Christ is the remedy of sin. Christ is the antidote for the sinful sick soul. If we repent and believe the Gospel we will be saved and counted among the citizens of Heaven.

The most well-known and often misquoted verse in Holy Writ is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” God’s love was shown at the Cross, so all who trust in Him will not perish. This is what John 3:16 teaches. However, some have misquoted this verse and said, “For God so loves the world...” The verse says loved not loves.

God’s grace is poured out on the entirety of mankind regardless if they are believers or not. This is shown in different ways and at different times. God’s love is manifested in his grace on all people. For example, God provides both the righteous and unrighteous with a place to live, money, a job, health, a family, well-being, and other blessings. God’s grace is not just for those who trust in Him for salvation. Remember that God pours out grace on everyone at different points in their lives. The love mentioned in John 3:16 is a general love. I find it strange how many will quote loudly and proudly John 3:16, but will they have the same zeal, boldness of heart, and confidence to quote John 3:36 which declares, “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

Ezekiel 33:11 says, “Say to them, ‘As I live!’ declares the Lord God, ‘I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then will you die, O house of Israel?” It is the desire of God that men and women turn from their evil ways and live for Him. God has no pleasure in the death of wicked men and women, it is His desire that they live a righteous and godly life.

We are all by natural birth children of disobedience and thus children of the devil. By faith in Christ, we are born again to a new hope. Repentance and faith in the living Son of God makes us a child of God. John 1:12 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” God grants the sinner the right to become a member of His family by faith in Christ. This is God's saving love in action. When we become a believer the love of God changes us. Before salvation, God's love towards us is like a benevolent foster parent whose job is to take care of an orphan child. Now, as a believer, God loves us like a father loves his child. We become members of God's family by adoption. This is the most amazing gift we can be given by God, adopted into the family of God. Love is found at the Cross, there is no greater love than this. True love cannot be found outside the Cross.

In Scripture, the Church is referred to as the bride of Christ. Christ died for His bride, and He loves His bride with everlasting love. There are conditions to this love, repent and believe the Gospel. Hebrews 12:6 testifies to this truth, “For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, And He scourges every son whom He receives.” Due to the fact that God loves his own as a Father loves his child, God will chasten and correct us when we go wrong and sin. It is God’s joy to teach us and discipline us and it ought to be our joy to receive His loving correction. If you have never experienced this chastening from God then serious questions need to be considered regarding your faith and salvation. Hebrews 12:8 teaches us, “But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.” Clearly, throughout the Word of God, there are distinctions of God’s love. God clearly does not love the ungodly in the same way as He loves the Church. 1 John 4 demonstrates this truth.

The first of the 10 Commandments teaches us to love God. You shall have no other god before the One true God of Israel. Our love for God is based on His divine love for us. God’s love for us is not based on anything we have done. We haven’t earned God’s love. Titus 3:3-7 says, For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

How we identify ourselves in the world is also very important. Are we known as one of Christ’s in the world? We ought to have the following in mind. I would rather be known by Him, than by this world. Known as His for His glory. I would rather have the love of Jesus, than this world's vanity. I would rather be led by His hand of grace than my own mortal flesh. I would rather have Jesus than anything a man can offer me. I would rather be in full submission to His perfect will. I would rather lift up His most holy name than my own in the history books, for I know I can trust His glorious grace.

What does God love? In order to know God we must read His word. God has revealed Himself to us in the pages of Holy Scripture. We cannot know the One true God outside of the Bible. Psalm 11:7 says, “For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; The upright will behold His face.” The Bible teaches that God is a lover of righteousness and the righteous. God is against unrighteousness. Again in Psalm 33:5 this is repeated, " He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the Lord.” Psalm 45:7 tells us that God loves righteousness and hates wickedness. Furthermore, in Psalm 37:28, David reminds us that the Lord loves justice and the wicked shall be cut off. There are many more passages to quote from the Book of Psalms that mentions God's love for righteousness. We can’t view God’s love without His holiness, goodness, and righteousness.

By looking at the Bible I have established that God loves righteousness and holiness. Having said this what causes God to pour out His anger, wrath, and judgment? The biblical text teaches that God pours out His anger, wrath, and judgment toward sin and those who commit sin. Psalm 5:4-6 says, “For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; No evil dwells with You. The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all who do iniquity. You destroy those who speak falsehood; The Lord abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit.” Also in Psalm 7:11, “God is a righteous judge, And a God who has indignation every day.”

If God is only love, then no unrighteous sinner will go to Hell. In fact, God judges sinners and sin as an expression of His love and justice, as God cannot allow anything unholy into Heaven. The view that God is all and only love makes people think they can live however they please, even a life full of sin, and God will still embrace them. This is a lie. However, God is not all wrath because God has mercy and grace toward sinners. If God was all wrath then everyone would be thrown into hell, not a single soul would be spared the flames of Hell. All the attributes of God have to be viewed in the light of Scripture and understood as Scripture teaches.

God’s love towards His children is a special one. The Church is made up of the children of God. One of the tests of a true child of God is the Lord’s chastening and rebuke. I have mentioned this briefly above but I would like to go a little deeper. In Proverbs 3:11-12 the Bible says, “My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord Or loathe His reproof, For whom the Lord loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.” A loving parent will correct, teach, and direct their child in the right way. A loving Father will discipline his child when the child has done wrong. Why? Because a Father loves the child and does not want the child to go down the wrong path, he will warn the child of the dangers and the consequences of wrongdoing. Our Heavenly Father does the same. God will do all the things a loving Father should do. God has not given us the Bible to control us nor to take the fun out of things. Rather God has given us rules and commandments to live by because He loves his creation and does not want any harm to come to us.

In Revelation 3:19 Christ is rebuking the lukewarm church of the Laodiceans. Our Lord said to them, “‘Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.” What Christ said to the lukewarm Christians can teach us a great deal of good today. Read the whole account of the Lord’s rebuke to the Laodiceans (Revelation 3:14-22). Can you see that the Lord loves them so much that He does not want them to continue in sin? Christ calls them to Repent. Is the Lord’s hand upon your life? Does Christ call you to repent today? Is there any sin in your heart that is preventing you from holiness and godliness? Is there anything you need to confess to God today?

I will close with John 14:23-24, “Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. “He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me.” Is today the day you have realised that you do not love God as He deserves to be and is commanded to be? I call on you today to reverence God, honour God, receive God, and worship God.