By Jim Miller
Gray, Maine
We hear much today about the love that God has for us. You are more likely to hear a Jesus is love message from the pulpit these days that anything else. I do not deny the great love Christ has show and given to us but I also realize there is a real danger in preaching a constant loving message to the exclusion of all else.
It is rare to hear a lesson on the dangers of sin today. How Satan is still roaming to and fro devouring the souls of the weak and unlearned. It is rare that you hear a lesson that will cut to the heart and cause repentance. I believe this is one major reason the church has stopped growing and many have become apostate.
The command was and is Mar 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
I do not see where that command says go preach love and mercy only, which is what you hear for the most part today. Peter in the first sermon delivered after Christs ascension spoke so plainly and boldly that it cut to the heart and brought three thousand souls to repentance and baptism. You killed the Christ was his message, you followed those who would deceive you and you are guilty and must repent was his cry. Read Acts chapter two and see for yourself.
Paul told Timothy the following just before his death 2Ti 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2Ti 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 2Ti 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2Ti 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
Paul went on to state he had run his race in good faith and he knew of the reward laid up for him by Christ. 2Ti 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 2Ti 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Paul was telling Timothy you have to press on with the truth use it to rebuke and chasten those in error. Continue the fight exhort those who come to Christ but also rebuke them when needed. Friends we have gone to far in the opposite direction so much so that we fear not the truth but fear hurting someones feelings. Tell me how can you love anyone and condone sin or over look it?
When we fail to preach the whole counsel of God for fear of offending some we are the ones in error. Paul knew this and stated…. Act 20:25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
Act 20:26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. Act 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
Act 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Act 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Act 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Act 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
All you have to do is look around you and you can see what Paul gave warning of the church today has been invaded by false teachers and teachings. Good men who were once sound in the doctrine of Christ have turned away to seek their own way instead of Gods. Peoples souls are being lost and will be destroyed in hell because of a lack of fear for what God will do at judgment. Ecc_12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Many claim to be preaching the Gospel when all they teach is a watered down doctrine of peace and love and mercy, and all the time they avoid the rest of Gods counsel. This is why apathy has such a grip on the Lords church. This is why instead of standing against sin we over look it. This why so many souls will be lost to the everlasting fires of hell. Damnation sits on the doorstep of those who teach error and lead the others astray.
Please I implore each of you open Gods word be sure of what you teach. Go out and tell others of the sins that so easily beset us. Make them understand by preaching and teaching the whole counsel of God. Souls are depending on you.
