CHALLENGE FROM A LIBERTY UNIVERSITY STUDENT

CHALLENGE FROM A LIBERTY UNIVERSITY STUDENT

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November 5, 1997 (David W. Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061-0368, fbns@wayoflife.org) - I recently received the following enlightening e-mail from a student at Liberty University, headed by Pastor Jerry Falwell:

CHALLENGE FROM A LIBERTY UNIVERSITY STUDENT: "In your recent statement in regards to liberalism in the SBC, you stated, 'There are heretics and false teachers within the SBC, and there are many others who, though themselves conservative in theology, are sympathetic with the heretics.' However, I would love to draw your attention to the Book of Solomon's Proverbs chapter six and verses sixteen through nineteen. It reminds us that the Lord God HATES a man who brings about dissension amoung brothers. I call you my brother in the Lord, and I would hope that you might call me a brother in the Lord. However, to make 'attacks' against Dr. Jerry Falwell is nothing more than dissension. I know that you mean well, and that you might even be concerned for Dr. Falwell, but to be so abrasive is not being Godly. Later in Proverbs it tells us in chapter twenty-nine and verse twenty-two, 'An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.' (NIV) I know that you probably do not take to well to the NIV, but it has helped me in bringing people to the Lord, so I use it. I will let you know a little bit about myself. My name is ---------------- and yes, I am a student at Liberty University and I am a Southern Baptist. However, before all of these things I strive to remind myself of Colossians 3:12-17, where it calls me to unity with fellow 'chosen people of God.' Sir, I am and will be praying that God might break you of your spirit of conflict and show you to look to things that truly matter, such as winning souls to Jesus and baptizing them, rather than look for an argument with Dr. Falwell or any believer for that matter. Sir, I truly can say that I love you with the Love of Jesus. The same love that took Him up Calvary's tree."

REPLY FROM BROTHER CLOUD: Hello. I am sorry that you cannot understand my concerns and my warnings. I am not "attacking" Dr. Falwell. I have nothing against him personally. I praise the Lord for every good thing in him and for every soul saved under his ministry. I am not, though, going to ignore things he is doing publicly which I believe will eventually destroy thousands of sound churches and which will break down godly walls between truth and error. The Bible commands men of God to judge the teaching and ministries of other men in order to protect the truth and the people of God. We are to mark those who cause divisions contrary to apostolic doctrine (Romans 16:17). That requires a careful examination and evaluation. The preachers in the church at Corinth were instructed to judge one another (1 Cor. 14:29). That principle applies also to ministries outside of a man's own church, especially to very public ministries which influence vast numbers of people. Dr. Falwell is a recognized leader and through his very public exposure and his various national schemes he potentially influences people in fundamental Baptist churches across the land. He cannot avoid being evaluated by men of God in those churches.

Paul rebuked Peter publicly for his hypocrisy (Gal. 2:11-14). Was Paul "attacking" Peter? Of course not. Paul did cause trouble between brethren for the truth's sake, though. The Bible says we are to reject heretics (Titus 3:10). In your book, rejecting heretics is unspiritual and divisive. You only think that because you have not been taught properly. You have been brainwashed with an ecumenical mindset. You see, Michael, truth is more important than unity because without truth men cannot be saved and walk in the will of God. It is truth, not unity, which is the light in this dark world. John said, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth" (3 John 4). God tells me to mark and avoid those who teach contrary to the apostolic doctrine (Romans 16:17). He tells me to earnestly CONTEND for the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 3). Contend means to strive, to fight. Trouble and striving are not wrong in themselves. The Lord Jesus Christ stirred up much trouble, as did all of the Bible prophets and apostles. Trouble is not wrong, when it is caused for the truth's sake. When the Lord saved me by His marvelous grace 24 years ago, He put a love in my heart for His truth. He imparted to me the attitude described by the prophet David: "Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way." (Psalm 119:128). This attitude certainly did not arise from my old nature. Before my conversion, I cared nothing about God's truth and would merely have yawned at the thought of a man compromising the truth of God's Word. Ever since I was saved, though, I have had something within me that has stirred me up for the truth. I believe that Something is the Holy Spirit. One of His names is the Spirit of TRUTH (John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13; 1 John 4:6).

I pray that the Spirit of Truth will help you understand these serious matters.