Judgement!

"This is what the LORD says: "For three sins of Israel, even for four, I will not turn back {my wrath}. They sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals. They trample on the heads of the poor as upon the dust of the ground and deny justice to the oppressed. Father and son use the same girl and so profane my holy name. They lie down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge. In the house of their god they drink wine taken as fines." Amos 2:6-8

From time to time I need to read about God's wrath, his judgements and punishments.

Hey, I am a God's grace preaching guy. I know His forgiveness, share His unfailing love and promote His mercy. But there is such a thing as taking His grace for granted or 'cheap grace'. There is some stuff that God does not tolerate and that He abhors. Not unforgivable, but disgraceful. We mock Him when we participate in such loathsome acts of selfishness, indulgence and nastiness. Our consciences should be so convicted by these particular behaviors. Let me make a list of the kind of stuff that evokes God's wrath, judgement and punishment. We all may face a load of earthly consequences for the ungodly choices we make even though His grace covers our promise of an eternal reward. Don't forget that God may indeed love us, but He still hates our sin.

We too often treat this stuff like it is no big thing, but it is and we should never take it lightly that Jesus paid for our transgressions with His precious blood. Consider this: God deplores how we will do anything for money, whether we sell out the righteous for gain or rob the poor with our materialism. God is incensed by our oppressiveness that limits the opportunities of the poor. God is disrespected by our sexual perversion and especially when we take advantage of those who are young or defenseless. God disdains our lack of respect and wanton disregard for what is holy and good and right.

Yeah, yeah, yeah... I know, He loves us and forgives us and is understanding of our weakness, BUT... Never forget, He is Holy, Perfect and Deserving of all Glory. We should be way more conscientious of how inappropriate, wrong and ugly we can be. God knows and God desires much better from us. This reminder has me very humbled by how capable I am of doing some shameful things sometimes. Join me in being repentant for my sinful attitudes, sins of omission and selfish shortcomings.

How about you?
Pastor Fred

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