Freedom of speech, religious expression and peaceable redress are tenets of the American way. Many Christian Americans, however, see the handwriting on the wall that these rights are in the crosshairs of the godless. Those who disagree with the political left are labeled bigots, hate mongers and racists and more. The more that Christians are able to be slotted into these categories, the easier it is for wicked politicians and purveyors of false doctrine to demonize Christians and take away freedom of speech and of religious expression. Act, we must. Stand, we must. But it is in how we respond that will either turn the tide of moral depravity in this nation or accelerate it into deeper darkness.
We need to change the dialogue. Instead of being viewed as judgmental on one end of the spectrum or hypocritical by embracing the sin (as several denominations already have done), we must study how Christ handled fallen culture and emulate him–Beginning with the pulpit. Jesus had little patience with false teachers and often warned of them. He called them hypocrites in Mark 7:6-7, “This people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” In Matthew 23, Jesus called them fools, blind, whitewashed sepulchers. Pastors, reverends, priests, who are teaching false, extra-biblical and self-indulgent doctrine need to be removed or you need remove yourself and sit under a true Bible teaching shepherd.
But to know good doctrine, you must study the word of God, especially how Jesus handled sinners. No pastor is going to stand in your place on judgment day. It will be you who will account for your life. So know your Word. Make it a point to do so. It is life or death to so many. Understand that Jesus stood the ground against sin through truth and love. He didn’t judge or condemn sinners, but met them where they were and allowed them to be convicted by their own conscience. The woman at the well in John 4, the adulteress in John 8 are examples. But we must remember in John 3:17 Jesus said, “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
It is not for us to judge or condemn. John 8:9 says, “And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience…” Stand on the truth of the Word, make it known that you have a Biblical worldview, but don’t be arrogant or overbearing. Be wise and gentle. In summary, we need to change the conversation. Get away from or remove those pastors that are not aligned with the word of God. Know the word of God yourself, not based on some study by someone else, but on your own study. The Holy Spirit will guide you if you seek the truth. Engage people through your words and actions, but allow them the freedom to be convicted by their own conscience. Understand you are a lamb among wolves and your protection and leader is the Good Shepherd.
