WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3
Scripture: Matthew 16:1-6

In Matthew 16:1-6, Jesus openly declares to the Twelve that they are living in a season where the church-world of their day is filled with messages that will shorten their lives. Jesus made it very clear when He said, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.” They were the primary church leaders of that day. Jesus openly warned the Twelve that if they accepted the teaching of the Pharisees and the Sadducees, their lives would be adversely impacted. In effect, what Jesus said was, “If you go to church and listen to compromised leaders, you are shortening your life and are setting yourselves up to miss what God is doing.” Now that is a mouthful! No wonder the leaders of Jesus’ day hated Him. Jesus confronted them at the very core of the issue. He uncovered the roots of their compromise. What a place to be in! We are living in a season where we are literally watching a repeat of what Jesus warned, unfolding weekly in the church. We know we see the fruit nationally when 42% of people who claim to be Christians can vote for antichrist policies, then their discernment has been dramatically diminished. The ministries we listen to either hurt or help us – extend our life or shorten it!