But Something was Wrong!

    Rolfe Barnard told about a young preacher who graduated from a Bible institute and began to preach the easy-believism gospel which he had he learned in school. His Bible teachers had the dispensations all arranged, prophecy all figured out, methods perfected to attract the biggest crowds, soul-winning procedures down pat, and “how to build a great church” neatly wrapped in a fool-proof package.

    This young preacher made sure to use every gimmick, every tactic, and every invitation in his effort "to win men to Christ” and he was very successful! The people heard his easy-believism message and they accepted Jesus as their saviour from hell, as the supplier of their financial needs, and as the healer of their bodies. And, for good measure, they were told that they were eternally secure in their decision and could never be lost.

    But something was wrong! The young man detected no fruit of the Spirit in his great congregation. He saw no love for Christ, the Word, or even for other people. There was no faithfulness in worship, giving, and witnessing unless they were motivated by threats, special programs, pledges, and contests. There was no hunger and thirst for righteousness, no meekness and humility; there was only divisions and strife!

    In desperation, he resigned from this religious monstrosity and began all over again. But this time, instead of preaching easy-believism, he preached man's ruin and God's remedy in Christ. He declared salvation to be the gift and work of Christ. He demanded that men repent and receive Christ, not only as Saviour, but as the Sovereign Lord of their entire lives. And he called for unconditional surrender, total submission, and heart faith in Jesus Christ.

    This way was difficult, as Christ said it would be. The message was offensive, as Christ said it would be. But the result was the miraculous calling out of bond-slaves and disciples to Christ and the young preacher’s heart rejoiced in the presence and fellowship of his Lord.