Offensive Topics
Nov/074
We've definitely hit on some of those at ACC recently. I spent three weeks teaching on tithing in our LIE$ series. I loved the series, but I also know it's not a popular topic.
And then to follow up the tithing series, Brian Morrissey preached a message called The NeverEnding Story where he taught on the eternal states of heaven and hell. I listened to the message yesterday and his teaching on hell was flat scary…but thoroughly Biblical.
There are some churches that will try to duck the tough topics in order to grow their church. Teaching on things like tithing and hell might offend people, and we just can't have that.
The problem with this line of thinking is that if you are not offending anyone, then you are not teaching the truth. We like to think that the Bible is just a book full of fluffy, warm, comforting words. There are definitely passages in the Scripture that can provide comfort beyond human understanding. But there is also a flip side.
Listen to what the Bible says about itself. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, NIV)
The truth of God is a sharp, double-edged sword. Swords are offensive weapons used to maim and kill. They're definitely not objects created to keep everyone happy. When you get stabbed in the gut with a sword, I can guarantee you that you're having a bad day.
There have been people who have left our church because of something I have taught in a sermon. If I were on stage pontificating on my opinions, then I would be worried about who I offended. But if I am standing up to preach God's truth from the Scripture, I can't worry about who is offended. God's Word, by it's very sword-like nature, is cutting, uncomfortable, and offensive.
I don't set out to purposely offend people. I actually struggle with being a people-pleaser, so my natural instinct is to avoid offending people. But I know that, as a teacher of God's Word, I am accountable for teaching the whole truth. If I change the message to avoid offending people, then I have offended God. And if I have a choice of offending you or offending the Lord, I'll choose you every time.
Sorry if that offends you.
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11:32 am on November 29th, 2007
Well I'm offended ;-)
Just kidding, but a very well written post. I struggle the opposite of you. At many points I just don't care if I offend somebody, to the extreme of seeming uncaring. Its the battle I fight personally.
I do care, but at the same point I try not to care so much that I am afraid to point to the Bible and call somebody to repentance. And I really cherish the people in my life that recognize that about me and care enough to do the same for me. But generally they get upset and talk behind my back about how I am.
It is a hard balance to make, and I'm sure I'll continue to fail in that regard for the rest of my life. But in spite of myself I've made a bunch of great friends that accept me as I am, but push me to be better than that.
You have a tough calling in today's culture.
12:27 pm on November 29th, 2007
No offence taken here Mike. Keep preaching God's Word and allow Him to deal with those who are offended. Youu are the instrument being used to give us the "Message" in truth and in love. We can not ask for anything more than that.
Just a side note, I think the issue with the furnace on Sunday was there to help cool down that hot message on hell that Brian shared with us. Wonder what it would have been like if the furnace was full blast on Sunday and we could not have stood the heat???
12:36 pm on November 29th, 2007
Sunday is a bad day for a church's heating system to go south, but that's exactly what happened. Murphy's law. Thanks for the props, Jackie.
ck, you're right. It is a hard balance. Our personalities present different challenges, but it's tough to strike a balance either way. Along with you, I have surrounded myself with people who push me to better. Thanks for the thoughts.
1:27 pm on November 29th, 2007
Amazing how those most offended can be long time, well seasoned christians. The very ones who should know better.
KEEP ON PREACHING THE TRUTH FROM GOD'S WORD!