In an age of relativism the roar of the crowd is to tame God’s Word. Two traps await Christians in this hostile environment.
Meditation
2 Timothy 3:16—All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Trap #1—diluting the truth so as not to offend the listener. This is a dangerous undertaking for immediately we assume to know more than the Holy Spirit. There is no shame or need to compromise the sacred message that Jesus is the Way the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father accept through Him. We believe in absolutes. Billy Graham shares a bit of insight. If a doctor says “You must take this medication to arrest this disease for it is the cure”, do we reply, “Oh doctor you are so narrow-minded any drug will do so long as I sincerely believe.” Of course not! What book addresses the disease of sin? What book offers the only cure? Beware of tampering with God’s truth. Preach the word with courage to all who will listen. We are not peddling brewers yeast. We are offering the greatest news ever printed.
Trap #2—Swinging the Bible as a club. Share the Scripture but not in an arrogant, condemning, self-justifying or “know-it-all” fashion. When I remember Jesus died for me, a sinner, I remember to approach those who do not know Him, with humility and sensitivity. The joy of preaching is found in faithfully sharing from the Bible and then watching the Holy Spirit go to work!
Our responsibility is not to change people, our responsibility is to be faithful to God’s Word. So have a blast sharing truth and see what blessings God delivers through you!
Inspiration
When you talk about heaven let your face light up with a heavenly glory. When you tell about hell, your everyday face will do.—Charles H. Spurgeon
He preaches well that lives well.—Spanish proverb
Never water down the word of God, preach it in its undiluted sternness; there must be unflinching loyalty to the word of God; but when you come to personal dealing with your fellow men, remember who you are--not a special being made up in heaven, but a sinner saved by grace.—Oswald Chambers in My Utmost For His Highest
