Gospel Light
The word Effeminate from the Oxford dictionary is (of a man or boy) looking, behaving, or sounding like a woman or girl. In this post, I will focus our attention on the attribute of sounding like a woman.
One of the keys to accurate discernment in whatever the situation is would be to place oneself in the most advantageous position to obtain a precise perception. In the adjacent picture, the little man in the middle is much further away than perceived, which gives him his small size. In reality, he is not as small as he looks.
Before the nineteen sixties, evangelical churches were already moving toward liberalism, a constant threat in every age. Contrary to liberalism is conservatism. The latter conserves the original or older standards determined—the liberal aims to remove the old standards and change what is familiar under the deception of freedom.
In the book of Judges, the second chapter reveals how the world changes from generation to generation. "They turned aside quickly from the way in which their fathers had walked in obeying the commandments of the LORD; they did not do as their fathers." Judges 2:17 The problem with superficial and not heartfelt repentance is a turning again and becoming worse than we were before. "But it came about when the judge died, that they would turn back and act more corruptly than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them and bow down to them; they did not abandon their practices or their stubborn ways." Judges 2:19
Gospel preaching calls people to repent and turn from their ways by the Spirit of God and be changed. Generations of people turn toward God, however superficial it may be. There is only a remnant that makes an authentic change; the next generation turns back and becomes worse than they were before. The real problem arises from the preaching the people hear. When coupled with those destined for eternal life, hard preaching can make soft hearts. However, weak preaching makes hard hearts.
Men are called to be men, meaning they speak and preach like men. Paul, when writing to the church at Galatia, said, "But I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you." Galatians 4:20 When Paul uses the word tone in Greek, it means tone. Yet, the cry from today's pulpit is that it's all good, and only a pleasant tone should be allowed. People who get upset because Jesus is being disrespected, ignored, or disobeyed should be allowed a little tone because otherwise, they must remain indifferent. What does God think about indifference?
If you would like a sample of Gospel preaching as it was done in the 18th Century, listen to the following sermon.
If you want to hear more on this topic, click the link below.
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