Glimpses of Truth
It Still Works
My pen was slow to start this week. That often happens when I think my mind is on standby. When this happens to me, I often feel as though my life is like the rest of the world. I feel as though I need to be entertained to get my mind off of my complacency. Let’s get off the traditional and go to something, anything new and exciting. Old commonplace Christianity doesn’t seem to be enough. Is it?
One man, whom I’ll tell you more about later, said this: “Everywhere there is apathy. Nobody cares whether that which is preached is true or false. A sermon, whatever the subject, only the shorter is the better.” So what does this statement mean? Possibly this: “People will forgive poor theology as long as they get out before .”
Now that gets my pen and my mind in high gear. When teaching and prayer and fellowship (Christian friendship and support) are replaced with some kind of new entertainment, we’re in trouble. It seems that the truths of God’s Word in many places are regarded as unsophisticated and offensive. But more than that, in today’s “standby” society, it’s just ineffective --? Devotionals, with success tips and emotional perks, are now wooing them into the fold, or something like that. They do feel a little more comfortable. They don’t yawn as much. Really! Plus marketing methods are helping churches grow.
The “Word” is now and always has been rejected by the majority. But that means the minority has held and must continue to hold fast to the truths at whatever cost. Regardless. I’ll not deal with the motives of those who have an agenda against God and His Word, whether they are within or without of the Church. Of course, the greatest danger that believers face today is the weakening and cheapening and dumbing down of the Word from within.
We like to hear more positive things, and you know the truth sometimes can be just a bit offensive. Isaiah tried to keep the truth out front. Isaiah 31:1 – “Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!”
The whole point about
Different. What a novel idea.
Today there are more “mega” churches than any time in recorded history. But – But there seems to be less and less of the Word and ways of God being taught to those who profess to be on the inside than any time in history. Don’t misunderstand, I’m not opposed to “style” per se. Yet I’m not in favor of a stagnant church. I’m not bound “completely” to any particular translation or musical style. My ideas are not superior to the taste of others. The issue is plain and simple. God and His Word must not take a backseat at any time.
Remember that man I quoted? He was Charles H. Spurgeon. Over a hundred years ago he fought, shall I say he let God fight and win with the Word. Spurgeon filled his 5,500-seat auditorium several times a week. The Word of God still works, even when I’m on standby.
