False
Teachers Say…
So Many People Cannot Be Wrong!
The
churches of
Christ Greet You (Romans
The Bible is filled with specific passages and illustrative examples that show the will of the majority does not constitute the standard of acceptance for God. In most locations today a sprawling denominational mega‑church facility attracts people interested in social activities for their children and family, a broad range of business networking opportunities, an extremely low level of commitment requirement, the finest and most luxurious high‑profile facilities, and a readily recognizable name.
The masses of people find comfort in being associated with such large groups. They find strength in numbers. There is never a budget crunch requiring personal sacrifice to meet financial obligations. There is never a weight of responsibility placed on any one individual to insure that the doors are open and the services are going to be conducted according to plan. There is never the disappointment of seeing an empty seat if someone decided to skip a service or two. And, there is always pride of accomplishment in being a part of a thriving concern. But, there can also be a grand facade. Like the mouse riding on the elephant's back that said after he crossed the swinging bridge, "We really shook that bridge!" Many times the masses mirror a grand illusion.
The final tally tells where the teeming millions, yeah, billions of earth's long illustrious history will stand. Jesus expressed the value of both knowing and doing the will of God. He then said, "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity" (Matt. 7:22‑23). Earlier in the same chapter he said, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it" (Matt. 7:13‑14). So much for the argument, "So many people cannot be wrong."
The lesson of Scripture that should be learned is,
"Woe
unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! For so did their
fathers to the
false prophets" (Luke
The apostle Paul presented the premier argument against expecting the many to be loyal followers of the Lord, "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence" (1 Cor. 1:26‑29).
The mentality of many ministers today is that of the "market driven" multitude. Find out what the people want and give it to them. Target those who have the most to offer the church and reach out to them. Manipulate the Master's message to maintain the masses and their money. Such constitutes "perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself" (1 Tim. 6:6).
In former years, preachers passionately pleaded
and
persuaded people to obey the Gospel of Christ. More men of conviction
and
courage are needed in the
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