When we read some of the declarations, resolutions and recommendations coming out of various church conferences and councils, we are made to wonder if many "religious leaders" and theologians ever read their Bibles. It seems multitudes in "high places" have completely lost sight of the real mission and purpose of Christianity.

1. The Bible says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

2. The Bible says, "For the son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10).

The Bible says ". . . . go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:15-16).

The Bible says, "Blessed are they that do his commandments that they may have right to the Tree of Life, and may enter in through the gates into the city" (Rev. 22:14).

5. The Bible says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away" (Rev. 21:4).

From these verses we shall see that God, Christ and the early Christians addressed themselves to one thing: The saving of lost souls of all mankind!

But, what are "church men" concerned about today? Let me focus on one example that portrays an attitude that is permeating an ever growing number of religious groups in America.

Recently the Lutheran Church of America held "Consultations" in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York and Washington, D.C. And what was it that prompted such far-flung gatherings? It was "ministry to and with Singles in cities." Well, does that mean they were concerned with how to better lead these people to Christ and soul salvation?

Oh, no! Their time, effort, money and concern was turned to such serious problems as: (1) Many local churches not allowing a single (non-married) person serve as an advisor to a youth group; (2) Not hiring a single preacher; (3) Not having a "brunch ministry" to serve Sunday dinner to singles; (4) Church political involvement to fight singles discrimination in city zoning laws; (5) Stressing that "homosexuals are part of the reality of church life and warrant the full ministry of the church.

A casual reader of the Bible knows that all forms of fornication (adultery, pre-marital sex, lesbianism and homosexuality) are strongly condemned in the Word of God. In plain unmistakable language, we are informed that those who practice such things are doomed to Hell (Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 3:5-6; Rom. 1:24-32).

Likewise, it does not take a Solomon to realize that God never intended that any group be singled out for special attention. Christ died to save the single, the married, the old, the young, the men, the women, the rich, the poor, the educated and the uneducated.

Christ died to save all. And the mission of true Christianity today is the saving of the souls of the lost. Woe be to those who major in minors and neglect "the weightier matters."

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 10, pp. 303-304
May 17, 1984