One of the most destructive dangers of all…

Post by *Pastor James Bell

James Bell wrote:

If we developed a list of the ‘top 10 destructive dangers’ facing Christian families and churches in 2022 and beyond— what would be on your list? Matthew 24 reveals a world of wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, persecution and the multiplication of wickedness and lawlessness. All of these ebb and flow. They rage in one part of the world while another is basically quiet. Increasingly, these seem to draw closer home to us in America.

However, these are all ‘outside dangers’ impacting and/or seeking entrance.

In addition, in Matthew 24 there are some ‘inside’ dangers which come from within homes and churches— such as deception, false prophets, losing heart/being offended at the price tag for following Jesus and love growing cold.

There is one more ‘inside job’ that really CUTS DEEP!

Not only shall many professing Christians lose heart/fall away from the faith; but they [even family members] shall BETRAY one another and hate one another! How utterly tragic! (Matthew 24:10; Luke 21:12-19)

One of the most common ways of betrayal and hate is by words of slander, gossip and/or discord sowing.

Our words are powerful for good or for evil. The Bible says that a root of bitterness will defile MANY! (Hebrews 12:15)

How can bitterness reach many? Gossip and slander are the vehicles!

The tongue can defile an entire family, neighborhood, nation and certainly a local church! (James 3:6-10) The tongue can be a restless evil and full of the deadly poison of slander.

Sin entered the Garden of Eden via the receiving of a satanic slander against God!

Today, one of satan’s strategies continues to be to get Christians to accuse one another, to be bitter one toward another, to slander one another. BEWARE!

*Pastor James Bell is Pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Gallatin TN since 1975.