Ambulance Projects
Truth is what all men need, yet don't always want. Man's compromise is a "different gospel". Paul had to deal with this when he wrote the local churches of Galatia. "I marvel that ye are so quickly removing from him that called you in the grace of Christ unto a different gospel" (Gal. 1:6). His response was, "...there are some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach unto you any gospel other than that which we preached unto you, let him be anathema" (Gal. 1:7-8). When Paul called the "different gospel", "not another Gospel" (Gal. 1:6-7), in essence he damned all false gospels. What "good tidings" could exist in a perversion of truth?
Some local churches today are trying to hold and build membership by using "different gospels" to create interest. Innovations and unscriptural projects, which are directed at human rather than spiritual needs, are to accomplish these tasks. Brethren, the denominations have tried and have failed using similar efforts. We need to learn that carnal measures cannot produce spiritual effects. The Lord's church has no authority to provide for the social activities of its members.
In short, such programs may be appealing to some, but don't cure sin-sick souls. The poem, "The Parable of the Dangerous Cliff" says it well.
Twas a dangerous cliff, as they freely confessed,
Though to walk near its crest was so pleasant;
But over its terrible edge there had slipped
A duke, and full many a peasant. The people said something would have to be done, But their projects did not at all tally.
Some said, 'Put a fence 'round the edge of the cliff';
Some, 'An ambulance down in the valley'.
The lament of the crowd was profound as was loud,
As their hearts overflowed with their pity;
But the cry for the ambulance carried the day
As it spread through the neighboring city,
A collection was made, to accumulate aid,
And the dwellers in highway and alley
Gave dollars or cents-not to furnish a fence
But an ambulance down in the valley....
As the poem continues we learn of one who questions the ambulance service. He wonders why they don't solve the problem instead of soothing the victims. The "majority" replies, "He would end all our earnest endeavor. He's a man who would shirk this responsible work, but we will support it forever. Aren't we picking up all, just as fast as they fall, and giving them care liberally?"
False gospels are ambulances to hell! Teaching and abiding in unadulterated truth is the only cure for a sin-sick soul. Let's get rid of these "ambulance" projects and use that neglected Gospel fence!