In This Issue:
Should A Christian Tolerate Sin?
Steps in Accepting Evil
Toleration of Sin Is Not Biblical
Because Christians Were Silent
You Are Not Alone
Volume: 938 December 31, 2023
Theme: Don’t Tolerate Evil
Should A Christian Tolerate Sin?
Bill Brinkworth
“And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” Matthew 21:12-13
The world, and unfortunately many Christians, have the wrong idea as to how a Christian should behave. Many are convinced that a Christian should be tolerant of those doing wrong, be polite, and never tell anyone that, according to the Word of God, they are doing wrong. Nowhere in the Bible is tolerance to sin suggested.
In verses 12 and 13, we see a contrary example to the pathetic, polite, and “proper” image that most think marks the behavior of a Christian. In this example, the person who did the opposite was the Saviour Himself – Jesus.
Jesus saw what man had done to the house of God. Some wanted to make money, so they devised enterprising plans to make a “buck” using the Jewish religion. They knew the Jews attending the temple were supposed to present animal sacrifices to the priest so their sins would be “covered.” The attendees themselves were to bring their sheep, doves, oxen, and offerings.
Those exploiters saw an opportunity to make some quick cash from lazy Jews. They set up tables in the back of the temple and sold those animals to those wanting to give their gifts to the priests. Soon, the back of the temple was teaming with wildlife and vendors, all trying to make a living on the lazy worshippers.
The house of God had been turned into a “den of thieves.” Jesus saw what was happening. He did not walk quietly and timidly up to the vendors and politely ask them, “Please, gentlemen, take your ambitious enterprise outside the gate, where you can enjoy the sunshine.”
No, sir, He did not. He went up to the tables, threw out the moneychangers, and overturned the tables. Jesus knew what was right, and that was not the right thing to do in the house of prayer. There was no hint of polite “tolerance” anywhere in this account or the other accounts in Luke 19:45-46 and Mark 11:15-18.
In another account, possibly three years prior to that event, Jesus did even more to the “thieves” (John 2:14-16). He not only pushed over their tables, but He chased the vendors out with a whip of chords.
Tolerating sin is not mentioned in the Bible. When a Christian sees something is wrong, he must speak out. We are supposed to be the “salt” to change the flavor of this world that naturally will not do right in God’s eyes. A Christian must also be the “light” in this sin-darkened world. A Christian would make more changes to this world if he stopped putting up with sin and took a stand against it!
Putting up with sin and turning “the other cheek” is quite often a cowardly act if one is afraid to make a stand! This world has gotten so wicked because Christians have not stood up against what is wrong. It is our responsibility to warn others of the dangers of sin. If we do not stand against sin, who will?
“To sin by silence, when they should protest, makes cowards of men.”
— Abraham Lincoln
Steps in Accepting Evil
Author Unknown
“First, we overlook evil,
Then we permit evil,
Then we legalize evil,
Then we promote evil,
Then we celebrate evil,
Then we persecute those who still call it evil.” — Author Unknown
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20
Toleration of Sin Is Not Biblical
“He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.” Proverbs 17:15
“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” Romans 1:28-32 Also: Isaiah 5:20.
“Tolerance is a virtue for those who have no convictions.” — Author Unknown
Because Christians Were Silent
Bill Brinkworth
Christians are responsible for sharing the Gospel and the truths from the Word of God. However, many believers have not done as they are biblically commanded. They are not the society-changing “salt” or the sin-revealing “light” God requires them to be. As a result of many’s refusal, rebellion, and ignorance to do as they are commanded, others have suffered.
“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” Mat.5:13 Also: Mark 9:50, Luke 14:34.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Mat. 5:16 Also: Luke 1:79, John 11:10.
Here are some of the damages and sufferings caused by those who know better but fail to uphold their responsibilities.
- Millions of people will spend an eternity in Hell because they never heard the Gospel. Many Christians were “embarrassed,” ashamed, afraid, or too proud to tell others about God’s way to Heaven.
“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” Rom. 10:14
- Millions of people will live a life sinning and defiant to God because they never heard the truth nor ever saw a good Christian example.
“And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.” Acts 8:30
- Millions do not know what the Bible teaches as they have never heard biblical truths nor have seen one living the way God commands. Since they have never heard biblical truths, they have incorrectly supposed what they think the Bible teaches or believed false teachings.
“For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” Rom. 10:3 Also: Phil. 3:9.
- Millions think they are going to Heaven because of the good deeds they have done, as so many “Christians” have not taught them otherwise. That fallacy is the foundation of many false religions.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Eph. 2:8-9
- Millions thought there was no difference between a Christian and the lost because they never saw any variance between the two groups. They have not witnessed holy living. The toleration of sin by many confessing Christians has also added to the confusion of the lost.
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” II Cor. 6:17
Some of those millions could be your loved ones, neighbors, or friends. They may suffer a terrifying eternity because of your closed lips. Share the truths of the Bible and Gospel now. It may be too late to change the godless direction of society, but at least a Christian can hear the “… Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things …” from one’s Saviour, Jesus Christ (Mat. 25:21, 23), and one may make a great difference in some lives.
“The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.” — Albert Einstein
As you witness for the Saviour
It is a spiritual fight
Sometimes, you will stand alone
Making a stand for Christ.
People will think you’re odd
If you don’t go their way
But live to please the Saviour
No matter what they say.
Keep your standards high.
Don’t let others drag you down.
Just look for the approaching day
When you’ll wear the victor’s crown.
You may think you are alone,
When you stand for what is true
But remember, you’re a Christian
So the Holy Spirit dwells in you.
So remember when you’re alone,
God is with you, it is true;
He has given you the Comforter
Who always dwells in you.