A gospel preacher was asked to hold a meeting for a congregation of the Lord's church. The preacher for the congregation that issued the invitation asked the preacher who was going to hold the meeting how he felt about having the meeting in a neutral place, and not mentioning the name of the church due to prejudice on the part of some denominational people. Question: Does the attitude this preacher exemplified by asking such a question share any likeness with the bold nature of Christ and His Apostles as they preached the gospel of Christ to a lost and dying world during the first-century? It does not! Consider the following questions:
What shall we say then? If a Jew is in the audience, shall we, because of Jewish prejudice, avoid preaching "Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2)? "God forbid" (Mark 8:38; Romans 1:16; 9:33; 2 Timothy 1:12).
What shall we say then? If a Muslim is in the audience, shall we, because of Muslim prejudice, avoid teaching about the Deity of Christ? "God forbid" (Matthew 10:32,33; Acts 8:37; Romans 10:17; 1 John 4:2, 3,15; 5:1).
What shall we say then? If members of denominational churches are in the audience, shall we expect the preacher to avoid speaking about the identity and purpose of the Lord's church? After all, the denominational world teaches that one church is as good as another. We don't wish to embarrass our visitors or be accused of blasting denominations? "God forbid" (Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 2:21,22; 4:1-16; 5:22-33).
What shall we say then? If the audience contains evolutionists or atheists, shall we, because of the prejudice of the evolutionists and atheists, avoid teaching that God exists and that He is the creator of all things? "God forbid"(Genesis 1-2; Psalm 8:3,4; 40:5; 74:17; 95:5; 100:3; 104:24,30; Isaiah 40:28; 43:7; John 1:3; Acts 17:24-29; Romans 1:19,20; Colossians 1:16).
What shall we say then? If immoral folks are in the audience, shall we avoid preaching repentance for the remission of sins because they may be prejudiced regarding certain moral issues such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality and same-sex marriages, polygamy, pornography, use of tobacco, gambling (including playing the lottery), abortion, immodest dress (including wearing shorts that expose the thigh), drinking alcohol, stealing, lying, etc.? "God forbid" (Matthew 5:32; 19:9; Romans 1:21-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-20; 7:1,2; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 4:28 Colossians 3:1-10; 1 Peter 4:1-4).
Well, What shall we say then? We must declare "ALL the counsel of God" (Acts 20:27). We must "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine" (2 Timothy 4:2). If we seek to please men, we are not the servants of Christ (Galatians 1:10). We must "speak the TRUTH in love" and teach all things God commanded man to do (Acts 10:33; Ephesians 4:15; Matthew 28:19,20; John 14:15,21; 15:10; 1 John 5:1-3; Revelation 22:14). Now then, what will YOU say?