Quote:
Originally Posted by Apostolic1ness
The reason sin runs rampant in some churches and not others could primarily be because the Pastor is afraid to stand up against it. Nothing will clean up the church like preaching the word and drawing lines.
Psalms119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his ways? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
2Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. |
Yes, if a pastor simply refuses to take a stand against sin in any shape, form, or fashion, then he is in the wrong. I doubt anyone is going to argue against that. But another reason "sin runs rampant" in some churches is because they open their doors to anyone and everyone. Instead of sounding the alarm "to take a stand," scaring off every visitor, and preaching to the same 20 saints for 35 years, the pastor just might know what he is doing by caring for a community and allowing God to do His job. Preaching Jesus from the pulpit and handling problems/sin in private is not the same as being too cowardly to take a stand against sin. That's the "longsuffering" part of your scripture reference. That pastor must have the patience of Job when dealing with such issues on a routine basis. I see no reason why teaching in private doesn't qualify as reproving, rebuking, and exhorting.
Perhaps you think killing a fly with a Howitzer is the way to go, but blowing up new converts doesn't sound very efficient. You said preachers don't preach for sport but are to be led of God. Why is it that only allows for your straight-forward approach, but not the pragmatic approach I'm defending? I'm certainly not saying there is never a time to sound the alarm, but you definitely seem to be implying if the congregation doesn't line up with the pastor, it's likely due to him being a coward.