How can we ensure our church avoids becoming "a curse among all nations"? The Warning from Jeremiah 26:6 “Then I will make this house like Shiloh, and this city an object of cursing among all the nations of the earth.” (Jeremiah 26:6) Remembering Shiloh • Shiloh had housed the tabernacle (Joshua 18:1) but fell because of priestly corruption (1 Samuel 2–4). • God’s presence departed when His people treated holy things lightly. • The same God still deals seriously with disregard for His Word. Threats That Turn a Church into a Curse • Closed ears to Scripture (Jeremiah 26:4-5). • Idolatry—any rival to Christ’s exclusive lordship (Jeremiah 7:30; 1 John 5:21). • Empty ritual without obedience (Isaiah 1:11-17; Matthew 23:27-28). • Injustice, oppression, and neglect of the needy (Jeremiah 22:3-5; James 2:14-17). • Hypocrisy and lukewarm affection for God (Revelation 3:15-17). Foundations for Remaining a Blessing • Saturate every gathering with faithful exposition of Scripture (Acts 2:42; 2 Timothy 4:2). • Foster quick, humble repentance when sin surfaces (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13). • Guard the purity of doctrine and practice through loving church discipline (Titus 2:1; Matthew 18:15-17). • Cultivate worship that engages both heart and mind (John 4:24; Psalm 95:1-7). • Practice justice, mercy, and humility in daily life (Micah 6:8). • Care for the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the stranger (Deuteronomy 10:18-19; Galatians 2:10). • Equip every believer for gospel witness at home and abroad (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). • Steward resources with integrity and generosity (2 Corinthians 9:6-8; Malachi 3:10-12). • Depend on the Holy Spirit for power and guidance (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:16-25). The Promise of Blessing for the Obedient “As you have been a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you, and you shall be a blessing.” (Zechariah 8:13) “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land.” (Malachi 3:12) Practical Steps for Leaders and Members • Schedule regular times of congregational confession and thanksgiving. • Review ministry programs to ensure they align with biblical priorities. • Encourage transparent financial reporting and accountability. • Pair mature believers with newer ones for discipleship. • Partner with faithful churches and missions to extend gospel influence. • Celebrate stories of transformed lives to keep Christ’s work central. Christ, Our Safeguard “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us.” (Galatians 3:13) • His finished work removes condemnation for repentant believers. • Remaining in Him through obedient faith keeps the church in the sphere of blessing, shining His glory rather than bearing reproach among the nations. |
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