Author: Deaton, Steven

Jesus did not die to establish an institution that entertains and amuses man. He did not shed His blood to found a body that caters to man’s physical cravings. Rather, the Savior sacrificed Himself to build His church — an organization that seeks to lead men out of the mire and muck of spiritual corruption to a life of purity and holiness. To pervert the purpose of the church is to rebel against almighty God and reveal a disregard for the eternal well being of man. For such actions, men will give an account to God, and be found wanting.

We are to seek and destroy error. Why? Because error condemns the souls of men to an eternal hell and is an affront to the Holy God of heaven. If we will be blessed, we will confront and expose evil. If we fail, God will curse us. Therefore, be determined to “destroy…break down…cut down…[and] burn” all that is contrary to the will of God.

The Old Testament tells us about a preacher (prophet) who lied to a younger man (1 Kings 13). The lie was told in all good conscience. It was told with the intent of helping the young man (1 Kings 13:11-19). The young man believed the lie, benefited in an earthly way, but ended up losing his life (1 Kings 13:20-28). Thus, we know that religious leaders will sometimes tell a lie with the best intentions. We also know that religious followers will sometimes believe a lie.

Because he views “carnal warfare” as sinful and puts it in Romans 14, Bob Owen believes other sinful matters can fit there as well. He does not put all sin there, but this is arbitrary.

Expediency is a necessary part of our work in the Lord. It must be lawful and beneficial. When it violates either of these, it is sinful. We must exercise great care in justifying our actions based on expediency lest, in our zeal, we dishonor God while trying to honor Him.

A Satire, taking issue with Paul’s preaching methods. Letters written to Paul and Alexander the Coppersmith by a fictional character, Asthenes

As the old saying goes, “To be forewarned is to be forearmed.” Preemptive action against error is required of elders and preachers. If they fail to take it, they fail in their duties to God and man. If the elders and/or preacher where you attend is not warning you, ask them why and make them give an answer (cf. 1 Pet. 3:15).

All the things of man’s invention will be destroyed. Jesus said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted” (Matthew 15:13). Therefore, those who observe Easter in an attempt to worship Christ will be condemned — they will lose their souls. Do not be among that number!

We are not infallible, and we are open to any truth that may be presented to us; we will change when convinced we are wrong. But two things we do know, and of them we are certain: (1) truth does not contradict truth, and (2) we will not learn by hiding our heads in the sand and refusing to admit that religious divisions exist, or that such are wrong.

It is our hope that men will judge between right and wrong doctrines and practices, in “today’s issues” and all others. Likewise, we wish for all to believe truth matters. It is not simply “important” to salvation, but absolutely essential, and those who oppose it are enemies of the cross of Christ.

Too many preachers have chosen to go into preaching for the wrong reasons. Ease of work, popularity, and riches are all things that are foreign to a true minister of the Word. Paul labored tirelessly (2 Corinthians 11:23-33; Acts 13-28). He was unpopular on the whole (Acts 14:1-5, 19; 16:16-24; etc.). He certainly was not rich (1 Corinthians 4:9-11). If these are the reasons a man decides to preach, he will be worthless to the cause—a hindrance and enemy (Philippians 3:17-19)!

When we walk in the Spirit, we will have the fruit of the Spirit, including joy. This joy is derived from a love for the Lord, His truth, His kingdom, and the souls of men. It does not just happen, but is the result of a concerted effort to follow the precepts of God. Again, this joy will not be attached to the ever changing standards of men, and therefore fleeting, but it is anchored to the eternal truth and promises of our Savior. Do you walk in the Spirit and have His fruit? The presence or lack of joy in your life is one indicator.

The autonomy of the local congregation is a lesson that must be taught again and again. We need to know the truth on this matter as we deal with our denominational friends, whose religious organizations know practically nothing about the Spirit’s teaching on autonomy. Likewise, as the article pointed out, autonomy is a vital issue with some erring brethren.

“Outbursts of wrath” is a major thing with God, though minor with some men. It is listed as a work of the flesh, along with “idolatry” and “sorcery.” For the one who is guilty of it, but comes to a proper understanding of its consequences, he will put it off. The one who does not put it off, will suffer the wrath of God. Therefore, let us not make an excuse for ourselves or others, but put off this work of the flesh.

I am a preacher, a minister of Christ, and an evangelist; but I am not a pastor; I am not a clergyman; I am not a “Father”; and I am not a “Reverend.” I am a gospel preacher in exactly the same sense that Paul was; I preach the same gospel he preached; I preach no other. Paul declared that he had been appointed a “preacher” of the gospel of Christ (1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11).

Some brethren are weak and unwilling to take a stand, a firm stand, for what is right and true. These the Lord wants to vomit out (Rev. 3:15-16). We need men and women who have true love for the Lord and their brethren, and are uncompromising. We need those who are willing to stand in the face of overwhelming opposition, men and women of faith, ready to make a sacrifice for the Lamb of God as they stand like a lion (Heb. 11:32-40). Will you be one of these?

Are you a “non-controversialist” or are you a faithful brother or sister who earnestly contends for the faith (Jude 3)? What about the preacher and elders where you worship? Do they “by sound doctrine…convict those who contradict” (Titus 1:9)? Do they stop the mouths of those who “subvert” the truth (Titus 1:11)? If not, why not? If not, they are failing in their duties and need to repent (Acts 20:28-32; 2 Tim. 4:2-5). If they refuse to repent, then one of two things should be done: (1) either the elders need to be removed from office and/or the preacher fired; (2) or you should find a group of faithful Christians with which to work and worship.

To so preach is to “speak boldly”, but to speak boldly is to speak as one ought to speak. As Paul requested the prayers of his brethren, so does every faithful preacher today. This preacher, as every other servant of God, requests that you pray that I might “speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Eph. 6:20).

It is a wonderful and blessed thought to know that we can be free from bondage to Satan and sin. When one obeys from the heart “that form [pattern] of doctrine,” then he will no longer be a slave to the devil, but a servant of Christ (Romans 6:16-17).

We understand that truth “causes” trouble for the one who does not accept it (Jn. 3:19-21). Those who want to avoid truth and its consequences (like dancing [the prom], drinking [social or otherwise], filthy language and movies [Gal. 5:19-21]) will be uncomfortable with it and try to stop the mouths of those who speak it. We cannot be deterred by this, but labor more abundantly to stop their evil mouths (Titus 1:10-14). Let us speak the truth in love, and not be discouraged by the disparaging remarks of those whose deeds are evil.