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Friday, May 15, 2015
A time to speak
Ecclesiastes 3 opens by declaring, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Solomon goes on to write in verse 7, “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” It is our time to speak. As we head into the weekend, and perhaps even through the doors of our church, it is a time to speak. The Holy Spirit has led me this week, without any preconception, to write about leadership, the nation’s moral condition, and the church’s role in both. So many have written me expressing their concerns that they are not hearing the Word preached in their church; that self-help teachings are trumping the gospel; that it’s like drinking 2% milk because there is no meat. It is a time to speak.
Pastors, teachers, preachers, priests, reverends should not be in the pulpit or in leadership positions if they are not supporting sound doctrine. So many of them have made it clear that you are not to question their teaching because they are God’s man in charge. But like in the time of Jesus, the pharisees and sadducees were teaching doctrines of man and had led the eyes of their flocks away from the word and their hearts away from the truth. After Christ’s ascension, these religious leaders beat, imprisoned and killed those who taught the truth of Christ. At one point, Peter and the Apostles told them, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Take your Bibles to church. Follow what is being taught. Learn. Speak.
Some have written me saying that most of what their pastor says is good, but he supports certain things that are against the Word of God. I would say, as hard as it is, one thing should happen–either the error is respectfully pointed out to the pastor and he repents, or find another church. But if you are going to speak, know your scripture and its context. Be able to have a discussion, educate, be educated, do so in love, covered in prayer and with great humility. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” This is a delicate subject, but accountability to the Word is paramount.
Pastors, please do not take this message as an affront. You above all, must adhere to the Holy Scriptures. Don’t accept what somebody else taught you or is teaching, or the latest thing. Find out for yourself. Renew, reenergize, your love for the Word. If someone questions you, use the opportunity to educate and learn. We are facing a time where people are leaving the church in droves. That means that they are giving up on God, giving up on the certainty of heaven or hell. So many are tickling the ears with what people want to hear, but that leaves them unsatisfied and without a firm foundation to face life. Remember the Word does not return void; those who drink of it do not thirst; those who eat of it, do not hunger. Forget the marketing. Go to the market. It is a time to speak.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
For God’s Glory Alone Ministries thanks Bill Wilson and www.dailyjot.com
