Some churches make a definite attempt to cater to the childish whims and whimpering of those who appose steadfast admonition and pungent repetition of the faith once delivered. It is nobility in character and forbearance in action that causes one to deny his will for that of another. However, it is sin to restrain and restrict the ancient gospel to please a few or many who love not the truth.

A cowardly corp of compromising Christians should not be placated. Good and godly men are forced to "move on" due to the fact that certain softies refuse to support the scriptural plea for a divine decree in every area of activity (Col. 3:17). Because the elite find the cry for authority distasteful to their piously sensitive ears, the brethren must dispense with and dispose of a preacher who is "embroiled in controversy."

Other churches will not have a preacher work with them if he is known for "casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God" (2 Cor. 10: 5). "If we want to hold on to certain ones in this church, we I must not have an offensive preacher." But who is it that loves the Lord and hates the Devil that wants to hold on to them? We ought to be careful what we get hold of lest it come off A over us! Besides, an inoffensive preacher is offensive to those who love the way, the truth and the life.

Who Are They?

Just what kind of people are those whom you seek to placate and pacify? Analyze the lives of those who will not tolerate earnest contention. They may give well, but their teenagers dance and are otherwise identified with the world and not the Lord. They do not engage a Baptist neighbor in a home study about the subject of baptism. (Arguing is archaic; it is not dialogue, and it can "get ugly," you know.) They will discuss the need for a paved parking lot and a carpeted auditorium, but they are not "gung ho" about tramping through the neighborhood like those Jehovah's Witnesses." They want to send money to preachers across the ocean to save the heathen." Meanwhile, the people across the street are not contacted and confronted with the truth.

It is not gracious, considerate, nor thoughtful when the future of the truth and the strength of the church are risked to appease those who find sound doctrine appalling rather than appealing. It is mean, sensual, and devilish.

TRUTH MAGAZINE, XV: 16, p. 9
February 25, 1971