Clarity in our communication of the Gospel is of the utmost importance. We must use great plainness of speech in communicating God’s word (II Corinthians 13:12). However, this point seems to often be missed in the efforts of many to bring the lost to Christ. Instead of being clear that the lost need to repent to be saved, those who declare they are our brethren use much more subtle approaches. This is not what we see in the preaching of John the Baptist (Matthew 3:2-8). The subtle approach is not what we see in the preaching of Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:17-23 and Luke 13:3;5). This is not the kind of preaching we see that fulfilled the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20; cf. Acts 2:36-41, Acts 3:19, Acts 26:20, etc.). Those who are lost in sin today and hear the preaching and teaching of the many, they feel right at home. Those lost in sin do not feel that they are outside of Christ because that is not what they hear in the subtle preaching and teaching of today. In fact, they hear things like “we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God” and that translates to them that those professing to know Christ are those who are presently, active in sin. Folks, the aforementioned statement about all being “sinners” is a misquote of the inspired scriptures of God. Inspiration does not say we “are all sinners”, but inspiration does declare that “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23). The is a huge difference in the past tense that is truly recorded in God’s word and the present tense that is often used in false teachings of today. Christians cannot lower themselves to equality with the world. Such is simply not true. God’s children have been delivered from the darkness of this sinful world (Ephesians 5:5-8) and we are to remove ourselves completely from the worldliness we have left behind (Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 5:11, James 4:4, and I John 2:15-17). When we walk and talk among sinners as though we are one of them, we have sinned (II Corinthians 6:17-18). Furthermore, how can we expect to help convert the sinner from his evil ways when we are just like them? What message are we conveying if we profess to know Christ, but in works deny Him (Titus 1:16)? We are telling others that we are people who say one thing and do another (Romans 2:1-3). We profess to be Christians then our actions give those in sin a license to speak evil of our Lord because of our hypocrisy (Romans 2:23-25). If you are a true Christian you cannot be comfortable with sin or being around sin (Romans 12:9 and II Corinthians 6:14-16). Ask yourself also, what message is delivered when we profess to be godly but keep company with those who are ungodly. Are we not supposed to avoid partaking in other men’s sins (I Timothy 5:21)? Are we not supposed to disallow our homes to be opened to those who transgress the word of God less we too partake in their evil deeds through our association with them (II John 9-11)? What about those Christians who are unfaithful, we oppose them, but then disobey God and keep company with them (II Thessalonians 3:6; 14-15)? What message are we declaring to those who are lost when we pretend everything is okay? One will say, “But, I talk to them when they come over for dinner”? Consider this, can you go to a whorehouse and partake in sinful activity as long as you object to it while you’re doing it? We realize that we cannot participate in fornication under any excuse (I Corinthians 6:16-18). Neither can we claim we will do evil keeping company with those who are apostate as long as “good may come from it”. Folks, we cannot do evil that good may arise later (Romans 3:8). When someone rejects the truth we do not have a license to continue “trying” through unlawful relationships (Matthew 10:14 and Titus 3:9-10). The world’s view of Christianity is distorted because of the many who falsely claim to be God’s children. It is a great shame when we, the true children of God, add to that false picture. We have to ask ourselves, “what cause am I serving?” The work of the devil is to blind people from seeing the truth (Matthew 13:19 and II Corinthians 4:3-4). If you are producing actions or words that cloud the minds of those who need to be saved, you are doing the work of the devil. Some people will only see Christ through our words and actions (Matthew 15:14-16). If the picture of our Lord depicted through us is one of hypocrisy, we are doing a great harm to the cause of Christ. Credibility is a big deal (Proverbs 22:1, Ecclesiastes 7:1, and Ephesians 5:2-3). Since some can only think along the terms of carnal things, consider an analogy. If you had gone to a fast food chain and there was a bug cooked into your food, what are you going to think about that chain? Furthermore, what are you going to tell others about that food chain? Well, your report is not going to be a good one. The sad thing is; this situation might just be caused by one bone headed employee of that particular restaurant who’s at fault. Well, if someone sees a negative in us, the name of our Lord and His body the church also often becomes mud (I Timothy 6:1 and Titus 2:5). If the name of our Lord, His truth, and His body is spoken evil of because of one of us; we are Satan’s workers! Paul wrote: “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain” (Philippians 2:14-16). Let’s be sure to take heed to Paul’s instructions. Let’s not say things, do things, or partake in things that may allow someone to get the wrong impression of what being a true Christian is all about. Let’s allow people to see that we have departed from sin and are never going to look back to it (II Timothy 2:19). Are the messages others see and hear in you clear? |
| Volume VII ~ Issue XXVIII ~ April 8th, 2007 |
Words of Truth Weekly - Online Edition
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What must one do to be saved (Acts 2:37)? Hear and believe the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16 & Romans 10:17),
repent of their sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of
sins into the church of Christ (Acts 2:38, I Corinthians 12:12-13, and Romans 6:1-6). One must then remain
faithful (Rev. 2:10).
repent of their sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of
sins into the church of Christ (Acts 2:38, I Corinthians 12:12-13, and Romans 6:1-6). One must then remain
faithful (Rev. 2:10).
| Edited by: Brian A. Yeager |
| Sending Sinners Mixed Signals By: Brian A. Yeager |
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| “I’m a Christian, But I’m Comfortable With Sin” |
| Whose Work Are You Doing? |
| Conclusion |