THE PULPIT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR IT?
Many pastors may take exception to the above title after reading this article. I recently came across a newsletter from Chuck Swindoll that cited a very poignant and prophetic statement by Charles G. Finney (1792-1875). Finney was one of the leading revivalists of the 19th century. The alarm he sounded over 160 years ago is an alarm that is very relevant for our present world of today.
If there is a decay of conscience, the pulpit is responsible for it.
If the public press lacks moral discrimination, the pulpit is responsible for it.
If the church is degenerate and worldly, the pulpit is responsible for it.
If the world loses its interest in religion, the pulpit is responsible for it.
If Satan rules in our halls of legislation, the pulpit is responsible for it.
If our politics become so corrupt that the very foundations of our government are ready
to fall away, the pulpit is responsible for it.
Swindoll went on to quote from the letter the Apostle Paul sent to Timothy concerning the difficulties of the ‘last days’:
2 Timothy 3:1-3 (NKJV)
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be
lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to
parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control,
brutal, despisers of good...
Sheep need shepherds. I agree with Swindoll and Finney, many spiritual shepherds in our churches are not preaching all of God’s Word. Many church ministers are afraid of scaring or condemning their members. They avoid informing and warning their people about the wolves that seek to destroy their flock...it could be dangerous for the offering plate! Shepherds in our churches are not preaching all of God’s Word. Many pastors are content to ‘tickle the ears’ of their complacent congregations.
Today our churches need preachers of God’s Word that boldly address the current issues of our day:
Today our churches need preachers of God’s Word that boldly address the current issues of our day:
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• What government programs are in conflict with God’s Word?
• What political candidates are promoting the teachings and principles of God’s Word? • How do you as a Christian family pursue a Christian education for your children? • How can you implement God’s Word 24/7 (Deut. 6) into your family? • How can we impact the world with the Gospel, and not be a casualty, because we are prepared for battle (Eph. 6)? • What does the Bible teach about abortion, homosexuality, marriage, Heaven and Hell, etc. • Is the media, entertainment, and internet industries strongly influencing our families away from God’s Word? • How America’s educational institutions are destroying Christian families and our nation! • Why Christians need to “take up their cross” in this world! |
