W.R. Craig
“The priests said not, Where is Jehovah? and they that handle the law knew me not…and walked after things that do not profit” (Jer. 2:8).
It’s heart-breaking to see so many who profess to be Christians draw back from bearing the cross and defending truth. If David were to do battle with Goliath (1 Sam. 17) today far too many brethren would accuse him of being dogmatic and narrow minded. A congregation that would discipline Achan for his sin (Jos. 7) would be labeled by many as unloving, judgmental, and legalistic. Paul surely would have to “bear with” instead of “rebuke” Peter (Gal. 2) in many churches today, or else be called “Pharisaic.” The seed of man’s wisdom is fast being sown advocating the church can no longer adhere to that which is “narrow” and “straight” and be successful. Of course, one must first determine if his definition of success originates from God or man. It does make a difference!
I believe in the love and grace of God, and the “one another” passages. I preach and teach that the Lord’s people must strive to love one another (John 13:34). But is this to say that I’m not to recognize sin when I see it? Does it mean that in order to be “caring” I must somehow ignore and encourage by my silence a wagon load of sin to comfortably take refuge under an umbrella of love? One who would believe such surely has been meditating far too long on something besides God’s truth!
Be sweet and kind! Don’t mark, don’t expose; do not be vicious! Yes, notice these sentiments echoed regularly through bulletins, editorials, periodicals. But God has never taught that His people are to be tolerant of sin (1 Cor. 5; Rom. 16:17; Tit. 1:9-13; 3:10).
Brethren, much of the world is now searching for that which has made the church unique. Man-made religions are coming apart, and an ever-growing number are looking for an unadulterated gospel. They have heard enough watered down sermons (?) which lead one to be convicted of nothing and not stand for anything. May there be an increasing number of elders and preachers who shine the light of God’s Word on the world and on brethren who teach error and yearn for denominational fellowship. But rest assured that light exposes—and those “walking after things which do not profit” will continue to cry louder and louder!
