"Yet that same poll indicated that the vast majority of congregants surveyed (around 90 percent) wanted their pastors to address the major issues of the day. The bottom line is that many of God's people are hungry. They're hungry for the truth of the Word. They're hungry for holiness. And they're hungry for relevance that makes a difference. In other words, they're eager to apply to the gospel to every area of life. To my fellow leaders, I ask: Will we cater to the shallow-seekers who want to hear a lullaby, or will we preach the truth in love? Will we feed our flocks pablum or solid food? Why not ask the Lord what He would have us do? After all, on that Great Day of accounting, we will answer only to Him." -- Dr. Michael Brown
Oh beloved. This is truly sad. First of all, it does not matter what the sheep want. The shepherd decides what is best for them and He is Jesus Christ. The reality is that the sheep know His voice and follow so the people Brown is speaking about are not the saved but the goats the currently occupy the apostate church. Being hungry for the truth and holiness has nothing to do with applying the gospel to every area of life but rather every area of THEIR life. Very clever what Brown tried to do there. Betty Churchgoer does not need to apply the Gospel to every area of life around her but rather to every area of her life. She should not be applying the Gospel to her unsaved coworkers. She can preach the Gospel and speak about this Jesus who saved her but applying the truth of the Gospel to someone who still thinks the things of God are foolishness to them? Yeah, not advised.
The true sheep of God are not seeking a "relevance that makes a difference." Once again, that is straight up NAR gobbledygook. We have no relevance to the dying world. None whatsoever. The only difference that can be made is on an individual basis by the Holy Spirit convicting people of their sins and that is only accomplished through the preaching of the uncompromised Gospel of Jesus Christ. Look at the key verses for today beloved. This is Paul commissioning young Timothy in his first pastoral position. Does he implore him to make a difference in society? Take on the cultural problems of the day -- and there were plenty. Does he challenge him to find relevance with those perishing all around him? No, of course not. The first and primary responsibility he has is to preach the word. Second he should always be ready, regardless of season to reprove, rebuke, and exhort through the word. Paul warns him there will come time when leaders will scratch the itching ears of their listeners telling them they have the relevance to make a difference in people's lives. Telling them this is their best life now or they were destined to reign. That is the true pablum. Dr. Brown needs to stop lapping it up and get back to the only thing that matters; the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Reverend Anthony Wade - August 16, 2018
