Don’t Get Comfortable in the Devil’s World

[bdavidc]

It’s a lie, a dangerous lie, and a lot of preachers are preaching it. This false gospel is sweet-talk and happy-talk. It tells you about God’s love but never His wrath. It preaches blessings but never judgment or repentance. Well, friend, that’s not the whole Gospel. It can’t be. Take away wrath, and you take away the need for the cross. Take away judgment, and you take away the meaning of grace. Listen, the Bible tells us “Jesus… delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10). In other words, wrath is coming. The wrath of God is coming—and the love of God sent a Savior to rescue you from it.

But that’s not what the devil wants. The devil doesn’t need you to kneel down and bow to him, he just needs you to sit back and relax. He wants you entertained and distracted and lukewarm and hearing nothing about hell while the world goes up in flames around you. Jesus called the devil “the ruler of this world” (John 12: 31), and the evidence is all around us. We live in a culture that mocks holiness, excuses sin, and calls evil good (Isaiah 5:20). And some pulpits have raised their voice to that culture’s song. It was written in The Church’s Hidden Cancer “We have people in pulpits today that no longer preach repentance but only comfort… They preach a Jesus that saves but doesn’t rule, a gospel without a cross.”

But the apostle Paul says the true gospel did not come “in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction” (1 Thessalonians 1:5). It transformed lives. Look at what it did in Thessalonica. It produced faith and love, and “steadfastness of mind in tribulation and persecution” (1 Thessalonians 1:3). It “turned them to God from idols, to serve the living and true God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9). That’s the hallmark of real salvation, it’s a turning, not just a talking. It’s a following, not just a feeling.

We see too many today who have exchanged that gospel for something much easier. The gospel of salvation without the cross. The gospel of God with no call to holiness. Paul called that a denial of the gospel, and he was right. Some in pulpits have turned a profession of faith into a pay check. “Too many pulpits are now filled by men who are more concerned with profit than with the truth.” They make the gospel sound good so people will show up. But Paul said plainly, “Our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive… but to please God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

If Satan can’t crush the church with persecution, he’ll corrupt it through money. He will get false teachers inside the church to corrupt it from within. He will take grace and turn it into license. That’s why the Bible says, “Test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Don’t be a fool. Don’t be taken in by every slick guy who quotes a Bible verse and flashes a fake smile. Satan quoted Scripture too.

So, what do we do? We stand. We live holy in an unholy world. We preach truth in a world doped up on deceit. We love people enough to tell them that God’s wrath is real, and God’s mercy is real in Jesus Christ. And like Paul, we must be willing to go through “much conflict” (1 Thessalonians 2: 2) for the sake of the true Gospel.

Let us be that generation who refuses to bow down to the idols of comfort and compromise. The same Jesus who saves us from the wrath to come is coming again to reign. Until then, friends, we don’t coast, we contend. Because the love of God is not soft, it is saving. And it saves us from something, His righteous wrath, through His righteous Son.

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

 

[LoveYeshua]

Yes, it is right to warn about a gospel that only talks about God’s love and blessings but ignores His judgment and the need for repentance. Jesus Himself made this very clear. He warned that God’s wrath is real and that judgment is coming. He said in Matthew 10:28 (NKJV), “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” In Matthew 25:31–46 (NKJV), He taught that at His coming people will be judged by what they did—helping others, showing mercy, and following God’s ways—not just by calling Him “Lord.” God’s love does not cancel His justice, and salvation is about being saved from His judgment through Jesus.

Jesus taught that the cross is central. In John 3:16–18 (NKJV), He showed that belief in Him saves, but rejection brings judgment. He also said in Luke 9:23 (NKJV), “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Following Jesus means turning from sin and being willing to endure trials, not just feeling good or receiving blessings.

He warned that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” is truly His follower. In Matthew 7:21–23 (NKJV), only those who do God’s will enter the kingdom. He said in Matthew 24:13 (NKJV), “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” Faith is not only belief—it shows in actions, obedience, and enduring through life’s difficulties. Jesus also warned about false teachers. In Matthew 7:15–20 (NKJV), He told us to watch out for them, because they are known by their fruit. He said in John 10:27–28 (NKJV) that true followers hear His voice, follow Him, and cannot be taken away. Like Paul said, we must “test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). True faith shows itself in discernment, obedience, and perseverance.

Paul’s warnings match Jesus’ teachings. Real salvation turns people to God, produces love, and strengthens them to endure trials (1 Thessalonians 1:3, 9–10; 1 Corinthians 15:58). The gospel is not just comfort—it calls us to holiness, action, and faithfulness.

Jesus teaches that God’s wrath is real, His cross saves us, and following Him takes obedience, repentance, and endurance. Any gospel that ignores these truths is incomplete. We are called to stand firm, live holy, love others, and follow Jesus faithfully, knowing His love saves us and His judgment is real.

 

[bdavidc]

Yes, it is right to warn about a gospel that only talks about God’s love and blessings but ignores His judgment and the need for repentance.

You said it so well...Jesus never taught comfort without conviction. He called for repentance because He loves us too much to let us continue in sin. I loved how you pointed it back to His own words in both Matthew and John. The Gospel really is both warning and rescue, wrath and grace, justice and mercy, all coming together on the cross.

Thanks for the added good reminder to follow Him, not just talk about Him. This is the kind of truth this generation needs to hear.

 

[MatthewG]

God has reconciled the world unto Himself.
Through Christ, the barrier was torn down.
"God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them..." —2 Corinthians 5:19
He is no longer angry with the world. The invitation now is peace, not punishment.
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." —Romans 5:1


So keep a light touch on this world.
We are pilgrims, not settlers.
"For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come." —Hebrews 13:14
"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." —Colossians 3:2


The wrath of God, as spoken in the Old Testament, was directed toward the covenant people—Israel, the twelve tribes.
It was a righteous judgment, foretold and fulfilled.
"Upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth..." —Matthew 23:35
"He came unto his own, and his own received him not." —John 1:11
To lie about God's wrath is to distort His justice. It was not random—it was a promise, fulfilled in response to the rejection and crucifixion of the Son of God.


Repentance is a change of mind.
Not a ritual, not a performance.
"Repent ye, and believe the gospel." —Mark 1:15
It is the turning from unbelief to belief—from rejecting Christ to receiving Him.


The only unforgivable sin is unbelief.
Faith is what pleases God.
"Without faith it is impossible to please him." —Hebrews 11:6
To reject the Son is to reject the only bridge to forgiveness.
"He that believeth not is condemned already..." —John 3:18


And as for those who say “God hates…”
Let us be clear:
"God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son..." —John 3:16
Not just the righteous. Not just the straight. Not just the religious.
He loved the world.
"While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." —Romans 5:8
There is no room for hate in the gospel. Only truth, grace, and the call to believe.

 

[MatthewG]

God has reconciled the world unto Himself.
Through Christ, the barrier was torn down.
"God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them..." —2 Corinthians 5:19
He is no longer angry with the world. The invitation now is peace, not punishment.
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." —Romans 5:1


So keep a light touch on this world.
We are pilgrims, not settlers.
"For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come." —Hebrews 13:14
"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." —Colossians 3:2


The wrath of God, as spoken in the Old Testament, was directed toward the covenant people—Israel, the twelve tribes.
It was a righteous judgment, foretold and fulfilled.
"Upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth..." —Matthew 23:35
"He came unto his own, and his own received him not." —John 1:11
To lie about God's wrath is to distort His justice. It was not random—it was a promise, fulfilled in response to the rejection and crucifixion of the Son of God.


Repentance is a change of mind.
Not a ritual, not a performance.
"Repent ye, and believe the gospel." —Mark 1:15
It is the turning from unbelief to belief—from rejecting Christ to receiving Him.


The only unforgivable sin is unbelief.
Faith is what pleases God.
"Without faith it is impossible to please him." —Hebrews 11:6
To reject the Son is to reject the only bridge to forgiveness.
"He that believeth not is condemned already..." —John 3:18


And as for those who say “God hates…”
Let us be clear:
"God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son..." —John 3:16
Not just the righteous. Not just the straight. Not just the religious.
He loved the world.
"While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." —Romans 5:8
There is no room for hate in the gospel. Only truth, grace, and the call to believe.

Fixed. I forgot.

Sorry the Ai still has problems with saying such things as Jesus had took the wrath at the cross. This idea is exteremly wrong and not truth. The Wrath of God was satisied once Yeshua returned to get the bride in the first century which the Apostles governed over.

 

[ShineTheLight]

View attachment 71453

It’s a lie, a dangerous lie, and a lot of preachers are preaching it. This false gospel is sweet-talk and happy-talk. It tells you about God’s love but never His wrath. It preaches blessings but never judgment or repentance. Well, friend, that’s not the whole Gospel. It can’t be. Take away wrath, and you take away the need for the cross. Take away judgment, and you take away the meaning of grace. Listen, the Bible tells us “Jesus… delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10). In other words, wrath is coming. The wrath of God is coming—and the love of God sent a Savior to rescue you from it.

But that’s not what the devil wants. The devil doesn’t need you to kneel down and bow to him, he just needs you to sit back and relax. He wants you entertained and distracted and lukewarm and hearing nothing about hell while the world goes up in flames around you. Jesus called the devil “the ruler of this world” (John 12: 31), and the evidence is all around us. We live in a culture that mocks holiness, excuses sin, and calls evil good (Isaiah 5:20). And some pulpits have raised their voice to that culture’s song. It was written in The Church’s Hidden Cancer “We have people in pulpits today that no longer preach repentance but only comfort… They preach a Jesus that saves but doesn’t rule, a gospel without a cross.”

But the apostle Paul says the true gospel did not come “in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction” (1 Thessalonians 1:5). It transformed lives. Look at what it did in Thessalonica. It produced faith and love, and “steadfastness of mind in tribulation and persecution” (1 Thessalonians 1:3). It “turned them to God from idols, to serve the living and true God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9). That’s the hallmark of real salvation, it’s a turning, not just a talking. It’s a following, not just a feeling.

We see too many today who have exchanged that gospel for something much easier. The gospel of salvation without the cross. The gospel of God with no call to holiness. Paul called that a denial of the gospel, and he was right. Some in pulpits have turned a profession of faith into a pay check. “Too many pulpits are now filled by men who are more concerned with profit than with the truth.” They make the gospel sound good so people will show up. But Paul said plainly, “Our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive… but to please God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

If Satan can’t crush the church with persecution, he’ll corrupt it through money. He will get false teachers inside the church to corrupt it from within. He will take grace and turn it into license. That’s why the Bible says, “Test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Don’t be a fool. Don’t be taken in by every slick guy who quotes a Bible verse and flashes a fake smile. Satan quoted Scripture too.

So, what do we do? We stand. We live holy in an unholy world. We preach truth in a world doped up on deceit. We love people enough to tell them that God’s wrath is real, and God’s mercy is real in Jesus Christ. And like Paul, we must be willing to go through “much conflict” (1 Thessalonians 2: 2) for the sake of the true Gospel.

Let us be that generation who refuses to bow down to the idols of comfort and compromise. The same Jesus who saves us from the wrath to come is coming again to reign. Until then, friends, we don’t coast, we contend. Because the love of God is not soft, it is saving. And it saves us from something, His righteous wrath, through His righteous Son.

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

There are people who would love to tell you that the devil isn't around anymore. There are people who think they are doing God's work when they actually may not be. That's how the devil gets people, and that's how deep the deceptions in this world are.

The devil would love for people to believe they already made it/arrived. When the truth is what God has set for people
is going to be a journey.

Jesus said to abide in him. There are people who love their simplicity, unfortunately. The bible says in chapter 1 of Proverbs that the turning away of the simple will slay them.

When Paul/God says to not give place to the devil, that applies to many things.

Yes, it is right to warn about a gospel that only talks about God’s love and blessings but ignores His judgment and the need for repentance. Jesus Himself made this very clear. He warned that God’s wrath is real and that judgment is coming. He said in Matthew 10:28 (NKJV), “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” In Matthew 25:31–46 (NKJV), He taught that at His coming people will be judged by what they did—helping others, showing mercy, and following God’s ways—not just by calling Him “Lord.” God’s love does not cancel His justice, and salvation is about being saved from His judgment through Jesus.

Jesus taught that the cross is central. In John 3:16–18 (NKJV), He showed that belief in Him saves, but rejection brings judgment. He also said in Luke 9:23 (NKJV), “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Following Jesus means turning from sin and being willing to endure trials, not just feeling good or receiving blessings.

He warned that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” is truly His follower. In Matthew 7:21–23 (NKJV), only those who do God’s will enter the kingdom. He said in Matthew 24:13 (NKJV), “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” Faith is not only belief—it shows in actions, obedience, and enduring through life’s difficulties. Jesus also warned about false teachers. In Matthew 7:15–20 (NKJV), He told us to watch out for them, because they are known by their fruit. He said in John 10:27–28 (NKJV) that true followers hear His voice, follow Him, and cannot be taken away. Like Paul said, we must “test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). True faith shows itself in discernment, obedience, and perseverance.

Paul’s warnings match Jesus’ teachings. Real salvation turns people to God, produces love, and strengthens them to endure trials (1 Thessalonians 1:3, 9–10; 1 Corinthians 15:58). The gospel is not just comfort—it calls us to holiness, action, and faithfulness.

Jesus teaches that God’s wrath is real, His cross saves us, and following Him takes obedience, repentance, and endurance. Any gospel that ignores these truths is incomplete. We are called to stand firm, live holy, love others, and follow Jesus faithfully, knowing His love saves us and His judgment is real.

God wants people to walk in his statutes/ways and keep his commandments/judgements. These are spoken about in chapter 3 of Zechariah, chapter 36 of Ezekiel, and chapter 26 of Leviticus. Along with other chapters and passages that escape me.

When our deeds and words contrast with each other, that makes us hypocrites. A hypocrite shall not come before God (Job 13:16).

The lord chastens those who he loves, this is said in chapter 12 of Hebrews and chapter 3 of Revelation. To reprove us. If we be without chastisement then we are bastards and not sons or daughters.

You hear it said by many people how there is an enemy out there. The enemy being the devil, Satan. What people don't tell you or aren't aware of is how you can (still) be an enemy to God. This is spoken about in various parts of the bible. God can even you use the devil/Satan to punish or discipline people for things. That's why you have to strive to walk in God's ways. It is what people will have to do to fight the devil, in order to be able to do that. Exodus 23:22 and other passages testifies this. There's more I could expand on what I share here with that, but I don't want to overload my post with passages, and it would probably be better elsewhere.

 

[bdavidc]

God has reconciled the world unto Himself.
Through Christ, the barrier was torn down.
"God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them..." —2 Corinthians 5:19
He is no longer angry with the world. The invitation now is peace, not punishment.
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." —Romans 5:1


So keep a light touch on this world.
We are pilgrims, not settlers.
"For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come." —Hebrews 13:14
"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." —Colossians 3:2


The wrath of God, as spoken in the Old Testament, was directed toward the covenant people—Israel, the twelve tribes.
It was a righteous judgment, foretold and fulfilled.
"Upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth..." —Matthew 23:35
"He came unto his own, and his own received him not." —John 1:11
To lie about God's wrath is to distort His justice. It was not random—it was a promise, fulfilled in response to the rejection and crucifixion of the Son of God.


Repentance is a change of mind.
Not a ritual, not a performance.
"Repent ye, and believe the gospel." —Mark 1:15
It is the turning from unbelief to belief—from rejecting Christ to receiving Him.


The only unforgivable sin is unbelief.
Faith is what pleases God.
"Without faith it is impossible to please him." —Hebrews 11:6
To reject the Son is to reject the only bridge to forgiveness.
"He that believeth not is condemned already..." —John 3:18


And as for those who say “God hates…”
Let us be clear:
"God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son..." —John 3:16
Not just the righteous. Not just the straight. Not just the religious.
He loved the world.
"While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." —Romans 5:8
There is no room for hate in the gospel. Only truth, grace, and the call to believe.

MatthewG, you are not preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, you are preaching the gospel of MatthewG. Once again you have revised Scripture to suit what you want it to say, not what God really said. We don't have the liberty to redefine truth according to the Bible. Paul said in Galatians 1: 8-9, "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." That is how serious this matter is.

The statement “God is no longer angry with the world” is nowhere taught in Scripture. In fact, the Bible says God’s offer of reconciliation is extended to everyone, but His wrath abides on those who reject His Son (John 3:36). The cross was an act of love from God, but His wrath was not abolished. The Bible says God’s wrath “is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men” (Romans 1:18). The fact is God’s wrath toward sin is still real, and apart from Christ, everyone is under that wrath (Romans 8:1). The problem is you are once again trying to “rewrite” Scripture to make it say what you want instead of letting Scripture speak for itself.

It is also false to claim God’s wrath in the Bible was only against Israel. Though it is true that Israel experienced God’s discipline for covenantal unfaithfulness, the Word of God makes it clear His wrath is against all nations that reject Him. Psalm 9: 17 says, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Romans 2:9 likewise says, “Tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that does evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile.” God shows no partiality. His judgment is not determined by race or nationality, but by righteousness (Acts 10:34).

Another false statement is “the only unforgivable sin is unbelief.” Scripture clearly defines the unforgivable sin as blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31–32). That sin is not a one-time action but a hardened and willful rejection of the Spirit’s testimony about Christ, which ultimately issues in unbelief. Unbelief is what condemns, but the root is resisting the Holy Spirit who is at work drawing all men to repentance (John 16:8–9).

It is true that God’s love for the world is great (John 3: 16), but the statement “there is no room for hate in the gospel” is false. Scripture calls believers to hate evil. Romans 12: 9 says, “Abhor that which is evil; cling to that which is good.” God hates wickedness Himself (Psalm 5:5–6), yet loves the sinner enough to provide forgiveness through His Son. Love and truth are not contrary, they are inseparable. The gospel is not a message of tolerance toward sin, but redemption from sin.

The full counsel of Scripture balances God’s character perfectly: He is loving and patient, but also holy and just. His wrath abides on the unrepentant, His grace covers the believer, and His truth calls all people to repent and believe the gospel. Once again, twisting these verses to make God harmless or passive toward sin is rewriting His Word, and that never ends well.

 

[MatthewG]

Okay, David. Just sharing some scripture I find valuable.

 

[bdavidc]

Okay, David. Just sharing some scripture I find valuable.

You’re not “sharing Scripture,” you’re mutilating it to preach a gospel without wrath. You quote verses on peace but avoid the ones on wrath.

God’s wrath didn’t go away, in fact, Romans 1: 18 says it is being revealed in the present tense against all ungodliness. You are declaring peace where God says there is none (Jeremiah 6:14). That is the oldest lie of all.

Repentance is not just a change of mind, it’s a turning away from sin and toward God (Acts 26:20). And the only people who are free from wrath are those in Christ (Romans 8:1). The rest are still cursed (John 3:36).

You are manipulating Scripture to make sinners comfortable rather than convicted. That’s not the gospel of Jesus, that’s the gospel of MatthewG.

 

[MatthewG]

On Wrath, Repentance, and the New Life in Yeshua

I’ve shared reflections on the Wrath of God as it relates specifically to the nation of Israel — a covenantal judgment rooted in their historical context. But that doesn’t mean the Lord no longer enacts justice. Scripture affirms that “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord (Romans 12:19). Divine justice still stands, and it is executed in righteousness.

Repentance, at its core, is a change of mind. The Greek word most often translated as “repent” is metanoeō (μετανοέω), meaning “to think differently afterward” or “to change one’s mind.” It signifies a deep, transformative shift — especially in how we view sin, God, and ourselves.

As for sin, I believe it has been dealt with through the finished work of Christ. To me, the essence of sin is unbelief — the refusal to trust in God’s provision and truth. “He who does not believe is condemned already” (John 3:18). Unbelief is the one sin that remains unforgiven because it rejects the very source of forgiveness.

Let me be clear: I am not advocating lawlessness or moral disregard. I’m not saying, “Go out and commit evil.” That would be a distortion of grace. Rather, I affirm that newness of life in the resurrected Lord Yeshua transforms the heart of a believer. A true child of God begins to recognize that such destructive behaviors are no longer compatible with their identity in Christ.

This doesn’t mean believers will never sin or fall short. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We’ve all missed the mark — even from the moment we told our first lie, heck say ever placing God first in our lives. But I am not Israel, and I wasn’t there when Moses descended from Mount Sinai. My journey is shaped by the new covenant, not the Mosaic law.

Let us walk in grace, truth, and spiritual discernment — not bound by fear, but led by the Spirit of the Lord Yeshua, which gives life, and is beneficial through this life today, and the life to come. through this life today, and the life to come.

Written from Paul to Timothy 4:8 “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” — KJV


I believe people that are using "Gods wrath" as a merit for a person to change is really disregarding the truth concerning what I mentioned prior.


Thanks David, I am just sharing so that you understand where I am coming from, hope you do!