Subject: Before, during, or after? |
Bible Note: Dear Val, It isn't so much to whom we listen as it is who is listening. We should respect honest scholarship even when we disagree. We should promote an open discussion about things for which there is room for debate. To do otherwise is to walk no differently than those who suppress the truth! Posting on an open forum is like teaching a multitude. James 3:1 comes to mind. Certainly we have our opinions, even opinions based very commendably on a great deal of study, but we must be honest enough to offer them up as opinions. Our most idle post will be, after all, judged (Matthew 12:36). Therefore, we ought to stand uncompromisingly on the doctrines for which the Scripture refuses to compromise. Spurgeon was dealing with this exact issue when he wrote, "Some Christians are very curious, but not obedient. Plain precepts are neglected, but difficult problems they seek to solve. I remember one who used to be dwelling upon the vials and seals and trumpets. He was great at apocalyptic symbols; but he had seven children, and he had no family prayer. If he had left the vials and trumpets and minded his boys and girls, it would have been a deal better. I have known men marvelously great upon Daniel and specially instructed in Ezekiel, but singularly forgetful of the twentieth of Exodus, and not very clear upon Romans the eighth. I do not speak with any blame of such folks for studying Daniel and Ezekiel, but quite the reverse; yet I wish they had been more zealous for the conversion of sinners in their neighborhoods, and the more careful to assist the poor saints." Elsewhere, he wrote of a preacher who, "...is great upon the ten toes of the beast, the four faces of the cherubim, the mystical meaning of badgers' skins, and the typical bearings of the staves of the ark, and the windows of Solomon's temple: but the sins of business men, the temptations of the times, and the needs of the age, he scarcely ever touches upon. Such preaching reminds me of a lion engaged in mouse-hunting." Our forum is read by many more curious than are obedient. Mouse-hunting may have its place as we communicate one-on-one. But out in the public, we are fishers of men! In Him, Doc |