THE SILENCE OF SIN

The writer of Psalm 46 underscores the universality of God and despite the raging storms about us, God is nearby. God, the source of all power, wisdom, and goodness should give us pause to, "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). Gospel preachers often do not give serious reflection to the daily grind of his work and life that moves him to react to the circumstances of his environment. Most preachers blessed with health continue their work until death suddenly knocks at the door. Two preachers of my acquaintance were fortuitous with reasonable health allowing them to preach until the day of their death. For thirty years this gospel preacher worked with local congregations and faced the ups and downs one might expect. Surprisingly an early retirement became necessary because of a disabling disease. Hindsight has now given me clearer focus on my life as a preacher of the gospel. Unquestionably, we would all like to go back and make certain changes regardless of our station in life. Many preachers through no-fault of their own face serious problems while working with the local church that all too often has surrendered to practices foreign to the Bible. The local preacher has his share of free advice that certain individuals believe would insure unquestionable success. Some have said, "Just say nothing about the sin of adultery, social drinking, gambling, the use of drugs and tobacco, and in time it will go away." Those who advance the view of remaining silent about sin have little conception of the spirit and intent of the Holy Scriptures (I Tim. 5: 20, 2 Tim. 4: 2). Many Christians and preachers lack the courage and become silenced by those facing the enormous problem of sin. Preachers will either keep silent about sin or the other choice, "Will he become a faithful minister?" All too often influential Christians will use every available tool in preventing others from shining the light of God's Word on wrong doing. True servants of God must never close their mouths when Satan parades before the world, and in the church spewing error, while others will tolerate it as gospel (Ephesians 6:19; Galatians 1:8-9).

1. We see the silence of sin when we sanction fornication to exist in the church. This writer remembers hearing a preacher say, "I cannot preach on marriage, divorce, and remarriage, because half our congregation would leave." Some will remain silent as sin runs out of control when faced with the prospect of leaving their job, home, and financial security. The professional preacher has become the outgrowth of those remaining silent about sin. Far too many preachers have sold-out to become professional preachers. This type follows a pragmatic path by doing what is necessary to keep their job. Far too many congregations are, unfortunately, served by those who look at preaching the gospel as a "job." Elders and their preacher should take a stand for God's teaching on marriage, divorce, and remarriage (Mt. 19:3-9). Regardless if it is an elder's son/daughter, or someone else of prominence in the congregation. Jesus said,"Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" (John. 8:32). Peter and the other apostles were not professional preachers, as they replied to the council of the Jews; "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).

2. We see the silence of sin when we allow rebels to go unchecked in the church. Rebels are agitators, as you know, and will revolt against the leadership of the church. No one looks on rebels as evil, but those who misbehave and are disruptive to the paths of righteousness (Rom. 1:17). Moses rebuked the children of Israel repeatedly not to rebel against God. The lawgiverof Israel wrote the words, "Only rebel not against the Lord . . ." (Num. 14: 9). Rebellion is a serious sin that bring about serious consequences, which has widespread implications. Korah, Dathan, Abiram, the two-hundred-fifty princes, and others of renown were guilty of rebellion when they questioned the authority of Moses and Aaron (Num. 16:1-3). The Lord God through Moses, the following day, commanded Israel to separate themselves from the tents of Korah and his band of rebels. God consumed the group of rebels with fire as the earth swallowed them (Num. 16:30-33). The Lord God did not remain silent about rebellion; conversely he showed plainly how he felt about such sin. Should we consider rebellion a smaller sin today than during the day of Moses?

Let us highlight two examples of rebels in the New Testament, Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11). The Christian couple in the Jerusalem church lied about their contribution in helping the poor. Peter said to them, ". . . Thou hast not lied to men, but to God" (Acts 5:4). Rebels come in different forms and display their deeds in many diverse ways. Rebellion by those against the doctrine of Christ shows their true heart by leading the congregation away from the truth (2 John 9-11). Some aspire simply to be rebel-rousers by distracting those from doing well and encouraging those to take an evil path. We have an example in Acts 13:4-12, when Elymas the sorcerer, sought to thwart Paul from preaching the word to Sergius Paulus. This rebel or troublemaker experienced a season of blindness, following Paul's reprimand (Acts 13:10-12).

3. We see the silence of sin when the church lowers the bar of fellowship. During the last three decades or so, the church has experienced a serious shift from the doctrine of Christ to exposing itself with a tolerant attitude and anything goes. Most keen observers have seen a dramatic move from basic, fundamental preaching to a reliance on philosophy, ideology, and psychology. Thirty plus years ago while driving down the highway and listening to a religious broadcast one could distinguish the gospel from a bogus message almost with warped speed. Within fifteen to twenty seconds one could at once recognize the difference between a faithful gospel preacher and a proponent of error. Fellowship with God is dependent on our walking in the light. John penned these words, "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin" (I John 1:7). "Walking in the light," is the equivalent of continuing with, or subscribing to the doctrine of Christ, found in the New Testament (2 John 9). Some are promoting fellowship with those that embrace error and exchange pulpits with them. Conceding to this act of heresy has gradually taken place as many in the church fail to see the invasion of sin.

The glaring act of lowering the bar of fellowship and silencing sin has become a widespread practice integrating recreation into the church. A momentary look at several weekly bulletins will quickly certify this basic practice. Some have said, "This is the exception and not the rule." Paul wrote the following, "For the kingdom of God is not eating or drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Rom. 14: 17). All too often the work of the church and home has blended as one entity. The church and home are divine institutions having two separate roles. The home provides the social and recreational phase of the family development. The church, a soul saving (spiritual) institution, offers spiritual food and exercise coming through the gospel of Christ (I Peter 2:1-2; Acts 20:32). Therefore, the Lord's church is not a sponsor of the entertainment business, nor does it have the responsibility to provide recreation. The use of the Lord's money to erect multimillion dollar Family Life Centers to tantalize and seduce Christians contradicts the teachings of the New Testament. Our youth often becomes the catalyst to promote such unscriptural behavior, which blasphemes the teachings of God's Word. Fellowship with God comes by faithfully following His will without addition, subtraction, or substitution (Revelation 22:18-19; Gal. 1:6-9). We are giving up our fellowship to God when we allow sin to remain unbridled (I John 1:7; Ephesians 5:11). Let us all remain committed to "Contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3).

Bob Spurlin

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