In a recent interview on HuffPost Live, host Josh Zepps read the following passage from Joel Osteen’s latest book “Break Out”: “It doesn't matter who likes you or doesn't like you, all that matters is that God likes you. He accepts you. He approves of you.” Zepps then asked Joel if that’s true for homosexuals. Joel replied, “Absolutely…I believe every person is made in the image of God…and you got to accept them as they are on their journey. I’m not here preaching hate, pushing people down, or telling everybody what they’re doing wrong.”
2 Timothy 4:2 says, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” Every minister may specialize in a particular topic such as finances, healing, or end-time prophecy. Still, we are responsible for preaching the whole truth of God’s word and bringing correction when the situation arises.
This past Tuesday night while street evangelizing with a friend, we got into a lengthy discussion with a young couple. Although both of them were believers, the man admitted to struggling with alcohol and nicotine addictions. I encouraged him to feed on God’s word and pray in the Spirit more. Soon it was revealed the two were cohabiting. The Lord instructed me to quote Hebrews 13:4 to them, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” The woman said her pastor had already told them that. God confirms His word by the mouths of two or three witnesses.
My intent here is not to be critical or "touch God's anointed" but to bring up a genuine concern. James 3:1 says, “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” Every preacher must boldly speak the truth in love even if it’s not popular. People’s eternal destinies are at stake!
“For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” - Acts 20:27
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