A. INTRODUCTION
1. Politically correct. The media expect all churches/religions to be ecumenical.
2. Does the media slam the church because they think we are intolerant?
? BTK killer is identified as a church president.
? Suicide bombers are not identified as Muslims, but extremists.
3. Where does the media think the church is intolerant?
? Doctrine, because we claim to be right.
? Life-style because we will not participate.
? Salvation because we say Christ is the only way to Heaven.
4. What the media ignore about the church.
? Right wing extremists who push the truth into error.
? Professing Christians who are not born again.
? Compromising Christians who live like the world.
5. Why do people not recognize aberrant Christians?
? Blinded. “The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not” (II Cor. 4:4).
? Spiritual deception. “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ . . . Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light . . . his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness” (II Cor. 11:13-15).
? They hate Christians.
? Christians who become disillusioned with God.
? Christians convict their life-style.
6. How media should respond to the church.
? Know what we believe and what we reject. We reject abortion, but we don’t reject girls who get an abortion. We love them.
? Go back to learn how to write college term papers.
a. Footnotes teach how to document.
b. Keep personal opinions separate from conclusions of data.
c. Don’t exaggerate or be inclusive, learn to qualify.
d. Don’t go to print until you have researched both sides, and have as much data as possible.
e. Keep humble because you don’t know everything.
7. Media tend to portray Jesus as a non-supernatural man who was a “do-gooder,” who was deceived about Himself and possibly a fornicator with Mary Magdalene, or some other woman. But the Bible states five times, “Who knew no sin” (I Cor. 5:27; Heb. 4:15; I Peter 2:22; I John 3:5; John 8:46).
8. Media tends to reject Jesus as the Son of God. But Jesus is 100% deity and 100% human. “For God cannot be tempted by evil” (James 1:13).
9. While we look at the intolerant Jesus, never forget about the inclusive Jesus who loves all, died for all, and wants all to be His disciples. “When He saw the multitudes He was moved with compassion” (Matt. 9:36). “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).
B. THE INTOLERANT SIDE OF JESUS
1. Jesus did not accept hypocrites but condemned them to their face. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 23:13).
2. Jesus called hypocrites what they were. “Your father is the devil” (John 8:44, NEB). “As great a liar as you” (John 8:55, LB).
3. Jesus said hypocrites were not saved. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of Heaven” (Matt. 7:21).
4. Jesus said some who serve Him would go to Hell. “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name’. . . ‘I never knew you; depart from Me’” (Matt. 7:22-23).
5. Jesus accused His betrayer of being a devil. “One of you is a devil” (John 6:78).
6. Jesus claimed there was only one way to be saved. “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).
7. Jesus said those who reject Him will go to Hell. “Those who don’t trust Him have already been tried and condemned” (John 3:36, LB). “Those who don’t believe . . . the wrath of God remains upon them” (John 3:36, LB).
C. WHAT MUST YOU DO WITH THIS LESSON?
1. Intercede. “Pray for them which spitefully use you” (Matt. 5:44).
2. Become a master of the Bible and doctrine. “Study to show thyself approved of God . . . not ashamed” (II Tim. 2:15, KJV).
3. Give them the benefit of the doubt that they don’t give you. “Love your enemies, do good . . . hoping for nothing in return” (Luke 6:35).
4. Make sure you are right when you disagree. “We speak that we do know” (John 3:11).
5. Correct where you can make a difference. “Speak the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15).
6. Speak to the issues and don’t attack the person. “Speak evil of no man” (Titus 3:2).
7. Don’t be surprised by attacks. Do not be surprised when you go through fiery trials” (I Peter 4:12, LB).
8. Realize God will judge His church before He judges our attackers. “Judgment . . . must first begin among God’s children . . . what terrible fate awaits those who have never believed” (I Peter 4:17, LB).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
