Hating the Lord's Church

"He who hates me hates my Father as well." (Jno. 15:23 NIV)


I have never actually heard anyone come out and flagrantly say that they hate the Lord's church. Maybe some have said it out loud. Probably. Most likely. What does it mean for someone to "hate the church"? I really believe it's directed more at the people who choose to try to live their faith. It's really speaking against God's adopted children and Jesus' brothers and sisters. It is Jesus talking in the Scripture at the beginning of this post. He is clearly stating that one who hates Him also hates God and His church. His "church" is not a building. It is a body of believers. I have often wondered if one doesn't want to spend time with people who are trying to live right in this life, then where do they expect to live for all eternity?

The two extremes of accepting and rejecting Christ, and His subsequent crucifixion, are represented respectively in Matthew 21: 1-22 and 27:27-44. When it comes to serving Him, there's no fence-sitting. It's an either/or decision (Hos. 4:6; Matt. 6:24).

It is not uncommon for those who claim to love God to reject His plan for salvation through Christ. He's given us the perfect way out of sin, but not everyone will choose to take it or continue to walk with Him after being saved (Matt. 7:13-14; Eph. 3:10-11). Why?

Some act out of ignorance like Paul once did (1 Tim. 1:13). He was reared a Pharisee and thought he was doing God's work by persecuting Christians. Some just choose to worship their own chosen way (Prov. 14:12; Amos 4:4-5; 1 Cor. 3:11-14). While the scribes' and the Pharisees' religion was only pretention, Jesus' own disciples at times turned them backs on Him too (Matt. ch. 23; Jno. 6:66).

I once lived sinfully and then decided to truly dedicate myself to living faithfully for Him. Living with Him in my life is so much better than living without Him. I've experienced far more love, joy, and blessingsfor it--not just of a spiritual nature, but of an earthly nature as well. I just want the same for everyone else.

Love Ya,
God Bless!