For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! - 1Corinthians 9: 16 (KJV)
On August 5, 1855, Charles Spurgeon took to the pulpit of New Park Street Chapel to speak about the whole Gospel of Jesus Christ. His key verse that day is the same you see above. In the remarks contained in his opening point is this brief portion:
No man can be said to preach the whole gospel of God if he leaves it out, knowingly and intentionally, one single truth of the blessed God. This remark of mine must be a very cutting one, and ought to strike into the consciences of many who make it almost a matter of principle to keep back certain truths from the people, because they are afraid of them. In conversation, a week or two ago, with an eminent professor, he said to me, "Sir, we know that we ought not to preach the doctrine of election, because it is not calculated to convert sinners." "But," said I to him, "who is the men that dares to find fault with the truth of God? You admit, with me, that it is a truth, and yet you say it must not be preached. I dare not have said that thing. I should reckon it supreme arrogance to have ventured to say that a doctrine ought not to be preached when the all-wise God has seen fit to reveal it.
Who indeed is the men that find fault with the truth of God? I reckon as well it to be supreme arrogance to omit doctrine from preaching which God has provided through His revelation. Yet fast forward 158 years and we see that while the details may have changed the problem continues to this day. First let us establish the severity of which we speak.
And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. - Acts 20: 25-27 (ESV)
This is the Apostle Paul saying farewell to the elders at Ephesus. Knowing he would not see them again, he testifies that his hands are free of their blood. Why? Because he did not hesitate to proclaim the whole counsel of God - the whole Gospel. The inference cannot be clearer and should give any minister pause. There is blood on the line beloved. The eternal destinations of the souls of men are on the line. Amidst the pageantry and showiness of modern churchianity there is blood on the line. In between the current Easter Egg Hunt and next Christmas Cantata there is blood on the line. In the details of that watered down sinners prayer and the subsequent SHAPE application there is blood on the line. When I watch Christian television my spirit is weary and my soul saddened to watch people who will stand before Christ one day and give an account not only for their own reprehensible behaviors but for the blood they caused to be spilled. The souls they led to the broad path of destruction. Yes, individually we are responsible for ourselves but the Bible says that those who bring the Word are held to a higher account. Pastors are responsible for and will answer for every sheep they were entrusted with - not just the ones that agreed with them. Regardless of what the Purpose Driven Church says. There is always blood on the line. Whether it be 1855 or 2013.
I say this with profound sadness as the backdrop of the continuing devaluation of the whole Gospel of Jesus Christ. We see it every day beloved. Partial gospels designed to make the preacher rich. Watered down gospels designed to fill the pews. Compromised gospels designed to not offend anyone. I wrote recently how one major denomination outlawed the usage of a hymn because it referred to the wrath of God! Dear Lord where are we going? The worst however is the constant defense of such clear apostasy.
