MORALISTIC SHRAPNEL AND THE IMPORTANCE OF PROCLAIMING CHRIST FROM THE GOSPELS

(This article originally appeared on the Southeast Asia Reformed Network blog on July 28, 2014. Scroll to the bottom of this post to download audio for the accompanying workshop.)

“But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31 ESV)

PLEASE PUBLICLY CRITICIZE ME!

The New Morality

The "Church" today has a new set of morals that all must follow or face the consequences. The top new rule on that list is to avoid any type of public criticism of a "Christian" leader or "Christian" denomination. It doesn't matter if the leader is spouting things that have been considered heretical since Paul penned Galatians; if you post a critical comment on Facebook, or tweet a warning on Twitter, you will be judged a slanderer of the brethren and deemed to be possessed by a critical spirit.

Criticism is now seen as a hate crime and will no longer be tolerated. "Live and let live!" is the motto of our day. If God wants to stop a false teacher, He has the power to do it without a critic making a bunch of noise and dividing the sheep. And if you really have an issue that you cannot ignore, you should follow the example of Matthew 18:15-17. Go to the person privately and follow the prescribed order laid out by Jesus. To do anything else is sinful, right?

SOUTHEAST ASIA REFORMED NETWORK & CONFERENCE

Over the past six months, I have been busy helping with the startup of a new network for Reformed missionaries and pastors. To go alongside this network, the first Southeast Asia Reformed Conference has been planned. The team I am working with consists of three other missionaries. While none of us work in the same region of Southeast Asia, we all share a desire to see Reformed missionaries and pastors come together to encourage one another and help further expand God's kingdom. Below you can read the mission and vision statements of the Southeast Asia Reformed Network. (You can also go to the website or Facebook page to learn more.)

"FEED THE HUNGRY AT ALL TIMES, AND WHEN NECESSARY, USE FOOD"

Recently I was listening to the Fighting for the Faith podcast hosted by Chris Rosebrough. He was dissecting a Kerry Shook sermon where Kerry falsely quoted Francis of Assisi saying, "Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words." Chris rightly pointed out that this saying is utter nonsense, since the gospel is good news to be proclaimed. He then had me in hysterics when he said this...

"That's like saying, feed the hungry at all times, and if possible, use food." 

WHY I FOLLOW THE BILLY GRAHAM RULE

I recently read an article by Ty Grigg about why he thinks that the Billy Graham rule (basically not being alone with a woman that is not your wife) should be challenged. You can read his thoughts on the topic at this link. 

Though Pastor Grigg puts forth a number of arguments, some of which are halfway persuasive, I really only have one response. This is not my only reason why I disagree with him, but it is a major reason and one in which I feel trumps any notion Pastor Grigg wrote down in his article. 

I follow the Billy Graham rule because I love my wife and she wants me to follow it.

IF I JUST...

If I just...

If I just compromise on the gospel a little bit, I could have riches.

If I just compromise on the gospel a little bit, I could have a mega church.

If I just compromise on the gospel a little bit, I could have one-hundred-thousand twitter followers.

MODERATE PERSECUTION

Often we hear tell of the persecuted church in countries where either the government or society in general does not tolerate the Christian faith. These occurrences will often include tales of imprisonment, torture and even martyrdom. When a believer is face to face with extreme persecution, there can be no middle ground. Either that person will have to renounce their faith or suffer the consequences. Christ calls us to rejoice when we suffer for His name's sake.

When the underground Church in China begins discipling new believers, they first take the time to prepare these new converts for suffering. (See this article by Todd Nettleton) Given the context of that culture, this only makes sense. But what about other cultural contexts? What do we teach new believers in a country where persecution exists, yet in a milder form? This is a situation that is experienced in Thailand where I serve.