By Jim Miller
Gray, Maine
We should be demanding that our preachers and teachers get back the the plain simple truth of Gods word. This is not to say all preachers or teachers are are not doing the Lords work but today even within the Lords church there are to many spineless wonders who do not even know how begin putting on the whole armor of God. They wade around in a PC doctrine not wanting to lose their position and preach and teach mindless mush to the congregations they are supposed to serve.
The real shame is we have allowed it. There was a time when if a man tried to water down the word of God and preach only things pleasing to the ear that he would be held to a higher standard and if not willing to change he would be gone soon from that assembly. We have and still are allowing men with strange redefining words and doctrines to run rampant in the church. Splitting congregations and stirring up folks with false teaching while we sit back not daring to say a word for fear that we will be attacked.
If you can't stand for Gods word regardless of what others say you need to go back and take a serious look at the lives of those who came before you. Go all the way back to the first century. Few people today even know how or what manner in which the twelve apostles came to their end:
Judas Iscariot, hung himself after betraying the Lord.
Peter, so tradition says, was crucified, head downward during the persecution by Nero.
Andrew, died on a cross at Perrae, in Achaia, a Greek colony.
James, was thrown down from a pinnacle of the temple and then beaten to death with a club.
Thomas, the doubter, was run through with a lance.
John, died of extreme old age in Ephesus, the only one to die a non-violent death.
Bartholomew, was flayed alive in Armenia.
James, the son of Zebedee, was beheaded in Jerusalem by Herod.
Phillip, was hanged against a pillar in Asia Minor.
Matthew, was slain by the sword in Ethiopia.
Thaddaeus, was shot to death with arrows.
Simon, died on a cross in Persia (now Iran).
Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, was put to death in Rome.
In reviewing this, it should make one wonder if he would stand by the name of Christ today if he were beset by the sword and cross and not by honor and ease. Would you?
These men gave their lives in service to God teaching and preaching the whole counsel of God not some spiritual pablum like we see today. These men stood on Gods word and proclaimed it from the roof tops for all to hear. They went into battle fully armed with Gods word and we should too.
We MUST demand that preachers and teachers instruct us in the proper ways of God and we must then go out and teach others. This mind numbing drivel coming from the pulpits today that seeks to put the feelings of the congregation before the truth has to STOP.
I charge each of you today just as Paul charged Timothy 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.
Stand up and demand the truth be taught whether it hurts feelings or steps on toes You, YES YOU must demand sound doctrine. If the one preaching or teaching will not stand on the word for fear of retribution then get rid of them and find one who will not lead you astray.
Folks your very soul depends on this. May God have mercy on us all…………
