Why Many Preachers Preach the Opposite of What Jesus Taught
Why Many Preachers Preach the Opposite of What Jesus Taught
Unfortunately, it seems that fewer and fewer preachers are promoting the full message of the Bible and emphasizing that sin is sin and needs to be repented of, not swept under the rug as many LGBT-focused preachers do. These preachers are accountable to the almighty God for failing to convey the whole word of God.
The Short Version: Religious Offense and Controversy
The true Gospel often provokes offense. As Jesus himself preached, this message led to his arrest and crucifixion because it went against the established religious powers of his time. Today, if one starts preaching against popular vices such as fornication, drug use, and love of money, or makes politically incorrect statements, they risk facing extreme offense. People find it difficult to accept that certain behaviors are sinful, as evidenced by their strong reactions to Bible verses like Romans 1 and 1 Corinthians 6, which teach these messages.
Modern Preaching Trends and Their Challenges
Many contemporary preachers are hesitant to stir controversy or offend anyone, so they simply stick to the more pleasant aspects of scripture. This has led to a decline in the emphasis on strict moral teachings. As a result, many Christians today have become non-empathetic, judgmental, and unwelcoming, hiding behind scripture to justify their hatred and disdain towards others.
Exclusion and Hypocrisy in Christian Communities
Many Christians exclude those whose experiences do not resonate with their own and become passionate against such experiences, often ostracizing those who do not fit their narrow interpretation of biblical truth. Contemporary topics of exclusion include abortion, LGBT rights, minority and immigrant groups, and issues related to sexuality, such as pre-marital sex and single mothers. However, there has been a slight shift in attitudes towards sex before marriage and unwed mothers in recent years, with some Christians showing more empathy towards those experiences.
The Dilemma of Abortion in the Christian Community
One of the most contentious issues is the insistence on allowing pregnancies to proceed, born regardless of circumstances. Many Christians believe that even in cases where a baby is determined to have a birth defect, or if the pregnancy is the result of incest or rape, the child should be born. However, if the mother decides to keep the child, the response is often apathy. Even impoverished mothers are left to their own devices, while wealthy Christians complain about liberal "government handouts" that support these same women and their children. Interestingly, Christians are more likely to intervene and assist only in cases of adoption for those barren church members seeking a child.
Conclusion: The Urgency of Authentic Gospel Preaching
The gospel message often faces opposition, but it is crucial for preachers to stay true to the original teachings of Jesus. Only by embracing controversial and challenging aspects of the Bible can we hope to see real change and authentic faith in our communities. The integrity of the gospel lies at the heart of this challenge, and it is our duty to uphold it.