Before heading to prison—and ultimately his execution—the Apostle Paul, Speaking to the elders of the Church in Ephesus, admonished them in this way:
26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God,5 which he obtained with his own blood.6 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. | Acts 20:26-31
Pilgrims, we have been led to believe that peace comes through compromise. But when it comes to mattes of Biblical truth, there is no compromise. God’s word is the authority and truth on which Christians stand, and truth does not negotiate with error nor does light negotiate with darkness.
Throughout history, as God’s people chose to negotiate with the godless cultures around them, it wasn’t the culture that was transformed. It was the church. Compromise, in the realm of biblical truth ALWAYS leads to a decline in morality and an acceptance and celebration of sin.
If the church desires to push back the darkness and transform our culture with the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we must not only be willing to stand firmly on Biblical truth but must also be ready to welcome and battle the persecution that naturally comes with spiritual warfare.
If comfort—in a godless culture—becomes our primary aim, then our willingness to stand firm on God’s truth will naturally decline. However, if glorifying God and fully enjoying him forever becomes the our chief aim, we will not only walk in the boldness and confidence the Holy Spirit gives to the faithful, but we will also welcome the spiritual battles; as we fight with hopeful expectation of the transforming power and mercy of the Gospel.
Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.
