Why? I believe the answer is simply: Christians do not know how to publicly argue their case. Nor do they know how to "take over" a situation. They waste too much time on self-help issues like How To Have A Happy Marriage--How To Overcome Depression--How To Make Stress Work For You--How To Be The Man You Want To Be--ad infinitum, ad nauseum. Simply put--they are not at war with the world and as a result know little about advancing the cause of righteousness in our society.
Example: When discussing issues they immediately put themselves into a polemical strait jacket by stating that they are "speaking the truth in love," or that, when discussing homosexuals, "they love the homosexuals."
What is the point of all this? When debating the Pharisees did Jesus tell them He loved them? Did He speak the truth in love? No, He did not! When Paul argued with the Jews (and others) all through the Book of Acts did he speak the truth in love? Did he tell them he loved them? No, he did not!
The Pharisees did not like what Jesus said or the way He said it--so they were instrumental in having Him killed. The Jews did not like what Paul said or how he said it--so they had him thrown out of cities and even stoned. This happened to both Jesus and Paul because they told it like it is! They did not begin their discourse by telling their opponents that they loved them, or by "speaking the truth in love."
Concering "speaking the truth in love" (Eph.4:15), the phrase is correctly used in the context of teaching believers new and deeper truths of faith--and has nothing to do with contending for the faith or engaging error in the public square. To quote the notes of the King James Study Bible, the verse means: "Christian maturity is attained, in part, by thorough instruction in sound doctrine given in a loving manner."
This verse has nothing to do with debating false teachers, theological opponents, or taking on those who are trying to legitimize twisted forms of morality. Third party onlookers to religious discussions are not impressed by a debater's loving manner. What gets their attention is a Christian who knows exactly what he is talking about, a Christian who speaks his mind boldly without fear and with no apologies, and whose arguments hammer against the gates of Hell to the point where they can no longer prevail against him. Keep in mind that we have been given spiritual weapons that should be used for "pulling down strongholds and casting down (trashing) arguments and all else that exalts itself against the knowledge of God" (cf. 2 Cor. 10:4,5)
Christians who practice this can be effective warriors for the faith (1 Tim. 1:18)
The constant and often oppressive emphasis on God's love for all men (which has now degenerated to the point of being called "unconditional") has bred confusion in the minds of many as to the true nature of God, his attitude toward sinners, judgment, false religions, believers, non-believers, the existence of a fiery Hell, etc.
God is love, but.... The author stresses that God is a bit tougher to deal with than usually depicted--which could mean big trouble for many! This book challenges and could change your thinking about God, judgment, salvation, and the eternal destiny of your soul. |
