Is James teaching against obedience?

For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point,  he is guilty of all.
James 2:10 NKJV

Is James trying to say, "if you violate one Law, you violate it all, so don't even try to fulfill the Law, you have Jesus!!!"

No... James is talking about Partiality against the poor in favour of the rich. It is based on this pretext that led him to talk about "Faith without works is dead". Here are some of the highlights.

The brethrens showing partiality.

My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the  Lord of glory, with PARTIALITY. For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?
James 2:1‭-‬4 NKJV

James rebuke for siding with the rich.

Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to  be  rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?
James 2:5‭-‬7 NKJV

Judgement for showing Partiality, lack of Mercy.

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point,  he is guilty of all. For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
James 2:8‭-‬13 NKJV

No point praying for the poor when there is no action done.

What does  it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does  it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James 2:14‭-‬17 NKJV

Examples of Justification (of Faith)  by works.

But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
James 2:18‭-‬26 NKJV

Link this to Chapter 1.

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in  it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
James 1:21‭-‬27 NKJV

信耶稣得水牛

This is an analogy for a Christmas message I heard from Pastor Jason Lim from Gospel Light Christian Church on Christmas 2016. Just to paraphrase:

There is a church in a small village in China with a relatively small population of Christians. One particular Sunday, they noticed that their attendance exponentially rose. So the Pastor decided to investigate and surveyed the new found believers. When he asked them what had attracted them to come to this church, they told him, "Well, it was promised to us that if we believe in Jesus, we will get a water buffalo (水牛)。".

Perplexed by this, he continued to probe deeper who has given them such a ridiculous promise. The new believers pointed him to a banner that hangs outside of the church door, and it reads, "信耶稣得水牛".

After examining the banner, now he know what is the root of the problem. The words on the banner are actually stuck to the canvas using coloured cardboard paper. During a torrential rain, some of the Strokes of the Chinese Characters fell off. The banner actually reads, "信耶稣得永生". 2 strokes fell off from the Characters "永生" (Eternal Life) and became "水牛" (Water Buffalo).

The new believers based their faith on a promise that if they believe in Jesus, they will get a water buffalo. The water buffalo represents our felt needs, material wants and personal ambitions. Many churches are actually (without realizing), teaching 信耶稣得水牛， instead of 信耶稣得永生。

Is the sinner's Prayer a Passport to heaven?

The problem is, we have been taught that we get a passport to heaven the moment we say the Sinner's Prayer, and then we talk about life transformation or sanctification later. However, Justification by faith is meant for those who wants to follow God but unable to do so perfectly.

So in the first place, a Christian is a sinner who wants to follow God but is unable to do so and therefore needs a saviour... NOT a sinner who merely wants to escape hell and go to heaven.

The Sinner's prayer is an acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior. It is not an assurance of Salvation. Salvation is evidenced by true repentance from our former lives, and obedience to our new lives as believers.

3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. 7 Brethren,[a] I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning.[b]8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. 9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. - 1 John 2:3-11

4 Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 5 And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. 6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. - 1 John 3:4-9

Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our[a] faith. 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? - 1 John 5:1-5

2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds”:[a] 7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; 10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God. - Rom 2:2-11

We don't need to keep reminding people how to live for God. We need to remind people what Salvation means in the first place....

What does the root of bitterness really means?

What is the root of bitterness from bible perspective?

looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any ROOT OF BITTERNESS springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;
Hebrews 12:15 NKJV

so that there may not be among you man or woman or family or tribe, whose heart turns away today from the Lord our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations, and that there may not be among you a ROOT BEARING BITTERNESS OR WORMWOOD; and so it may not happen, when he hears the words of this curse, that he blesses himself in his heart, saying, ‘I SHALL HAVE PEACE, EVEN THOUGH I FOLLOW THE DICTATES OF MY HEART’— as though the drunkard could be included with the sober.
Deuteronomy 29:18-19 NKJV

The root of bitterness has nothing to do with feeling angry or bitter about someone or your own life. It is about hearts turning away from God. It is about thinking you are ok, but you are really not. Like the Church of Laodicea, who thinks they are well, but are actually naked and wretched.

Hebrews is about keeping the faith, by running the race.

Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.
Hebrews 12:12-13 NKJV

Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you.”
Isaiah 35:3-4 NKJV

Physical Breakthrough or Spiritual Breakthrough?

Believing in God for a breakthrough?

We are often taught to believe in God for financial breakthrough or physical healing. Our requests can range from deliverance from dire life and death situations, to upgrading our condominium to a landed property.

While we are encouraged to pray for one another (James 5:13-18), do we expect a 100% yes from a God who can heal and able to provide all our wants? Is that what the bible calls, Faith? James 1:6-8 describes a man who doubts is like a wave tossed by the wind, unstable in all his ways. Is the biblical concept of Faith meant for us to believe in God for the things we want? To satisfy our personal agendas?

It is of human tenancy to crave for security and comfort. And when our basic needs are met, we are often bombarded by desire to want more in luxury and earthly pleasures. And some unfortunate ones spend it on carnal sinful lifestyles. We want breakthroughs. financial breakthroughs, medical breakthroughs, relationship breakthroughs;

Whatever that is bothering us, we want OUT. And whatever that we desire, we want IN.

So what if the very breakthrough that we are believing in God for, is taking forever to come? And how long should we wait before we decide that God is saying no? Or how much persistence do we need to pray to be like the Persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8?

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Guilty for a doubt?

[ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
James 1:6-8 NKJV ]

Reading from this passage, James seemed to be talking about a man who has insufficient faith to believe in "a God who gives us all things". This makes the one who gives up praying for his needs look like a quitter. As if his financial breakthrough or healing miracle is dependent on one's level of Faith. After all, "Faith is the currency of heaven" right? But let's examine what James really meant when he mentioned, "Faith".

[ My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
James 1:2-5 NKJV ]

The preceding verses 2-5 tells us that James is not talking about God answering our prayer requests. He is talking about going through trials and tribulations, citing that it is the testing of our faith that produces perseverance. And perseverance must finish its work so that we can be perfect and complete, not lacking anything.

So what is that thing which is lacking that we ought to ask from God? Verse 5 tells us, it is WISDOM. Is that referring to scholarly wisdom? Or some kind of profound philosophy? Well, it definitely relates to verses 2-4 doesn't it? Yes, the keyword is Trials and Tribulations. Wisdom to go through trials, wisdom to know that God is sovereign, wisdom to know that even when calamity happens, even when one fall sick to cancer, loses a limb or loses a loved one... he can still say... God is good.

So who is the man described in verse 6, who is like a wave of the sea, tossed by the wind? In context to TRIALS, PERSEVERANCE and WISDOM from verse 2 to 5, he is the direct opposite from the one who asks for wisdom. He is the one who questions God when he faces trouble. He will doubt the will of God, or even questions his existence when bad things happens. He is the seed that has fallen among thorns (Matt 13:22), where trials and worries for this life causes him to lose his faith. That is because his priorities are not aligned to the things of God. He is the false believer described in Rom 8:4-8; he keeps his mind on the things of the flesh (earthly, carnal) instead of things of the spirit (heavenly, righteous). he is one who asks amiss :

[ You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet[a] you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.
James 4:2-3 NKJV ]

Faith is not about believing God for Breakthrough and Miracles. Faith is about believing God even when times are bad. It's about staying righteous when surrounded by evil. It's about even when we lost everything, we can still say God is good, that Salvation is sufficient.

Parallel between Apostle Paul and Apostle John.

Once saved always saved? Or once saved, always repent?

Apostle John’s words
[ 5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. 1 John 1:5-10 ]

Is walking in the light = walking perfectly Sinless life? If that is so, the John is contradicting himself when he say, IF you walk in the light... the blood of Jesus cleanses him. Hence John is not talking about living a "Sinless" life, but a repentant one. That's why in 1 John 1:9, he says IF you confess (repent) your sins, he is faithful righteous to forgive us. So if walking in the Light = Sin and repent, then walking in darkness is Sin and don't repent. THAT, is how john arrives at this conclusion :

[ My little children, these things I write to you, so that you MAY NOT SIN. And IF ANYONE SINS, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. - 1 John 2:1 ]

John is referring to those who walk in the light, who Sins and Repent.

Apostle Paul’s words

[ 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin. - Romans 7:22-25 ]

This is the same as Paul, who explains how he DELIGHTS IN THE LAW OF GOD, but knows that there is a Law of Sin in him that prevents him from being saved. Therefore he thank God for Jesus Christ, because through Christ atonement for his Sins, he can now SERVE THE LAW OF GOD WITH HIS MIND and not get condemned under the atonement. This is how he arrives at this THEREFORE THERE IS NOW NO CONDEMNATION...

[ There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,[a] who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. - Rom 8:1 ]

And notice, the gift of no condemnation is given to who? Those "who do not walk according to the flesh (earthly, carnal desires), but according to the Spirit (heavenly, righteous desires)"

Both Paul and John, are speaking harmoniously with each other.

Justification and Sanctification in the Old Covenent

The Concept of Justification and Sanctification actually came from the Old Covenant and was completed by the New Covenant.

The system of atonement had always existed. Even in the OT, no one can walk perfectly in God's Laws, and hence no one are eligible to enter into God's Kingdom without having a sacrifice to atone for sins. That is Justification by works, which is meant to pardon Israelites who trespasses God's holy Laws, to keep them from the wages of Sin. But Justification is not meant for those who take God's laws for granted... sinning willfully just to get pardoned. The prophets has warned Israel many times about this. Justification (pardon) is meant for those who WANTS TO obey God, but unable to do so perfectly.

Sanctification is holy living. The Law of God did not appear only at Sinai. Before Exodus; Cain, Sodom and Gomorrah was judged by the very same standards which the Law of God demands. Salvation was actually offered to Israel in Exodus 19 in the condition that they obey God's Laws. That is actually Sanctification ( Holy Living). If one who follows God's Commandment, makes a mistake and violates it, he is given a chance to atone for his sins by animal sacrifice; Justification, which is pardon from punishment.

The mode of Justification in the NT has been replaced by Christ who is our perfect high preist and lamb. The mode of Sanctification remains the same, obedience to the Law of God which is also called the word, truth, commandments, voice, etc.

That is called Justification by Faith.

Bible is not written for our mortal needs

Is the bible written to make us feel good about ourselves?

We all have needs, be it psychologically or physiologically. We do what it takes to meet our needs, be it for ourselves, our loved ones, or even friends. We want stay in the course of bliss and comfort, and will do what is needed to stay on that course.

When we feel sick, we go to the doctor. When we need legal advice, we go to a Lawyer. When we are hungry, we go to a restaurant. When bored, perhaps one might hit the Cinema or hang out with friends in a club. We go to school to get education. We go to the supermarket to get groceries. We go to the library or bookstore to satisfy our intellect.

What if somebody comes to you and offer you a one stop solution to all these? He promise you that if you believe in him and follow him, you will not only have eternal life, but you will also enjoy prosperity, divine health and protection for your entire mortal life. And because he loves you so much, you will enjoy success in your career, and all your Rockstar dreams will come true. Wouldn't you take it?

Is the bible written for the purpose of pampering our self esteem? Did God spoke to the prophets so that people can feel good about themselves? Did the Apostles taught the early church to excel in personal success? These themes are nowhere to be found in the bible, yet preachers today are enticing their ever-growing congregation with the greatest lies ever told.

Will God provide?

Is God concerned about our needs? Well, I couldn't think of a better example than the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew Chapter 5 and 6, after giving instructions that are even harder to fulfill than the 10 Commandments, Jesus explained best about how God provides for our needs.

Matthew 6:25-34

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

[First of all, Jesus started off with this by saying, DO NOT WORRY. It means, don't even think about it, let alone be anxious about it]

26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[e]?

[He further illustrates how God will take care of those who belong to him.]

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?

[Solomon is the richest man on earth. Jesus is giving a comparison, that those who trust in his providence are better off than those who put their trust in worldly wealth. ]

31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Is the ultimate aim of this Sermon teaching us that everything will be alright and we just live life to the fullest? Is Jesus teaching us to claim every blessing and success by the blood of the lamb?

Verse 32 says, it is the PAGANS who seeks after these things. Which means today, if you are feeling lousy because your colleagues are getting more bonus than you, or you are feeling the bite because your business rivals are prospering more than you, or you are simply jealous over someone more good looking than you, or have a better family life than you; you are thinking like a PAGAN. The Bible says, covetousness is idolatry (Col 3:5, Eph 5:3).

Well, we can say, we are all humans, it is our fleshly nature to react to disparity in processions. While it is one thing to acknowledge our shortcomings and our need for a savior, it is another erroneous extreme to teach Christians that they can name and claim everything that they desire. Teaching the congregation to visualize their dream car and calling it into existence, is exactly corrupting the righteous blood of Jesus with principals of the Pagans described in Matt 6:32.

That is why in Matt 6:33, Jesus calls us to seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added. Which simply means, understand the word of God and do it, and God will take care of the rest. That is why in verse 25, Jesus says, "Do Not Worry", because he will provide for those who obey his words.

Matthew 7:24-27

24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Does God want us to feel good?

The gospel is never about feeling good. In fact, being a Christian is a miserable process. The bible describes the Christian walk as a life of struggle :

1. Paul Struggles with Sin, and yet he Loves the Law of God.

Romans 7:14-24

14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. 21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?

2. Paul warns Timothy about Persecution for the Godly.

2 Timothy 3:10-17

10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

3. Paul encourage Timothy to Endure Hardship

2 Timothy 2:1-6

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crownexcept by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

4. James urges the church to be joyful in persecution

James 1:2-7

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

5. After describing the saints that were martyred for their faith in chapter 11, the author of Hebrews went on to encourage the early church to press on with their faith.

Hebrews 12:1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hope of Glory

God never promised a smooth sailing, success driven, happiness laden life on earth. In fact, every prophet who stood up for the word of God was stricken and persecuted, some to death. All of the Apostles (less John) died of terrible deaths for the sake of the gospel. Though not all Christians in the early church were martyred, but the Apostle's teaching always centred around enforcing sound doctrine and living Godly lives.

The bible does offers comfort for the afflicted, and it is always about the reward at the end. The prophecies given to Isaiah and Jeremiah always points us to the hope at the end, the Millenial Rule of Christ and Eternal Life. Paul's message of comfort to the Thessalonians is no exception.

1 Thessolonians 4:13-18

13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Compare this message of comfort, to the message to the faithful remnants of Israel during Isaiah's time.

Isaiah 11:10-12

10 In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious. 11 In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the surviving remnant of his people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush,[b] from Elam, from Babylonia,[c] from Hamath and from the islands of the Mediterranean. 12 He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth.

Jeremiah 31:7-9

7 This is what the LORD says: “Sing with joy for Jacob; shout for the foremost of the nations.
Make your praises heard, and say, ‘LORD, save your people, the remnant of Israel.’
8 See, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the ends of the earth.
Among them will be the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor;
a great throng will return. 9 They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back.
I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble,
because I am Israel’s father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son.

This message is given to the faithful remnants of Israel, very much like the faithful Christians in the New Testament Christians of the early church. The gospel is not given for those who choose to live a life of Sin, but for those who choose to live a Godly lifestyle, despite of their shortcoming. Their comfort, and the "feel good" factor, will be Eternal Life at the end.

Romans 2:6-8

6 God “will repay each person according to what they have done.”[a] 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.

Leaving Sin or Leave Church

A professing Christian who lives in Sin will not be comfortable in a community of true believers. He has to either change his lifestyle, or he will have to leave the community.

But if one is able to comfortably and openly live in Sin among the church, there is something seriously wrong with that Church.

11 But now I have written to you NOT TO KEEP COMPANY with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—NOT EVEN TO EAT WITH SUCH A PERSON. - 1 Cor 5:11

4 Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 5 And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. 6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. - 1 John 3:4-9

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And FROM SUCH PEOPLE TURN AWAY! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, SO DO THESE RESIST THE TRUTH: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was. - 2 Tim 3:1-9

Holy Spirit abides only in those who obey the father's will

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
Joh 15:4 NKJV

How does one Abide in him? By soaking in his presence? By praying long hours? By speaking in tongues?

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
Joh 15:5‭-‬6 NKJV

It is important to abide in Him. If one does not abide in him, he will bear no fruit. And if one bears no fruit, he will be thrown into the fire.

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
Joh 15:7‭-‬8 NKJV

If one abides in Him, he will be able to pray according to the father's will, and it shall be granted to him.

“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
Joh 15:9‭-‬10 NKJV

This is how we Abide in Him; Obey his Commandments (Love God)

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
Joh 15:11‭-‬13 NKJV

This is how our Joy may be complete, that we Love one another (Love neighbour). This sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
Mt 22:37‭-‬40 NKJV

Heavenly Values or Earthly Values?

If you truly believe that God is good, you will also believe that God will not give you "everything" you desire. You will also believe in his Chastisement, Discipline and Correction which will be painful. He can also allow trials and tribulations in your life so that you may understand his heavenly values, and forsake earthly values.

For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord , Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Heb 12:3‭-‬11 NKJV

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Jas 1:2‭-‬8 NKJV

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
Ro 8:18‭-‬25 NKJV

Will there be a Great Revival or Great Apostasy at end time?

Will Jesus come when the Gospel is preached to the whole world?

The end will come (God's Wrath released on Apostates) when the number of the Martyrs is complete, NOT when the gospel goes around the whole earth and reaches Israel. The bible NEVER promise a great revival, he promised a great APOSTASY controlled and widespread by the Whore of Babylon, the Harlot riding on the Scarlett beast, whereby the Kings of the earth will share with her Fornication (Idolatry or False Gospel).

The world will not be saved through seeker friendly, worldly methods of preaching the Gospel. In fact, if a church is adopting these methods to grow, they are likely to attract Tares or False conversion based on wrong understanding of the gospel. If one were to teach the truth, one should expect only a small following who are a reflection of the faithful remnants of Israel.

To expect exponential church growth when teaching the true unadulterated Word of God will only lead one to become dissappointed and burn out, and eventually falling away. Don't work against what God has already told us.

As for Israel, God will take care of his Remnant (of Israel) in the last days. He will graft them in to the New Covenent, IF they heed his word and turn from their wicked ways.

References as below :

When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a LITTLE WHILE LONGER, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was COMPLETED.
Rev 6:9‭-‬11 NKJV

Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the WRATH OF GOD IS COMPLETED.
Rev 15:1 NKJV

Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed FORNICATION, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.”
Rev 17:1‭-‬2 NKJV

Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the FALLING AWAY COMES FIRST, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
2Th 2:1‭-‬4 NKJV

God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, “ Lord , they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life”? But what does the divine response say to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.
Ro 11:2‭-‬6 NKJV

And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?
Ro 11:23‭-‬24 NKJV

Having the Mind of Christ

LET THIS MIND BE IN YOU, WHICH WAS ALSO IN CHRIST JESUS, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and BECAME OBEDIENT TO THE POINT OF DEATH, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my beloved, AS YOU HAVE ALWAYS OBEYED, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
Php 2:5‭-‬16 NKJV

Having the "Mind of Christ" is not about US being the righteousness of God in Christ. It is NOT about US rejoicing over having right standing with God. It is not the notion of "Because Jesus obeyed, so we don't have to obey... " or "Jesus became poor and weak, so that we become rich and healthy!".

Paul declared this in the first sentence, "let this mind be in you, which was also be in Christ Jesus". What mind? That even though he did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, humbled himself and be OBEDIENT even to the point of death on the cross. The key theme of this passage is OBEDIENCE, NOT right standing. It is based on this context, that Paul urges the Philipians to WORK OUT their Salvation with fear and trembling.

Is Apostle Paul legalistic?

[Paul would have been labeled as the most legalistic Christian leader in today's context.... calling for one to be delivered to Satan for the destruction of the Flesh (as in destruction of Sinful act).]

[The idea of "Love" in Church today, promotes a "feel good", "offend no one", "Everybody is cool" form of love which the world promotes. However, biblical love includes discipline, rebuke and warning of judgement.]

3 For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.[b] - 1 Cor 5:3-5

[It means Paul sees getting rid of his sinful acts as something that is needful for his spirit to be saved]

I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10 Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone NAMED A BROTHER, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. - 1 Cor 5:9-11

[Nevertheless, the Corinthians repented under Paul's discipline. Paul therefore called for forgiveness and obedience.]

5 But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe. 6 This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, 7 so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. 8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. 9 For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are OBEDIENT IN ALL THINGS. 10 Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one[a] for your sakes in the presence of Christ, 11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices. - 2 Cor 2:5-11

6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more. 8 For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. 9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 11 For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 12 Therefore, although I wrote to you, I did not do it for the sake of him who had done the wrong, nor for the sake of him who suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you. - 2 Cor 7:6-12

Sharing the word as it is

And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
I Corinthians 2:1‭-‬5 NKJV

Paul resolved to know nothing among the Corinthians except Jesus Christ and him cruxified. Which means, even though he was a learned scholar, he did not use persuasive words of human wisdom.

Which means, he did not use motivational speeches nor artistic illustrations nor feel good seeker sensitive phrases nor soothing worship concerts nor any of these techniques that we typically employ in churches today.

He simply taught the word, not by wisdom of men, but purely the power of the Word of God. Simply put, he didn't have to worry that people would dislike him, detest the message, reject the gospel. He didn't have to try to be popular among the Corinthians (he was glad he did not baptize any of them besides Crispus, Gaius and Stephanus).

Paul didn't have to build the church by making it more comfortable. He simply taught the word as it is, and the Spirit of God does the rest.

Teach the word as it is, and those who wants to listen will listen. There is no point building a Church of tares.

Teach the word as it is, and don't underestimate people's ability to understand, even youths.

A possible scenario of how a church can become like Laodicea.

What happens when a church decides to do mass recruitment in the name of the great commission aka evangelism?

Stage 1, Confusion

When you begin to have mass recruitment, you get what you wish for. All your investments in expensive audio visual equipment, creative content, animation, song and dance, worship entertainment finally pays off; the crowd is in. You have only that few leaders who are truly able to execute an Exegesis on the word, and perhaps some who are somewhat bible reading but not too much into theology. So you have like 100 Shepherds, in face of 2,000 sheeps that need guidance.

You begin to have mass recruitment of leaders. People who perhaps have a lot of heart but unequipped to teach the word. You end up with leaders that speak the "Christian Lingo" aka "Christianese" with opinions that has nothing to do with scripture. Cell Groups becomes social gathering. Their attention span on their flock begin to saturate. Discipleship on the word of God gets less common. Blind shepherds leading blind sheep who become blind leaders themselves.

The problem is, most leaders think that theology is too much for the congregation to take. That is probably because those leaders themselves are actually NOT grounded in the word themselves! They earn their ranks above the man made church system by maintaining good relationships with management and "performing well" in their respective ministries. Popularity becomes the KPI for success.

What is the model of the biblical church? It is always been and will always be the bible and the apostle's doctrine. It is never ideas that are employed by self helps, motivational speeches, Christian psychology and New Age philosophies. These are Paul’s instructions to Timothy, desperately written when he was in prison and saw that his ministry was falling into the hands of false teachers, beckoning the young pastor to teach the uncompromised, unadulterated word of God.

Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
II Timothy 4:2‭-‬5 NKJV

But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
II Timothy 3:10-‬17 NKJV

Stage 2, Compromise

To maintain your weekly 5,000 attendance, you begin to teach easy listening sermons to keep them coming and tithing. Teaching that omits keywords like Sin, Repentance, Obedience, Wrath of God. They over-emphasize on feel good messages that centers on Justification by Faith alone and extreme idea of love, thus avoiding any topics which will potentially cite disagreements and "lose a soul".

Well, if you remember Parable of the Sower? How does a person lose his Salvation? It is because the seed fell on bad soil. Which means the Word of God did not set deep into their believe system, and hence they fell away with the cares of the world (Heb 6:4-8).

Leaders have to understand that if someone rejects or walks away from the faith, it is NOT because you didn't build a church that is fun enough, nor it is because the music is not good enough. It is simply because they do not understand the gospel. That person is not lost; he or she has not been found in the first place.

When the church teaches a watered down version of the gospel, and imparts nothing but human philosophy backed by bad interpretation from isolated scripture passages, they will breed a church of tares, false believers who think they are saved but are actually not.

When you buy insurance, you ought to know what you are paying for isn’t it? If the insurance agent told you a lie, you would be thinking that you are covered under the policy when you are actually not. Similarly, if you teach the wrong doctrine, you will cause those who are perishing to think they are saved. Hence our job, is to share the word, period.

And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
I Corinthians 2:1‭-‬5 NKJV

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
I Corinthians 3:6‭-‬8 NKJV

Stage 3, Church of Tares

Now, your 10,000 strong church works like a clockwork. You have leaders running your services, cell groups, pastors to run various ministries and special events. Sermons are preached mainly to satisfy human felt needs. Cell groups become a superficial social hang out venue. Worship becomes entertainment for the congregation to worship their feelings and give praises to a "presence" they labeled as Jesus. Christian events become more like social activities that have nothing to do with God.

Sound doctrine has successfully been flushed out of the man made church system. People come to church to seek for blessings and answers for morality. They are no longer taught about a God who came to convict us of our sins, but a god who is ready to "accept them for who they are", thinking that they can be Christians and yet follow their own personal agendas. They breed young, enthusiastic and largely bible illiterate youths who are fervent to build a Kingdom, but end up confusing more into the deception.

When it comes to that state, here you have a church of Tares and Goats, a point of no return. If you care about your Salvation, choose wisely. This is what Jesus says.

Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!
Matthew 13:40‭-‬43 NKJV

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”
Matthew 13:47‭-‬50 NKJV

44 “Then they also will answer Him,[d] saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ 45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ 46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
Revelation 3:15‭-‬16 NKJV

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Matthew 7:13‭-‬14 NKJV

What does God really hates?

Who does God abhor? An average guy who smokes, drink and scold vulgarity but is actually fillial to his parents and have compassion for the poor? Or a high flyer worker in a corporation who back stabs his colleagues, lick his bosses boots and lives for money?

The bible teaches that "all have fallen short the glory of God" (Rom 3). All men has fallen to a state that none of us can qualify for eternal life, hence all men regardless will not stand his fiery judgement unless he is Justified by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ.

But he has certainly listed some which he absolutely hates. Professing the blood of Jesus does not mean anything when one does not have the heart to follow him.

A worthless person, a wicked man, Walks with a perverse mouth; He winks with his eyes, He shuffles his feet, He points with his fingers; Perversity is in his heart, He devises evil continually, He sows discord. Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; Suddenly he shall be broken without remedy. These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.
Proverbs 6:12‭-‬19 NKJV

‘For among My people are found wicked men; They lie in wait as one who sets snares; They set a trap; They catch men. As a cage is full of birds, So their houses are full of deceit. Therefore they have become great and grown rich. They have grown fat, they are sleek; Yes, they surpass the deeds of the wicked; They do not plead the cause, The cause of the fatherless; Yet they prosper, And the right of the needy they do not defend. Shall I not punish them for these things? ’ says the Lord . ‘Shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?’ “An astonishing and horrible thing Has been committed in the land: The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule by their own power; And My people love to have it so. But what will you do in the end?
Jeremiah 5:26‭-‬31 NKJV

[Jesus continually warned against those who calls him Lord (Believers) but whose heart is not with him.]

“Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Matthew 25:44‭-‬46 NKJV

So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”
Matthew 13:49‭-‬50 NKJV

Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.
Revelation 22:14‭-‬15 NKJV

[Serving in church, raising your hands in worship, feeling the presence of God, immersing yourself in his Love, does not mean anything when your Faith does not result in good works (James 2) ]