The Offence of the Gospel

THE OFFENCE OF THE GOSPEL

It is becoming more and more apparent that many Assemblies of the Lords' people are compromising the message of the Gospel in a partial surrendering to "outside! influence. In my own experience and in reports from others, Assemblies have "bowed" to the complaints of unbelievers that they have been offended by the preacher, when in fact the offence has been the Spirit empowered Gospel preaching. On receiving such a plaint the brother invited to be responsible for the preaching of the Gospel, is either informed, or more often, not informed,  that he will not be "invited" back again! None of the instances I know of has resulted in the local Assembly fully declaring either their reason for this action, or the nature of the complaint, or the identity of the complainant.  

I discovered one instance involving myself by directly asking the "corresponding" brother; his explanation was neither full nor open. A second personal experience of this particular action was disclosed to me by a brother hearing it from the "elder" who made the decision; he (the elder,) has never enlightened me as to why this action was taken; but it was because of an "offended" unbeliever. I know this to be the experience the of a number of other of the Lords' servants!

Today some Assemblies want a diluted Gospel message, preached in the shortest possible time, and preferably with little or no reference to sin, and NO reference whatsoever to hell! 

The N.T. uses the word "skandalon," offence in reference to both the Person of the Lord Jesus and His cross; surely He is the centre and sum of the Gospel message, and Him "crucified!" Romans 9:33;Galatians 5:11. 

We cannot but help offending unbelievers because we must tell them how they are viewed by a Holy God, and on the basis of His written Word. Sinners, lawless, unregenerate, evil, wicked, ungodly and countless other titles.

Furthermore "We are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: to the one we are the savour of death unto death." Could anything be more offensive? But it is the Word of God. 2 Corinthians 2:15,16.

I fear I may have offended some of my brethren and may yet pay a price at their hands! But I leave all with Him Who alone "judgeth righteously." 1 Peter 2:23.