“The definition of a coward is one who refuses to do the right thing for fear of consequences. … We are soldiers in God’s army, and we cannot stand down on biblical issues out of fear of being labeled a homophobe or judge.”UPDATE 8/26/15: Pastors' Hands Bloody in Abortion Parts Trafficking
-- Reverend Franklin Graham, CEO, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
UPDATE 8/15/14: Study Finds Pastors Conceal Culture Truth to be Successful
For background, read America Going to Hell; Christians Lose Convictions
Also read Archbishop Tells Priests: Preach Natural Marriage or Be Quiet
The question is: Will 'Wimpy' Pastors Engage the War on Christianity?
-- From "Franklin Graham: We Must Speak on Moral Issues, or ‘We Are Cowards and Deserve Hell’" by Michael W. Chapman, CNSNews.com 7/24/14
. . . He added that “sinful behavior that is excused and repackaged as personal choice is Satan’s greatest deception,” and those preachers who minimize sin to keep their pews filled and “make sinners comfortable in their sin,” commit an egregious offense against God, who “has prepared a lake of fire for those who reject His truth.”
“Just as our nation has drifted from the strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, so has the church seriously drifted from taking God at His Word,” said Rev. Graham. “Sin is destructive to people, to families, to nations and to the church. Sinful behavior that is excused and repackaged as personal choice is Satan’s greatest deception.”
“His greatest victories today take place within the church by those who remain silent; who are not aware of his divisive presence,” the reverend continued. “The Body of Christ must recognize that we have allowed Satan to distract us with non-essentials. It is time to get back to the basic teaching of God’s Word.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Cowards or Overcomers? Standing Strong on God’s Word" by Franklin Graham, Decision Magazine 7/10/14
Christians cannot ignore parts of God’s Word because they are unpopular or cause division. Our commission is to proclaim Christ and all He stands for. . . .
Followers of Jesus Christ, and especially pastors and church leaders, have a responsibility to speak the truth of Scripture, calling sin what it is, and acknowledging that it has always reigned in the hearts of the human race. . . . It is not just a debate about abortion or homosexuality; all sin is immorality—and all immorality is evil. In America today we are experiencing an epic drought. It is not just the basic misunderstanding of the Word of God; it is the absence of God’s complete Word.
Let’s overcome cowardice with courage. Let’s be fearless ambassadors of Christ and stand strong for the glory of God our Savior, pulling others from the fire of eternal judgment (Jude 23).
To read all of Rev. Graham's commentary above, CLICK HERE.
From "Where are all the godly men?" by Jason K. Allen, president of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Mo. 2/21/14
Given the complexity of modern ministry, many churches prioritize giftedness and experience above godliness in their candidates for ministry. Churches often look for competent administrators, capable speakers, polished people skills, a cute family and other secondary concerns before assessing the heart. Like ancient Israel, we have the propensity to look on the outward; all the while God looks on the heart.
. . . The "peer pressure" of ministry is oriented toward events, products, conferences and materials. It is as though the paraphernalia and garnishes of ministry have displaced the more biblical and eternal aspects, like godliness.
. . . Clearly, the New Testament prioritizes godliness in the life of the minister. The qualifications for ministry found in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:6–9 deal almost exclusively with character, with little reference to giftedness beyond the ability to teach. Thus the timeless ministerial admonition, "Beware of letting your talent gain you a ministry position that your character cannot keep you in."
. . . Perhaps revival will not arrive in the pew until it first arrives in the pulpit. It may well be that the greatest need of the church is godly men who shepherd the flock of God with holiness and grace.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Detroit Black Pastors Denounce 'Gay Rights'
UPDATE July 2015: Pastor Dr. Rob Rienow of Gospel Fellowship Church in Wheaton, Illinois says God has judged America because its Christians are living like cowards (video):
