What we see in our world today is a whole lot of excuses. There are excuses from “Christians” about other “Christians”. Some of them are valid and some are just wrong. So, what is an excuse? An excuse is defined as an attempt to lessen the blame attaching to (a fault or offense); seek to defend or justify. There are so many “Christians” in the news for one reason or another and we have other “Christians” defending or making excuses for their behavior. Today we will look at 2 men that everyone is talking about and see what Scripture has to say about their conduct and views.

     The first person is the late Bishop Carlton Pearson. Bishop Pearson has denied the existence of hell. For the Scripture says in Matthew 25:46, “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.” Furthermore, Matthew 13 verses 41 and 42 tells us, “The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will remove from his Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” He has also denied the authenticity of God’s Word. For the Bible says in 2 Timothy chapter 3 verses 16 and 17, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” Bishop Pearson can be labeled as a heretic someone who has formally denied or doubted the core doctrine of the Christian faith. For anyone who is or has made excuses for Bishop Pearson’s behavior or views is in error according to God’s Word. Let God be true and every man a lie! (see Romans 3:4)

     The last person we will look at is Bishop William Murphy. He is another “Christian” who I see other “Christians” making excuses for his behavior and views. First, Bishop Murphy agrees with abortion. Exodus 20:13 tells us not to murder. Then he performed a baby dedication for a lesbian couple. This is not about the baby but about the “couple” so “Stop Making Excuses”. For the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 6:14, “Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?” Then there was the “club like” scene that happened at his church for New Year’s Eve. Scripture reminds us in 1 Peter 1:14-16 by saying, “So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, ‘You must be holy because I am holy.’” Let God be true and every man a lie! (see Romans 3:4)

     As believers in Christ, we are mandated to be set apart, to be salt and light in the Earth. Ephesians 5:8 tells us, “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So, live as people of light!” Then verse 11 of that same chapter warns us by saying, “Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.” You and I can’t be set apart, be salty, or be a light if we are cosigning with those who practice sin. You and I have a responsibility to uphold righteousness. It is imperative that we firmly and boldly stand on God’s Word and refrain from making excuses. Let God be true and every man a lie! (see Romans 3:4)