Category: Attitudes

Christians need to realize that the Bible is anti-worldly, as brother Franklin wrote. It is against doing things which seem right unto man (Prov. 14:12). It is against using the tools of men, science or otherwise, to attract the lost to the Lord (1 Cor. 1:18-2:5).

Paul defended the truth against the Judaizing teachers of his day. In doing so, he did not establish a creed; he defended the truth. Peter refuted the Gnostics and in doing so had nothing to do with the establishment of a creed. When men today defend the truth of God against false teachers, they are not establishing a creed. They are defending the truth. It is amazing to me that those who hold the truth on the institutional issues are the ones today accused of creed making. It is the advocate of that false doctrine who has introduced a doctrine from man, not the defender of truth.

I find it interesting that as the call to tolerance, understanding and compromise increases, God’s people become ever more splintered by false doctrines and “new things.” It seems that today about the only “intolerable” thing is to be intolerant. While some may disagree on doctrine and practice, they will still accept and praise one another so long as they themselves are tolerated. We need less toleration for error, not more. We need militance, not compromise. We need a true love for the souls of men which leads to the condemnation of sin, not sugary sweet tolerance “lest we offend.”

Christians must regard no individual, publication or institution as perfect or a reliable defender of the truth. By doing all these, Christians will progress beyond the present sad state of division and carnality which characterizes our communication with others.

Frankly, the non-controversial, non-combative, non-confrontational approach to preaching is cause for alarm. Often, though certainly not always, such a spirit resides within those who are liberal minded and who have no respect for “the good fight of faith” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5; 1 Timothy 6:12; Jude 3). Not being sure that error condemns, and not being convinced that denominationalism is not of God, some have begun to sympathize with false teachers and apologize for those who oppose and expose them.

Calling names will never be popular. This fact alone should neither encourage or discourage us. Nor should the reaction of the public be the total criterion. While some human judgment must determine our practice, the most important factor must be that of a boldness in declaring Jesus that reflects a New Testament spirit. Such preaching will arouse and convict; it will irritate and confound; it will cause extreme reactions and deepest opposition … among those in sin. But of those in sin will be some who can be led into paths of righteousness and salvation by this same bold preaching.

Fact is, everyone agrees that a man has the right to study for himself, reach his own conclusions, and teach them, But he must be prepared to face examination of his conclusions!!! If a man cannot stand to have his teaching scrutinized and rebuked, he ought not to preach.

While preacheritis cannot always be controlled by the preacher, that is, some brethren will just be that way, let us be determined not to lend a hand in our own exaltation, nor that of another. Let us all look to the one Head of the church, the one Author and Finisher of our faith, the one Apostle and High Priest of our profession, the one Lamb of God, the one Alpha and Omega–the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:22-23; Heb. 12:2; 3:1; Jn. 1:29; Rev. 1:8)!

The truth of the matter is that style and form of preaching is not the issue. If there is room in the Lord’s church for all kinds of methods of preaching (and there is), why is the “watchman” method (a Biblical approach: Isa. 52:7; Rom. 10:14-15) not acceptable? What needs to be stressed is that a compromising spirit has affected many who actually object to truth being taught.

We as Christians ought to examine closely our attitudes toward the preaching of the word of God. It is disturbing to hear the criticism that is being expressed toward those who are following the example of Jeremiah and warning of sin in our time. May we as God’s people ever have a tender heart towards His will, and those who proclaim it to us.

Yes, it has always been true that those who have the truth fear no investigation, but those who have not the truth, dodge, run, avoid, and squirm when confronted. Why are some preachers so reluctant to come forth with their doctrine? Could it be, they do not have the truth?

Brethren, an apostasy is brewing. Local congregations are being affected. Preachers are going “hither, thither and yon” and preaching error. They are hiding behind the biblical concept of autonomy, distorting this grand principle established by God and using it to further their pernicious cause. Those who speak out against this error are being falsely charged with “meddling” and trying to “run things.”

Recognizing that there is a realm of judgment in “how” the gospel is preached, let me suggest that if anyone does not like “how” we do it, you feel free to do it in another way. But I give you this guarantee: If you do the work of a watchman, no method is going to be acceptable to those who teach error. You see, there may be fifty ways to skin a cat, but he won’t like any of them!

Error demeans, destroys, and damns the souls of men. Why would anyone want to toy around with it? Why try to be tolerant of it? Why cater to it and seek to win its confidence and hope to change it?

One of the biggest lies ever told by the Devil (and used by false teachers) is that it is a lack of love that motivates every person that opposes error! But one thing is sure: I love my brethren too much to keep my mouth shut and let them teach error without hearing about it. I love truth to much to keep silent. I love the church too much to allow it to be led into digression without some effort on my part.

Doctrinal matters, brethren, are in the public domain. No subject is taboo; no theme is forbidden; no field of study is restricted to closed doors and an elitist’s set of arbitrary rules. Teach the truth. Record it and spread it abroad. Only error will suffer by comparison. “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops” (Mt. 10:27).

Brethren, churches must demand preachers who will preach the whole counsel, and preachers must demand churches respect the whole counsel. Some preachers may be fired as a result of standing for the whole counsel … and some churches may need to fire some to be able to receive the whole counsel.

There should not be any doubt as to the burden God has given the faithful preacher. Whether inspired or not, the messenger must be true to the message. The responsibility of the preacher is crystal clear. Hear the word of God:

“And I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said, Here am I; send me. And he said, Go, and tell this people. Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn again, and be healed” (Isa. 8:-10; cf. Matt. 13:13-15).