In many contemporary churches that claim to be part of the body of Christ, a troubling trend has emerged: a gospel rooted in hatred and division, often disguised as a ministry devoted to apologetics. It’s important to clarify that I am not advocating for a compromise of doctrinal truths in Scripture; rather, I urge a bold proclamation of truth—just as Jesus did during His ministry.
When examining the Scriptures, we see that Jesus frequently confronted the Pharisees, Scribes, and other religious leaders, warning them of their false beliefs and misunderstandings. Through direct rebuke and correction, He guided them toward a deeper understanding of God’s truth. In His teachings, Jesus skillfully employed illustrations, stories, and parables that made complex spiritual concepts accessible to His followers, allowing them to grasp the profound messages He shared.
The Apostle Paul, along with other early church leaders, echoed this call for clarity and instruction. They warned churches, new converts, and complacent believers about the dangers of straying from the core tenets of faith. Their letters serve as reminders to redirect, educate, and encourage believers in their walk with God, striving for a deeper relationship rooted in love and understanding rather than fear and hatred.
In essence, a true preacher should not shy away from confronting falsehoods but should instead offer a compassionate yet bold declaration of truth, always seeking to lead others to a closer relationship with Christ.
Questions to Preachers
The Bible defines a preacher as someone tasked with the vital role of leading a congregation. The qualifications for this position have remained consistent for nearly 2,000 years. Jesus Christ, the perfect Shepherd, exemplifies the principles of teaching through the Gospel and Scripture, providing an ideal model for all pastors.
In accordance with 1 Timothy 3:2 KJV, a pastor must possess the ability to teach and demonstrate good works in their everyday life. However, this raises an important question: Can anger and hatred truly produce good works and positive behaviour? When we rely on our own philosophies—those self-made truths—are we effectively teaching the heart of God?
Scripture emphasises that love and charity are paramount. When faced with misunderstandings or disagreements with a neighbour, do we resort to social media or express our grievances in church? This is a critical moment for self-reflection. We must ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do in this situation?” Every believer is endowed with the gift of the Holy Spirit, which dwells within us. However, unless we actively strive to walk in the footsteps of God, we may not be fully awakened to this divine influence.
Whom do we glorify in our ministry? For whom do we truly live? Shouldn’t the Word of God be taught with love, truth, and wisdom derived from Scripture? Engaging in apologetics does not mean loudly asserting our understanding or dominating conversations; rather, it requires teaching in a Godly manner that is rooted in Scripture. Volume and intensity do not equate to correctness in matters of faith. We are all on this journey together, often with different directions, but we must ensure that every aspect of the Bible we share aligns with true doctrine.
Consider the lessons delivered to the Corinthians; are we not also vulnerable to misunderstanding in our interpretations? It is crucial to strengthen our foundation in faith before attempting to share our insights with others. While we must not compromise our beliefs to conform with worldly standards, we should live wisely and prepare to answer to Christ on Judgment Day. When that day comes, will we recount how we put pressure on individuals for their shortcomings, or will we rejoice in having preached the truths revealed by the Holy Spirit?
Take a moment to reflect: Are your words genuinely glorifying God and elevating His truth, or are they merely fulfilling a job requirement? It is imperative to cultivate an earnest desire for study, prayer, and submission to the Lord as our ultimate Master, rather than targeting individuals based on human agendas.
Understanding Scripture
A man who lacks a true understanding of Scripture often resorts to using hateful language—words that stem from a place of fleshly anger and criticism. This raises the question: how can such a person be deemed deserving of the title “Pastor” in the first place? It’s important to recognise that their words may be more influenced by political ideologies and personal philosophies than by the genuine teachings of the Bible. Many interpret the scriptures through a self-created lens, seeking their own gospel and personal truths rather than the ultimate truth of God.
The foundations of Christian faith remind us that salvation is a gift of grace, not something that can be earned through our own efforts, as articulated in Ephesians 2:8-9. Once we receive this grace, we are called not to live according to our own desires but to lead lives of faith and obedience. This entails a complete submission to God as His servants, for Christ died for our sins, serving as our redeemer. The Bible clearly states that while faith is essential, it must be complemented by good works; James 2:26 underscores this by saying that “faith without works is dead,” highlighting the balance required in our spiritual lives.
Colossians 3 serves as a profound guide by the Apostle Paul, detailing how we ought to embody Christ in our daily lives rather than merely selecting a preacher, church, or denomination that aligns with our preferences. When we focus on pointing out the shortcomings of others to elevate our own status, we stray from true discipleship, missing the essence of Christ-like humility. It’s crucial to communicate from Scripture with integrity, remaining faithful to its context and sound doctrine.
In every action and decision, we should ask ourselves what Christ would have done in our situation, allowing His example to guide us. Those who rely heavily on their own wisdom and intellect often find themselves lost in God’s ways. As Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.”
Furthermore, we must recognise the depth of God’s wisdom, as stated in 1 Corinthians 1:25: “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” This profound truth invites us to embrace a life marked by humility, faith, and a commitment to understanding and living out God’s word.