“If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God except precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at that moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christ. Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved, and to be steady on all the battlefield besides is mere flight and disgrace if he flinches at that point” – Attribution debated

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4:2)

How often is the Christian church so loudly proclaiming the truth of Scripture but failing to fight the battle that rages the most?  We are called to proclaim the Word, but if we do so eloquently and powerfully 99% of the teachings of Scripture yet fail to proclaim the 1% that will anger the masses, we really have failed to do what 2 Tim 4:2 is commanding.

What are such issues?  What about the sufficiency of Scripture over ALL areas of life (not just church or “spiritual” issues)?  Should God, through His Word, govern the functioning of the family, church, business, economics, education, civil government?  Although we don’t have all the answers to all the questions about these topics (and others that aren’t list), does that mean that their aren’t precepts, principles, and patterns in Scripture that speak to them?  Should we just follow the accepted opinion of the day (even those in our circle of friends)?  No, we are called to proclaim that God proclaims.

Unfortunately, there are many battles raging today and it is difficult to take them all on, but we can begin by seeking the Lord and His Word for direction in critical areas, such as what is salvation, spiritual growth, God’s commands to us, family and church issues.  If we understand salvation and spiritual growth then we can walk in the commands of God in our families and churches.  If we get these right then we can speak to other issues that Scripture speaks to.

But what about disagreements in how the Scripture applies to various areas?  I think first of all we need to be humble about our positions because even the smartest and most educated can be wrong.  Second, in less important issues we need to be amiable with our fellow believers about these issues and discuss them lovingly.  Disagreements are a part of life but doing so without love is not honoring to Christ our King.

I pray that Wellsprings Church will be known as a church that lovingly proclaims the accepted portions of Scripture but also the unaccepted portions that are currently being attacked.  If we do this, then we can be good soldiers of Christ willing to battle where He wants us to battle.