A NEWSLETTER FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE GREENWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST

VOLUME 2 NO. 26                                          August 14, 2005

WHAT IF THE PREACHER PREACHED WHAT YOU PRACTICED?

A SELECTED ARTICLE

“Practice what you preach” is an expression that has probably burned all of us at one time or another.  This phrase reminds us that there is sometimes a gap between what we preach and what we sometimes actually practice.  This gap between what we preach and what we actually practice is not a new problem in the church.  We can see the apostle Paul challenging the people of his day to “practice what they preached.”

“You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself?  You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal?  You who say, “Do not commit adultery,” do you commit adultery?  You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?  You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law?  For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you” (Romans 2:21-24).

As it was in the first century, so it is today.  The world can see the gap between our preaching and our practice, and it gives them reason to speak evil of us and the God we serve.

There is no question that the gap between our preaching and our practice ought to be closed.  But since some brethren evidently refuse to make the move to close the gap, what would happen if our preachers were the ones who moved to close the gap?  What if our preachers began preaching what the brethren practice?

How would you react if your preacher stated from the pulpit, “Now we want you to attend worship, but if something comes up…if company drops in…if you're tired…just stay home, we understand?”

How would you react if your preacher said from the pulpit, “We encourage you to come back Sunday evening and Wednesday evening for Bible Study.  You know, Bible Study is a good thing.  But personally, I won't be there.  But it would be good if any of the rest of you wanted to go.”

What if your preacher told you that you don't need to make an effort to read your Bible, because it is not all that important?  If it comes down to choosing between reading the Bible, watching TV, or reading the newspaper-it's fine to consistently choose TV and the newspaper over the Bible.

Imagine if your preacher said that since you might offend your neighbor if you speak with him about the Bible; just keep what you know to yourself.

Imagine if your preacher would preach that drinking, dancing, immodesty, gambling, indecent movies, swearing, cheating and lying are all permissible, just so long as we don't make a habit out of those things.

Well friends, how long would you tolerate a preacher who preached what some of the brethren practice?  If we wouldn't stand for that, then maybe it's not the preacher, but some brethren that need to move to close the gap between our preaching and our practice.

TOLERATION - THE WATCHDOG IN MODERN RELIGION

BY CLED E. WALLACE, THE BIBLE BANNER, JANUARY 1944

The authority of its organizations and customs as it is commonly known, in its up to date development, sustains Protestantism more than by its appeal to “It is written.”  The arguments commonly used in its defense are of a blanket character capable of offering covering to Romanist, Jew and even deist.  Toleration is the watchword of modern religion.  Any effort to approach any citadel of error with an open New Testament is challenged by the sentries of toleration.  In modern religion any man who says a man is not RIGHT in his religion when he is WRONG, is intolerant.  Intolerance is getting to be close akin to treachery.  Thus another link is forged in the chain of error that binds the minds of mankind.  True tolerance is a good thing and intolerance can become demoniacal, but the proper bounds of these words need to be clearly abusing its proper functions.  Incidentally, some of the apostles of modern tolerance can become flamingly intolerant, when opposition begins to pinch them.  Broadmindedness can sometimes express a rather sneering contempt for what is called “narrowness.” And “narrowness” has often turned out to be the TRUTH in the realm of religion.  The seeker after truth in religion should keep a New Testament handy.  It more often condemns what the world approves and approves what the world condemns than otherwise.  It is a good book to know and in addition to its other virtues, it is excellent for mental hygiene.