Moving in the Apostolic

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Moving in the Apostolic

Paul said he was set for the defense of the gospel. Shammah did not back down and run even though all the others did. This must be our attitude: If everyone else runs, I will stand my ground and defend the truth. The Lord can use one person who stands more than 99 who run. Our posture must be to stand. Someone must stand when the truth is under attack. Someone must speak out. Someone must challenge false teaching when it tries to invade the Church. Modern-day Pharisees, scribes and religious leaders can gather together against the truth. Apostles are fearless and will rise up to meet the challenge. They will drive danger and attack away from the Church. Their preaching and teaching may become violent and polemic. But they will minister out of a boldness to preach truth in spite of the consequences. Polemic Preaching During the reformation of the sixteenth century, Martin Luther and other reformers were known for their polemic preaching and writing. Polemic means an aggressive attack on, or refutation of, the opinions or principles of another. It is the art or practice of disputation or controversy. The word is derived from the Greek word polemikos, meaning warlike or hostile. The reformers aggressively attacked the error and hypocrisy of the established Church, and defended the truth of the gospel against those who attacked their teachings. Their major concern was that the truth be preached and taught at any cost. They would die for the truth; truth was the only thing that mattered. Todays Church knows little about polemic preaching and writing. If one stands up for the truth of what he or she believes, that person is labeled dogmatic and non-ecumenical. The spirit of compromise has entered many churches, and they are not as concerned about the truth. But the Lord has always raised up defenders of the faith, people who are not afraid to preach and defend the truth. They recognize that the truth must not only be preached, but defended. If men do not defend the truth, lies will prevail. If lies prevail, people walk in bondage and deception. This is another reason why the Church needs the ministry of the