We boast about ourselves in order to persuade people how marvelous it is to be a Christian. We tell the world how wonderful we are now that we have been "born again." But when the people of the world look they see malice, self-seeking, avarice, pride, smugness—a total focus on self.

We pass out tracts and encourage people to take the four steps of salvation. This is a good thing to do. But when the convert comes into the assembly what does he or she find? Self-centered religious people who criticize each other constantly.

The world understands the television evangelist when he pleads for money. The world is accustomed to greed. The world understands also that this has nothing to do with God.

The American public is cynical concerning the Christian religion. Have we given the nation cause to be cynical? The Muslims call America the great Satan. Have we behaved in such a way that the Muslims see Satan instead of Jesus Christ?

And then we criticize the Muslims for not receiving Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior!

Having the spirit of Absalom we flatter people hoping to gain political advantage. Instead of speaking the unvarnished truth, as Jesus did, we stress that which is "positive" so the surfeited American believers will not be offended.

But just as Absalom ended up hanging between the sky and the ground, so shall we, because of our insincerity and treachery, find a welcome neither among the saints nor among the unbelievers.

But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. (Jude 1:17-19)

We are in the last days. There are scoffers in the churches who follow their own ungodly desires. We ourselves have been scoffed at because we preach righteousness, holiness, stern obedience to God, and the soon coming of the Kingdom of God to the earth.

While others laugh and joke and play about, we are proclaiming the need for repentance. While others are hopping up and down next to their pew in preparation for the unscriptural "rapture," we are urging people to read the New Testament and pray for wisdom and strength to keep the commandments of Jesus Christ and His Apostles, being especially careful to forgive all against whom they may be holding anger and unforgiveness.

Then we are accused of preaching "works"!

Did Christ ever accuse anyone of preaching works when they taught His commandments to other people? Isn't this the Great Commission?

"And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20—NIV)

Is the Great Commission to go out and "get souls saved" and build churches or is it to make disciples and teach people to obey the commandments of Christ and His Apostles? Are these the same commission? In actual practice they are not. We are getting souls "saved," building churches, and telling people they do not have to keep Christ's commandments because they are "saved by grace."

What a mess!

To be continued.