On The Offensive
It is time again to take notice, both of the things that are past, and the things that we seek to accomplish in the new year to appraise our efforts and consider our attitudes toward the future.
I have a suggestion that is not novel, but one I feel we too often overlook. It seems to me that we should make up our minds concerning the denominations of men and the false teachers that foster them. We should be persuaded to do everything in our power to cause people to see how they have been misled. The denominational preachers, who cause their followers to be satisfied with a lesser degree of obedience than God desires, are the enemy; and we need to expose them as such.
I suggest that our attitude toward the denominations should be, "Let's close their doors" or "Let's put them out of business." Admittedly this is a bold and optimistic proposal; but one that we can accomplish. Our Father has given us what we need to accomplish it. In every town and city where Christians live, we should be using the newspaper, radio, T.V., tracts, church bulletins and word of mouth not only to teach the truth, but to expose error. It is a simple matter for false teachers to teach around the truth, they do it all the time. We must write articles and take to the offense in our preaching, prodding the sectarians to debate, exposing their teaching and daring people to investigate the Bible for themselves.
Surely someone will say "you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar," but what do we do with all those flies? God wants converted men. Another objection that is often extended is that this proposal is too bold to be realistic, but as yet we haven't entered any of their church buildings to expose them as Paul did.
The task of saving our friends is truly a great one, but if we are right, and the denominations are wrong, isn't it about time everyone understood this is what we believe?
When elders, preachers, and the membership get on the offensive, much good can be accomplished. Maybe we won't close the doors to every denominational church building, but if we just come, we will be doing what we should!
When the elders "convict the gainsayers", the evangelists "preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke exhort with all long-suffering and teaching" and all are "set for a defense of the Gospel," we can have at least a large degree of success.
Too often the membership of a congregation apologize for the truth that is preached and the challenges that are extended.
We admit this suggestion will take courage on the part of everyone, but the results will be worthwhile. I ask you, brethren, to affirm with me the proposition that in 1969 we will close some doors on some denominational buildings. we will run some sectarians out of town, or convert them. We will take the sword of the Spirit and use it against the enemies of God, resulting in the salvation of many.
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