Political Correctness (PC). For most of us, she conjures up thoughts of politics, feminism, special rights, Gloria Allred, Liberalism, etc. We think of the Sexual Harassment policies in the workplace of today. The policy that endangers all and any of the male species, and in a few cases, females. But there’s a new kind of PC out. She’s crept into “the Church”. She’s quite subtle and ever so sneaky. She has captivated the simple-minded and the intellectually sharp all the same.

I’m not talking about the Mormon temple down the street, the Jehovah’s Witness church on the corner, or the local mosque. This is no rogue church (at least, not as we understand “rogue”ness) in which PC has made her home. No, sir. She’s nestled herself in the conservative evangelical churches all across our land. Having just enough ripped-from-context scriptures (not to mention some warm-fuzzies, as long as they’re not “too charismatic”), she creeps in almost silently welcomed as a new move and mode of “revival”.

Oh, we thought the conference last year would bring some change, but it died off. Then, we saw the masses “reached” by the performance in that drama, but they seemed to go elsewhere. Next, was the spiritual journey educating us on our reason for living, yet we’re still wandering around. Latest, there was a portrayal of what we’ve read so many times in our Bibles, but this dramatization really gave us a visual that we could grasp on to…something tangible, yet, we still live the same as before.

So PC’s found her way in many times, but this time we hope she’ll bring real renewal…PC, if not conquered, will be nothing more than Perpetual Corruption. The churches that have always prided themselves in having the pastors that “preach the Word like it is” are the very churches being eaten up by this new Political Correctness. You see, it’s no longer PC to hold someone, particularly a preacher, pastor or even a fellow “believer”, accountable by the standards in the context of God’s Word.

If they a) believe the Bible, b) know some Scripture, and c) are sincere in whatever their teaching or ministry is, then it doesn’t matter if their hermeneutic is in error. It doesn’t matter if the foundation of their belief is a Scripture taken sorely out of context. It doesn’t really even matter the pattern of their lifestyle. It’s “what’s in their heart ” that counts. Intention is substituted for action (While verses such as 1 John 3: 18-Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth-are patently ignored and avoided).

What I’ve noticed is that in these “conservative” Bible-believing churches, it seems each generation is a littler more ignorant of the doctrines found in Scripture than the previous generation. So when an individual reads the Scriptures, is enlightened by the Spirit on a subject that demolishes their previously held traditions, and casts such “traditions of men” aside, he is then chided by others. He is called: insensitive, cold, harsh, or whatever when, actually, all he really wants is TRUE revival in the church of God…not some passing vein of the wind.

Instead of depending on man-made attempts of a formulaic nature (i.e. 40 Days of Purpose, Heaven’s Gate-Hell’s Flames, The Passion, etc.), he wants to apply the principle of Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) and see a true outpouring of the Spirit in revival. He’s then seen as”stuck-in-tradition” or “legalistic” when, in reality, it is the others who cannot seem to separate from their precious traditions.

So what is this new PC that’s found running rampant in our churches? I would define it as a pseudo love for the Bible that results in marring correct interpretation of Scripture. It is an act of unknowingly interpreting the Scriptures through the grid of one’s man-made traditions. Whatever is sifted by the lines of the grid is simply ignored or washed over. This, in turn, puts the PC believer on the defensive when anyone biblically questions the newest rage or even holds it up to the light of Scripture. PC is not necessarily the reason for the dumbing-down of the church, but it certainly is a pit from whence the dumbed-down believers can only escape through humility, confession and repentance of not testing everything with the Scriptures.

No, it is liberalism that has caused the dumbing-down of believers. It is the passivity of conservatives that has caused it. It is the lack of prayer from God’s people. It a culture of apathy parading behind the walls of the Church that feeds it. PC simply and encourages surface growth, and even this growth is very short-lived. A fast-holding to the principle of Sola Scriptura is the only hope for the Church. There’s nothing more frustrating, disheartening and even angering than hearing a self-proclaimed believer say something like, “Well, I just can’t read the Bible much. It’s so hard to understand.” Why do people say this? More specifically, why do professing Christians? Because neither the Church, nor the family has taught the Bible in it’s entirety.

The church has not taught hermeneutics, nor has it taught the importance and absolute necessary role of the Holy Spirit in illumining the Scriptures, etc. What has been taught is of such poor surface material that it is also shallow when applied to life. Now, don’t get me wrong, little Johnny’s been taught all the “relevant” Bible verses and that Jesus loves Him, but he’s now 25-30 yrs old and has never been taught the great truths of justification and sanctification. He’s never been educated on the golden chain of redemption so beautifully articulated in Romans 8. He knows quite a few verses divorced from their context to “help him out” during certain times.

OPC Pastor Bruce Buchanan has said this concerning this New Political Correctness:

We need to be BC–Biblically correct–even when it’s not popular. PC is just another way of adopting a false standard, i.e. social consensus, to determine present and future behavior, or to analyze past activity. PC is always changing–like fads. But its principle is as changeless as its contraries. And maybe it is the ultimate anti-biblical form precisely because we recognize the antithesis between God’s way and ALL the rest of the ways, whether or not they are as up-front “absolute” as our standard, or rather subtle like PC.

May the Church, especially in America, repent of her muddying of God’s standard. Embracing evil while calling it good. Cultivating mundanity and calling it “seeker-friendly”. Tolerating sin among the people of God in the Church, but using the “tares among the wheat” to justify the lack of discipline. God help us, every one.

It is of popular opinion that the Church should adapt to the culture around Her. Many say we must make the message of Christ more relative and relevant. We must adapt so that those who are turned off by the Old Time Religion might be able to bare the gospel instead of bore from it. To the credit of those who opine such there has been a mass exodus from that stuffy religion which preaches against sin and demands repentance as necessary parts of salvation. Instead, they say, the gospel must be palatable and appealing; thus, those under its hearing will be “more open” to respond favorably (”To whose favor?” I ask.) rather than be forced through the exit of the Church doors so that they might find peace of conscience and slow heart rate. I, being the forehead-of-flint man I am, beg to differ…

We shall not adjust our Bible to the age; but before we have done with it, by God’s grace, we shall adjust the age to the Bible.  - Charles Haddon Spurgeon

I’ve often thought about the inclusiveness of God. Spawned by some disagreements thrown my way, I’ve asked myself a few questions. Is God all inclusive? Does He change His character, His essence, His holiness, wrath, mercy, or justice to draw peoples unto Himself? Was Jesus a pushover? Did he pathetically beg and plead for people to follow him or did he make an imperative statement saying, “Follow me”?

Jesus, in fact, did not change, nor did he soften His message to reach people. He was not compelled to draw people to Him based on something they said, did, or thought, but simply for the Father’s good purpose and will. You say, “Well, Josh, that’s just harsh.” I sometimes feel that way too, but then I realize that God’s ways are not my ways and His thoughts are not my thoughts. On this realization I have to humble myself before Him and surrender to the Truths in His Word. For me to attribute His actions as being harsh, by my fallen, sinful, man-made definition of such characterizations cannot be truth. No, I must depend on the biblical definitions of God’s love, justice, holiness, wrath, etc. for answers.

This is something that has made terrible inroads to the Church. Not just those “liberal” churches. No, no. It’s in the churches we’ve grown up in. It’s in the churches where many sincere, godly, well-meaning people we love attend. They find themselves unsure of this new “methodology”, if you will, but they don’t know what to do when it’s put before them on the plates. It is imperative that we realize we must take the Gospel back from this pragmatic, felt-needs (only), palatable-modified ideology that has so pervaded the Church in recent years. God grant us repentance for not fighting the good fight.

Lectures to My Students
by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“Affectation of intellectual superiority and love of rhetorical splendour have prevented many from setting forth gospel truth in the easiest imaginable manner, namely, by analogies drawn from common events. Because they could not condescened to men of low estate hey have refrained from repeating incidents which would have accurately explained their meaning. Fearing to be thought vulgar, they have lost goldne opportunities. As well might David have refused to sling one of the smooth stones at Goliath’s brow because he found it in a common brook.” 

Thus, we catch a glimpse of the practical wisdom, which so easily dripped from the pen of Charles Spurgeon, in the preceding quote. It is but a small portion of the witty, yet solid, insights he gives in his work Lectures to My Students. Although this book is intended for those would be pastors and elders who are picking up the mantle of God’s preachers, there are great principles of biblical and practical truth which can be applied to any Christian’s life. On that basis alone I approvingly recommend this read to all.

Spurgeon’s mastery and command of the English language did not keep him from “setting forth gospel turth in the easiest imaginable manner.” In fact, with such an ability, he was one of the most avid communicators of his day, and even to this time. I’ve heard it said before that had Spurgeon’s voluminous writings been “non-religious” in nature, they would’ve been indeed used to exemplify the best of English language. Spurgeon has been affectionately called the Prince of Preachers, and rightly so, for his eloquence of speech was music to the ears of both the common man and well-to-do.

In Lectures to My Students, Spurgeon’s subject matter ranges anywhere from Vocal demonstration and care to “The Minister’s Self-Watch”. It would behoove anyone who “desires the office of an Elder” to get a copy of Spurgeon’s Lectures and make use of the matter found therein. Spurgeon was indeed a uniquely used individual of God. When it comes to preaching, he was definitely exceptional, not typical. Would it be that God would grant us more Preachers such as he!

I am fascinated by Peter’s simple statement to Christ after Jesus finished telling people that they must drink His blood and eat His flesh. Many left:

John 6:66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67 So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,

Be encouraged brothers and sisters: When all seems lost, we are the Lord’s. When you’re going through the fiery trials and fighting off the darts of the devil, remember our Lord Jesus Christ. “To whom shall we go?”

Psalm 27:1The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

I think about Joseph, hated by his brothers, but not because of anything Joseph had done, initially; rather, because of Jacob’s apparent favoritism which struck jealousy and rage in the hearts of Joseph’s brothers. This fire became even more enflamed when Joseph told them of his dreams.

After some time, they conspire to kill Joseph. He’s “saved” by Reuben. He’s thrown in to a pit, and enslaved by Ishmaelites. He goes to serve Potiphar. There’s no implication that Joseph responded bitterly or with resentment. In fact, during his time under Potiphar he was blessed with favor. However, trials come again with Potiphar’s wife’s accusation of Joseph’s wrongdoing. Such was not true. He remained faithful to God. He was the imprisoned on false charges. Yet…no bitterness.

Well, we all know how it ends. Joseph wins! But it was not without hardship. It repeatedly says, “The Lord was with him…” I’m sure, at times, Joseph didn’t feel like the Lord was with him. But he did believe, according to God’s promise and character, that He was with him. He told his brothers, “What you meant for evil, God meant for good.”. Oh that we would take comfort in the life of Joseph when all around us seems to crumble.

Let us think of Job. Phew…aren’t we glad we didn’t have to go through what Job went through. Satan didn’t initiate this in Job’s life. God did. Satan didn’t speak until spoken to. “Have you considered my servant Job?”, He asked the old serpent. Did God intend harm on Job? By no means! He intended for His glory to be shown through the suffering of His servant, Job.

Job was “innocent”, comparatively speaking. In spite of such, he lost everything! Even a bit of his very own flesh…His own wife, obviously hating to see him in such pain, tried to turn his thoughts from submission to God. He lost riches, family, and his own health. He even had to sit through the false scathing rebukes of his ignorant friends. Yet…in the end, it worked out for him twofold.

To God be the Glory. What was his response? “The Lord gives. The Lord takes. Blessed be the Name of the Lord.” What a testimony to the grace and sovereignty of God during our times of utmost relentless testing. May we be reminded of Job during our times of hardship.

David: Wow. David went through some tough times himself. He had to flee from Saul for his life. It was not that he was guilty of treason; rather, again, it was that wretched vile thing called jealousy. Saul was jealous of David’s popularity with the people. He was forced to flee for his very life, after being one of the favorites in the King’s court. Yet, he lived obediently to God. Even to the point of not harming “the Lord’s anointed.” He refused to practice the way the world would’ve practiced. Even when the “religious” would deem it ok or necessary. May we learn from this earlier aspect of David’s life.

Let us look at Hosea. Called by God to marry an unfaithful Gomer. The shame and scorn and reproach he must have felt. There was no room for foolish pride in this man’s life. His wife was a whore, and God commanded such. Hosea was obedient. What a testimony of God’s faithfulness to us, is Hosea’s faithfulness to Gomer. May we always remember such when we’re called to do the difficult things that seem impossible.

There are so many examples of such things. Let us look at the Master and His example. Jesus Christ, King of kings, Lord of lords, Exalted, Glorious, God. What did He do? He humbled Himself, came to earth as a man, endured the sin of His elect. OH WHAT A BURDEN!!! The greatest burden of all. Much more than slavery, prison, marriage to a whoring wife. Rather, it was multitudes upon multitudes of sinful men’s transgressions against the Most Holy God. What a WEIGHT TO BEAR! Yet…He was obedient to His Father. Praise be to God for such! Forgive us, O, Lord for forgetting you in times of trouble. Trouble that is so petty compared to the hardship of the Cross, which You endured. Have mercy on us, Father. You are to be praised!

We are His. Be encouraged, His Elect. He is ruling and reigning with His right arm. He is breaking and redeeming with His Spirit. He shall never leave us, nor forsake us. Behold, He is with us always…even to the end. Be encouraged, if the world hates you, remember, it hated Him first. Blessed are we if we’re reviled for His sake. No matter what you’re going through, do not despair. God is working and orchestrating His flawless, perfect plan. O, Father, what is man that you are mindful of him?

2 Cor. 12:9But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

O, God. I pray that we, Your people, when under affliction, would fix our eyes on You. Let us boast in our weaknesses, infirmities, trials, and hardships. Let us see that what others mean for evil, you mean for God. Let us worship you all the more in such times.

Be encouraged.

“Men have now learned, however, that he will be most fresh and original in his own thoughts who most diligently cultivates his mind by studying and pondering the thoughts of other minds. He who never quotes, will never be quoted, and he who does not read is not very likely to be read.”

-Charles Spurgeon