We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Too Tolerant of False Teachings

In our time, once again the evangelical church has grown lax.  There is an emphasis upon tolerance that tends to exclude shepherdly protection.  In the eyes of many sheep today the "good guy" is the one who makes no protest against unbiblical teachings and practices; the "bad guy" is the one who will not "take part in the unfruitful works of darkness" but instead "goes so far as to expose them" (Ephesians 5:11).  The "good guy" is the one who endeavors to go along as far as possible with the world; the "bad guy" is the one who avoids eclecticism at all costs.  It is, perhaps, this tolerance of and mixture with worldly principles and practices, and such tolerance of error and heresy that has most seriously affected the Bible-believing churches of our time.  All too few elders (including both ruling and teaching elders) are aware of the insidious inroads of worldly thought and practices within the church.  If something is not done to correct this situation, however, it is clear that truth once more will be seriously compromised, and if it continues for long unabated, truth may once more all but vanish from the church.

Jay E. Adams,  The Use of the Rod & the Staff: A Neglected Aspect of Shepherding, p.13

5 comments:

Neil said...

Exactly! I saw that over and over in the Methodist church, which is why I left it a few years ago.

Alec said...

Hi Glenn,

Yes, agree. But what do we do though when our only church choices seem to have varying degrees of serious error? I always think of this verse:

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. -Hebrews 10.24-25

The question is rhetorical (not asking for an answer), though serious. We all have to deal with the time and spirit of this age.

God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]. -1 Corinthians 10.13b

Alec

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Hi Alec,

The passage does not say the assembling together has to be at a church building with organized services. Believe it or not, many Christians work jobs which have them working on Sundays (as in my case for most of my career). You can assemble with Christian friends any time of the day or week.

New Testament assemblies met to hear the apostles’ teachings, for breaking of bread (including the Lord‘s table), for singing psalms, for fellowship and prayer. They had been given gifts for the building up of the body: encouragement, edification and discipling. This can be done in small gatherings or large gatherings.

ali said...

Really appreciate your response to Alec. Once the SCOTUS makes their ungodly decision, should they decide to mock God, the church is in for very difficult times. Your word to gather with Christians other places than church will shortly be heralded far and wide.

Anonymous said...

My husband and I can so relate to the picture and caption. Generally we're considered the "bad guys". Just like the prophets of old, whose message wasn't wanted then either, I guess any of us who are willing to stand against falsehood will be reviled, but we're in good company.

The prophets prophecy falsely, and My people love it so. Unfortunately.

-Carolyn