Uncompromising Preachers
Holger W. Neubauer

Those who are familiar with the Old and New Testaments know that the compromising of sacred truth is devastating and damning. The pathway to eternal torment is lined with those who have compromised either positive or practical matters of doctrine. Today, there is a great need for men who herald the precious Gospel to keep an uncompromising spirit and life before the Lord.

The uncompromising spirit was alive and well in the life of faithful Micaiah, son of Imla and prophet of Samaria. After the kings Jehoshaphat and Ahab assembled four hundred prophets to determine whether or not to proceed in battle to Ramoth-Gilead, Jehoshaphat held their appearance and manner in immediate suspect. Jehoshaphat requested another prophet and Ahab reluctantly called the prophet that he viewed as an enemy. Although Micaiah was prodded by a servant sent to speak the same things as the four hundred yes men of Ahab, Micaiah replied, "As the Lord liveth, what the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak" (I Kings 22:14). Micaiah suffered a life sentence on bread and water for his faithfulness. Micaiah could have given in and chosen to compromise his convictions and become like the other paid prophets, but Micaiah remained faithful to the Word of his God.

Would to God that Micaiah’s uncompromising spirit would fill the hearts of a multitude of preachers who have been busy in keeping their mouths quiet during a time of great apostasy in the Lord’s body. Many preachers today who know the truth about the issue of marriage and divorce say little or nothing to the congregations where they labor. Many preachers have compromised the Gospel by choosing not to proclaim the whole counsel of God. They have learned that financial reward can be gained by longevity at a congregation and that pressing issues too hard will jeopardize that reward. Like Balaam of old, they "love the wages of unrighteousness" (II Pet. 2:15). Although the apostle Paul declared, "Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men, for I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God" (Acts 20: 26-27). Many preachers choose not to preach on the need for church discipline, the sin of denominationalism, fellowship with false teachers, modest apparel and a host of needed topics because they would rather not fight than switch congregations.

An uncompromising preacher is seldom used on many lecture programs of the church today because he will not participate on a program with known false teachers without directly confronting the false teacher. Neither will an uncompromising preacher participate with those who regularly fellowship false teachers. There was a time when strong uncompromising preachers were widely utilized on lecture programs, but not today. All of the liberal art colleges among us have so filled themselves with error that any man that participates on their programs without speaking out against their practices condemns himself. The great apostle Paul, in keeping with his own admonition in Ephesians 5:11 to "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them," withstood Peter to the face, publicly reproving him in Antioch (Gal. 2:11-14). Preachers who appear with Jubilee participants on programs without reproving them sin in so doing. Preachers who appear with the likes of Rubel Shelly, Max Lucado, Joe Beam, Buddy Bell, Randy Harris, Jack Evans, G. P. Holt, Steve Flatt, Dennis Jones, Milton Sewell and a host of other false teachers and compromisers, without reproving them, are guilty of compromise themselves.

Uncompromising preachers are sorely needed today in the church. It is God that we serve and His truth must not be sacrificed nor compromised in any way. Micaiah took a jail sentence for not compromising. Will we then fail to be bold and true because of fear of losing financial remuneration? For shame that any preacher should sell the truth for any price. Rather, let him hold strongly to God’s unchanging hand and know that it is He who still rules in the kingdom of men.

Editorial
Malcolm L. Hill

We are hearing much these days about extremists. Webster’s definition for "extreme" is: "1. to the greatest degree; very great; excessive" (Webster’s New World Dictionary, p. 252). In order for us to know if one is an extremist or not, we must have a norm to go by. I believe a man that eats two dozen eggs, four pounds of bacon, and four dozen cat-head biscuits for breakfast each morning would be an extremist when it comes to eating. He might be a glutton as well!

I believe a man that smokes twenty-four packages of cigarettes, dips a dozen cans of Garrett’s Sweet and Mild Snuff, and chews eight packages of Red Man chewing tobacco each day would qualify as an extremist in the use of tobacco. What do you think about it dear reader?

Now when it comes to religion, the Bible is to be the norm or the standard (Col. 3:17; I Pet. 4:11; Rev. 22:18-19; Matt. 16:19; II Pet. 1:3; II John 9-11). When it comes to religion who then would be an extremist? Would it not be the person that gets off to the right or to the left when it comes to the Word of God? Jesus wants His disciples to follow in the strait and narrow way (Matt. 7:14). One may be an extremist to the right or to the left in one or many things.

Is a person an extremist if he teaches that a whale swallowed Jonah (Matt. 12:40, KJV)? Is a person an extremist if he teaches water baptism is necessary for or unto the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)? Is a person an extremist if he teaches that the Lord’s Supper must be taken on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7)? Is a person an extremist if he teaches that singing is the only kind of vocal music that God authorizes in worship to Him (Eph. 5:19)? Is one an extremist if he teaches the Genesis account of creation (Gen. 1)? Is one an extremist if he teaches that both word and thought of the Bible are inspired of God? Is one an extremist if he teaches that we must follow the Bible and the Bible only when it comes to serving God (Rev. 22:18-19; II Tim. 3:16-17)?

Is one an extremist if he teaches we must take the fruit of the vine out of one container in the Lord’s Supper? I believe so. Is one an extremist if he teaches it is a sin to take one dime out of the collection of the church to feed an orphan child? I am convinced he is. Is one an extremist if he teaches it is a sin to have a located preacher? I most certainly believe he is. Is one an extremist if he teaches it is a sin to baptize one in a baptistry and not in a river or a creek? Without doubt he is. Is one an extremist if he teaches that a woman cannot teach little children in a Bible class on Sunday at the church house starting one hour before the worship of the assembly? No doubt he is. Is one an extemist if he believes the church cannot own property? Of course he is. Is one an extremist if he teaches we must get on our knees to pray? Sure. Is one an extremist if he teaches that a woman must have a little doilee on her head before she can worship God acceptably? Without question he is. Is a person an extremist if he teaches we must greet each other with a holy kiss today? No doubt he is. This thing is almost unending and I must stop.

I want to focus at this particular point on the extreme left field or liberalism. Is a man an extremist if he believes the world came into existence by a big bang? Is a person an extremist if he believes one religion is as good as another? Is one an extremist if he believes one religious book is as good as another (as good as the Bible)? Is one an extremist if he belives that man sprang from ape-like creatures? Is a person an extremist if he believes the Holy Spirit directly guides him today? Is one an extremist if he believes that he, by the power of God, can work miracles today? Is one an extremist if he believes and fellowships, knowingly and willingly, false preachers and false churches, even though they are church of Christ? Please take a look at and study diligently Romans 16:17-18, II John 9-11 and Ephesians 5:11.

There are matters of opinion and one can be an extremist about those things. Actually, one can become an extremist about extremists! What I have tried to do is go where God leads me by the Bible and I recommend that everyone do the same. I do not know exactly who the brethren are talking about when they talk about extremists. I wish they would call the names of the extremists and give proof of their extremism. If I am an extremist, then let them call my name and give proof for their conclusion. This is what I have done and shall continue to do when it is necessary. I am convinced that the love that God would have us to have for Him (Matt. 22:37) demands such of us. The Lord’s will be done and not ours in all things.

Humble Preachers
Ronald D. Gilbert

The word "humble" means lowly, meek, submissive, or a lack of vanity. Pharaoh refused to humble himself before the Lord (Exod. 10:3). The wise man said, "Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud" (Prov. 16:19). Jesus told men how to be great in God’s eyes: "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 18:4). James said, "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble" (James 4:6). The opposite of humility is pride, haughtiness, and arrogance. The Bible has a great deal to say about pride.

"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall" (Prov. 16:18). "A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit" (Prov. 29:23). Elders are to be free from pride: "Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil" (I Tim. 3:6). John tells us that pride is of the world, "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world" (I John 2:16).

Jesus is the greatest example of humbleness. Concerning Christ, Paul said, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: who being, in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of man: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Phil. 2:5-8). In the book of Colossians, Paul talked about some things a Christian is to put off and some things he should put on. "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering" (Col. 3:12).

Humble preachers are not in abundance. Pride, arrogance, envy, and jealousy seem to be quite prevalent among preachers today. There are so many illustrations that could be cited. Consider the following: Several years ago I had a run-in with a well-known preacher. The man was wrong, and several stood against him. He told me that if I stood against him he would "ruin me in the brotherhood" and that I would not be "able to find a place to preach anywhere." The "humble" brother seemed to view himself in such high esteem that he controlled every pulpit in the brotherhood!

A well-known editor for a brotherhood journal wrote an article for that journal. In the article, he cited a debate he had with A. C. Grider. In a footnote, the editor cited the following about himself:

. . .Despite sharp disagreement, we remained good friends until his death. In his (A. C. Grider’s, RDG) autobiography, he stated that "Brother _______ was better at swaying the audience than any man I have ever met." In a list of those whom he had debated, he called me "the best debater" he ever met.

I’m sure this editor could have said more about himself, but his humility prevented such!

A well-known preacher who in years gone by spoke at many campaigns told one of the faculty members at TBC, "I’m not going to waste my time speaking in meetings for 200 or 300 people anymore when I should be speaking to audiences of 10,000 or 15,000!"

A well-known lecturer on creation and evolution sends out an "open letter" to congregations where he plans to speak. Among other things, he tells them how to introduce him.

The person who stands before the audience to make necessary announcements and to introduce the speaker sets the stage for the whole program. It is not a time for ad-libbing, fond personal remembrances, jokes or other such minutia. Accompanying this letter is a 3" x 5" card on which is printed biographical information about the speaker. Please give this card to whoever will be making the introductory comments prior to each of the lectures. Ask him to simply read it verbatim at the appropriate time.

Later in this material this lecturer talks about non-Christians and denominationalists perhaps being in the audience and that he should not be referred to as "brother." He said:

This, of course, is quite appropriate in the normal course of our church-related activities. However, such designations are not appropriate for an audience that contains non-Christians. Such designations are not only unscriptural, but offensive.

This "brother" thinks it is unscriptural to refer to him as "brother" in an audience which contains non-Christians. This "humble" brother insists on being referred to as "Doctor," letting all know that he holds the Ph.D.

A few years ago while fund-raising in association with our work at TBC I met a preacher while visiting where he preached at the time. After we introduced ourselves to each other he said, "Perhaps you have heard of me. I speak on several brotherhood lectures and write for many brotherhood papers." I was tempted to ask him if he had ever spoken or written on humility.

A twenty-two year old single preacher enrolled in a class at TBC on marriage and the family. In the first class session the teacher asked each student, "What do you expect to gain from this class?" The twenty-two year old preacher said, "I already know all this stuff. I graduated from a two-year preacher school. I just took this class because I need the three hours credit." One wonders if there are other twenty-two year old single preachers out there who know everything there is to know about marriage or if this young brother must bear all this knowledge alone!

Many of our preachers today are self-promoters and braggarts. They spend much of their time telling all who will listen just how great they are! Perhaps many of them attend the "Muhammed Ali" School of Preaching. True servants of God seek to be humble servants.

Non-Political Preachers
Glenn B. Ramsey

One definition of "politics" is the following: "political activities characterized by artful and often dishonest means." Specifically this means "competition between competing interest groups or individuals for power and leadership in a government or other group" (Webster’s Dictionary).

Since the preachers under consideration (in this article) would call themselves Christians, anyone who would by artful and dishonest means strive for power and influence among the group (church) is far from what God expects of His servants. Such a preacher would be a "political" preacher.

Having been a preacher for almost 44 years, this writer is fully aware of the "artful and dishonest" efforts of many "political" preachers to establish themselves at the expense of proper Christian demeanor. This is not to say that a Gospel preacher should never strive to advance his work. But this advancement should be done always to God’s glory and honor, rather than for personal advancement. It has been my honor to work among some of the greatest Christians on earth. I am still privileged to do this. But in the process of my life’s work there have been times when men, who should have been supporting the work being done, rather sought to detract from it by devious means. Members of several congregations have asked me why I had not preached for them in a Gospel meeting. My answer is always, "If the elders extend an invitation, Lord willing, I’ll go." But the invitation did not always come. Why? This happened because the local preacher (with his own "political" agenda) influenced action otherwise. What is my attitude toward this? While I’m sorry these things happened, I know God will take care of it on Judgment Day.

I’ve seen men (political preachers) who thought themselves to be something, avoid those whom they considered less prepared, better prepared, less educated, more educated, etc., and then practically "bow down before" men whom they thought could enhance their own agenda. They were "playing politics." What will the Lord do with such men on Judgment Day?

The apostle Paul, considered by many the "Prince of Preachers," certainly did not have this attitude. He was a "non-political" preacher. He wrote in Galatians 1:10-12:

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

It is not imaginable that Paul "played politics" with his brethren. He was concerned with the success of the Gospel, regardless of who preached. Remember his rebuke of the Corinthians for choosing their favorite preacher (See I Corinthians 1). Indeed, Paul might have avoided some very difficult times if he had "politicked" with his acquaintances! But this would have violated the very principles of life for which Paul was willing to die!

While everyone should have the right of preference in matters of personal judgment, this should never go so far as to thwart efforts of faithful men to take the Gospel to the sin-cursed world!

If a preacher "plays politics" to get his way in things, regardless of the circumstances, he not only cannot be trusted by faithful men, but he is a hireling. He has a price. He can be bought! The price may be money, or just his desired "image" among others. Some are willing to do almost anything to get to write for a particular paper, speak on a particular lectureship or preach a meeting with a particular congregation. Are members of the body of Christ blind to this kind of thing? I think not. But I do have a question to such members who see this happening: "Why do you put up with it?" If one turns a blind eye to that which is wrong does that not make him a partaker in it?

When a preacher cares more about how HE is preceived by people than he does about how GOD perceives him, his soul is in eternal jeopardy! May God bless men who preach the Gospel to be selfless and faithful in their efforts to hold up the light of God’s truth to our lost and dying world. Let the world play "politics." But let the men of God stand strong and true to the Word He has given us.

Studious Preachers
Kerry Duke

Paul wrote, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (II Tim. 2:15). Though all Christians ought to study, preachers especially should be diligent students of Scripture. These words were addressed to Timothy, a preacher, and even though he had a spiritual gift (II Tim. 1:6), he still needed to study. Of course, studying means more than mere reading, and Paul exhorts Timothy in other ways that show this fact. He told the young preacher to "meditate upon these things" (I Tim. 4: 15) and to "consider what I say" (II Tim. 2:7). A preacher is to be a man of God whose "delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night" (Ps. 1:2). Every moment of every day is an opportunity to learn. As the preacher reflects on the Scriptures during the day, he should gain new insight on verses, acquire useful illustrations from life, and discover various applications of Scripture to current issues and problems. But this reflection depends on and starts with concentrated, private study time.

Preachers must discipline themselves to study the Bible regularly. Preachers have busy schedules, but so do a lot of other people. Others should study, but they do not have as great a responsibility to study as those who teach others (James 3:1). We preachers should not blame lack of study on our busy days. It is our obligation to manage and organize our days so that we have time to study. Too often preachers spend too much time watching television, too much time in bed, or too much energy trying to accumulate wealth.

A congregation quickly sees the difference between a preacher who studies regularly and one who does not. A studious preacher presents lessons that are fresh and vibrant. His enthusiasm is like one who has made a terrific discovery and cannot wait to share it with others. He challenges the congregation to grow in knowledge with him as he grows in knowledge. And because he studies regularly, he avoids pet subjects; he receives a well-balanced diet of God’s Word and feeds the congregation accordingly. On the other hand, a preacher who rarely studies robs the congregation. His lessons will lack fire because he is not putting fire into his bones (Jer. 20:9). He may spend what little time he studies reviewing an old outline and hardly opening the Bible. Enthusiasm will be absent. The same passages and subjects will be addressed repeatedly while many needed verses and relevant issues go ignored. If such a preacher thinks the congregation is unaware of his lack of study, he is fooling no one but himself.

One of the most helpful study habits for preachers is to read the entire Bible through as often as possible. If this is done at least once a year (in addition to studying for lessons), the Bible can be read dozens of times in the lifetime of preachers. This habit has many benefits. One is that you will read passages that you otherwise would not. Sometimes we need to study topically, that is, we begin with a passage and then search for other passages on the same topic. This approach enables us to see the whole teaching of the Bible on a subject. But in this method of study we skip over a lot of material. We also tend to get in such a hurry that we fail to truly notice the contexts of each of the passages we have gathered from different parts of the Bible. We may even forget the context of the book or passage where we began. Reading a Bible book from beginning to end causes you to follow the inspired writer’s flow of thought. It lets the Bible itself explain its teaching. It allows the writer to express what is to be emphasized most. It forces you to figure out the meaning of passages which you otherwise would not have considered, at least not for some time. It keeps you balanced in your preaching. How can you preach the whole counsel of God if you are not regularly reading the whole counsel of God? The practice of reading the Bible through also keeps you from the "ricochet" method of study. This method begins with a preacher hurriedly reading or quoting a verse, then flying off in all directions, some of which have very little to do with the verse under consideration.

Preachers learn from commentaries and other books, but the Bible must be the main object of study. I challenge every preacher reading this article to resolve to study the Bible more than ever before and to do so for the rest of his life.

Hard-Working Preachers
David Hill

The title of this article should not be considered an oxymoron, but if it is to you, based on the preachers you know, then you have got a preacher problem.

Jesus charged men to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel" (Mark 16:15). No matter how you slice it, that is a big charge necessitating much work. The charge is not impossible for the first century Christians completed the task (Col. 1:6, 23). So, we may rest assured that it can be done. It certainly must follow that a lot of work will be involved if the Gospel is preached to the whole world.

Now, it must not be understood that our Lord’s commission was given only to preachers. Notice that the charge says to "teach all nations" (Matt. 28:19) which opens the opportunities to everyone—male and female. All can be soul winners for Jesus, but not all can preach (I Cor. 12:27-28; 14:34, I Tim. 2:11-15). Each individual Christian should be able to teach and influence a friend, neighbor or at least be willing to try. However, the preacher makes it his profession to proclaim the Gospel and so the heavier burden rests with him by his own choice (II Tim. 4:2; James 3:1). Thus, the preacher has his work cut out for him.

A preacher must have time to study and this is a most important part of his work (II Tim. 2:15). Studying is work (Ecc. 12:12); make no mistake about it. The inspired apostle Paul felt the great need of study (II Tim. 4:13). Most congregations understand this requirement of the job. In fact it has been my experience that here is where a problem arises in congregations. They expect the preacher to study, but sometimes find little evidence that he is studying. Perhaps the preacher may claim as one did that he studied people daily at the local donut shop. Or, it could be as a denominational friend related to me about his preacher: the preacher spends much time in study while at the local golf club. Do the above pictures sound familiar? I hope not, but sometimes preachers do in fact let themselves get sidetracked from the most important calling in all of the world. Elders and members should demand more of the preacher than allowing him to golf all week or simply run around town wasting time. I have talked with preachers (full-time preachers) whose first lines of conversation were about a great multi-level marketing plan in which they were involved. I wonder where their work, the Lord and His church rank with them? The early church went "everywhere preaching the word" (Acts 8:4). That is no doubt why the Gospel was preached to every creature in the first century.

Finally, a question for members of the body of Christ to consider: What is expected in the secular working world? When an individual is salaried in secular employment, he/she is expected to deliver. It goes without saying that the individual must keep office hours; most are expected to work nights when necessary and travel when needed. So why shouldn’t we expect the same of a Gospel preacher? Usually little if any time is allowed for golf outings during the work week, and having a reputation of being on the golf course everyday is unheard of in the secular working world but not always for the preacher. Paul said, "I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears" (Acts 20:31). Does that sound like a hard working preacher to you? Does that sound like the Gospel preachers you know?

We preach and teach that all should heed the teaching of the Lord to visit the sick and those in prison—and this is right. But sometimes preachers have said that they would not visit the hospital unless the elders and the church made a per mile allowance for the expenses incurred. Would this standard also apply to members? Is it wrong to pay the preacher mileage for his work including visiting? No, but it is still another matter when a preacher refuses to do his Christian duty based on pay or the lack thereof. It is quite likely that in an instance as cited above one could find members making less money than the preacher who, of their own free will and love for the Lord and members of His church, will be making many visits. What a shame to have the preacher, who should be setting the best example, wasting time quibbling over money! Paul admonished the Galatian church to "do good to all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6:10).

May God bless the world with more hard working preachers. The twenty-first century world is going to need them.

Truthful Preachers
Dan Jones

Truthfulness is a quality of character that is often absent in the world in which we live. Society in general seemingly expects, accepts and even condones this woeful lack of truthfulness, honesty and integrity. This is not a new trend or a recent phenomenon for it has been a part of human history since the events recorded in Genesis 3. The very first sin committed by man revolved around the telling and the believing of a lie. Adam and Eve had been strictly forbidden by God from eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44), took God’s prohibition and added just one word, the word "not," and changed the truth into a lie. He beguiled Eve with his subtlety and sin entered the world.

Lies were involved in the death of Jesus Christ. False witnesses were sought to provide the needed "evidence" that would support the chief priests and elders in their plan to murder the spotless, sinless Son of God. Even more reprehensible is the fact that these false witnesses could not agree among themselves but gave only inconsistent, contradictory and unreliable testimony (Matt. 26:59-62; Mark 14:55-60), yet it did not thwart their wicked plan of executing an innocent man.

These facts should make lying and deception repulsive to anyone who is a Christian, including preachers of the Gospel. Yes, preachers are human and subject to temptation and sin. Yes, preachers can be "overtaken in a fault" (Gal. 6:1) just like anyone else and that "fault" may involve a lack of truthfulness. But those who genuinely want to serve God will not be satisfied to remain stained with the guilt of sin but will repent and seek God’s forgiveness (I John 1:9; James 5:16). Preachers, as they endeavor to teach others, should strive to maintain and exemplify honesty and truthfulness in every aspect of their own lives.

Truthfulness should be the watchword for the preacher in his personal life. All business dealings, financial matters, personal relationships, family situations, etc., must be built upon the foundation of truth. Nothing will destroy a preacher’s credibility and influence for good more quickly than a failure on his part to be honest and aboveboard in every circumstance. Saul of Tarsus was certainly guilty of sin in persecuting the church, but he was not dishonest in heart or attitude (Acts 23:1; 24;16; 26:9; I Tim. 1:13). Paul’s instructions to Timothy obviously include the principle of personal truthfulness and integrity (I Tim. 3:15; 4:8, 12, 16; 5:21-22; II Tim. 2:22). Honest errors are readily forgiven but a dishonest preacher is a reproach to himself, the Lord and the body of Christ.

Preachers must also be truthful in their preaching and teaching. Paul said to the Ephesian elders, "I kept back nothing that was profitable to you. . . .I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God" (Acts 20:20, 27). This clearly establishes the scriptural obligation of those who preach the Gospel. Many preachers take pride in the fact that they always preach truth and that they never preach anything that cannot be proven biblically. Yet with many preachers it is not so much a matter of what they say but what they don’t say! Unpopular subjects are avoided (such as marriage, divorce and remarriage). Controversial subjects are ignored (such as instrumental music in worship, hand-clapping and the role of women in the church). "Pet" sins of members are overlooked (such as drinking, immodest apparel and dancing). Doctrinal issues are passed over as unimportant and insignificant (such as the use of and fellowship with false teachers, the eternality of hell, the necessity of baptism for the remission of sins and the authority of elders). Whatever the particular subject may be, preachers need to constantly remind themselves of their God-given obligation not just to preach truth, but to preach ALL the truth. Preach it kindly, in love and with genuine concern for the souls of men (Eph. 4:15; Rom. 9:1-3; 10:1), but preach it boldly, plainly and without apology (II Tim. 4:2; Titus 2:7-8, 15). The preacher that would withhold or suppress any portion of truth is of no value to himself or anyone else. He cannot save his own soul or aid in the salvation of others unless he is willing to preach, teach, exhort, reprove, rebuke and admonish with the whole counsel of God.

May we as preachers remember our obligation to be truthful in everything, remembering Paul’s words to Timothy: "But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry" (II Tim. 4:5).