Recently, I had the privilege of visiting with Joe Price as he labored in a gospel meeting in Meford, OR, where Dean Blackwell preaches. As we were discussing some of the issues confronting the Lord's church, the conversation focused on "sound" congregations that often remain silent during discussions about them. Joe then voiced a short phrase that I've chosen to be the title of this lesson. He said that these congregations, (as well as some individuals) are "Soundly Silent" when it comes to defending the truth.
Think for a moment about that phrase--Soundly Silent. It is written, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: ...a time to keep silence, and a time to speak." (Ecclesiastes 3:1,7) We all understand that there are times when silence is golden, for example, while a brother is preaching, or leading the congregation in prayer. And we are reminded of James 1:19, where James wrote, "... be swift to hear, slow to speak..." Listening demands silence. But we also understand that silence can be yellow--the color of cowardice, lack of faith, or rebellion. In this realm, too many remain silent.
On one occasion, the chief priests and elders questioned Jesus concerning His authority to teach in the temple. He answered with a question: "The baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven, or of men?" (Matthew 21:25) As they reasoned among themselves, they realized that they were between the proverbial "rock and a hard place." They answered Jesus. "We cannot tell." (vs.27) They had, in essence, remained silent. They didn't want to forfeit the praises of men, (cf. John 12:42-43); nor were they willing to admit or acknowledge that Jesus taught by the authority of Him whom they claimed to be God, and thus confess that Jesus was the One of Whom His words and works testified. He was the Christ. Some who call themselves Christians and some known as congregations of the church of Christ employ this same tactic. When confronted with the difficult realities of standing for the truth, they choose to answer: "We cannot tell." They choose to remain "Soundly Silent."
Jesus taught: "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I am come not to send peace, but a sword." (Matthew 10:34) The sword is the word of God (cf. Ephesians 6:17). Christians are to be soldiers (cf. 2 Timothy 2:1-5) who must be able and willing to wield the sword of the Spirit and "fight the good fight of faith." (1 Timothy 6:12) So, too, must congregations of the Lord's church. It is written, "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds); casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ..." (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) Truth and prayer are mighty weapons, but only if we use them.
If an opportunity arises, and our faith is being challenged, should we remain "Soundly Silent?" This is a contradiction in terms. For how can we truly be sound, while remaining silent as the battles rage? Some might ask: "What battles?" Following are examples of some battles that have made havoc of the church and overthrown the faith of many precious souls.
- MDR (Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage): Jesus taught: "And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery." (Matthew 19:9)
- Some Christians, and some congregations, are not ashamed to teach error.
- Some congregations and some Christians boldly defend the faith.
- And there are some who, while not endorsing error, remain "soundly silent."
I am reminded of a preacher who, when asked where he stood on the MDR issue, responded: "There are others more learned than I, and they are not yet decided, so neither am I." It is one thing to study out an issue, but quite another to say, "We cannot tell." When a man has been preaching for several years (and this battle has been raging for that long, and longer), how can he not know where he stands? Nevertheless, the "silent" stand is a stand, a stand on the devil's side!
- Some Christians, and some congregations, are not ashamed to teach error.
- Fellowship: Jesus taught: "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." (Ephesians 5:11) For many, this is a non-issue. They are unconcerned regarding what a preacher believes and teaches, or where a congregation stands on doctrinal issues. Their sole desire is to have "peace," but at what cost? Jesus prayed for unity (cf. John 17), but it was to be unity based on God's Word. Paul, speaking by Holy Spirit inspiration, condemned division (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10). Yet, many desire to be "united" with those who teach diverse doctrines. How many are unwilling to reprove and expose the works of darkness? How many choose to remain "soundly silent?"
I know of a congregation that, years ago, received a warning concerning a man they were supporting. A few years later, when questioned about the situation, they responded: "We're still looking into that." How long does it take to learn what a man believes and teaches regarding the battleground issues of our day? When asked whether they would have fellowship with another congregation known for its false stands, their response was, in essence, the same: "We're still looking into that." This is a congregation that has chosen the "soundly silent" path. Nevertheless, the Bible teaches that, "the broad way leads to destruction." (Matthew 7:13-14)
These are but two examples of brethren and churches that have chosen to remain indifferent, choosing neither right nor left. These individuals and congregations have become, in the words of Jesus, "lukewarm." "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:15-16) Sure, they may be "sound," that is, they do not openly preach or practice error; but neither do they oppose it. They have chosen to hide their heads in the sand, allowing the spiritual warfare winds to blow wildly around them. But eventually, even the sand will be blown away-then where will they be?
On Judgment Day, let us not be found guilty of having been "Soundly Silent." "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." (2 Timothy 4:1-2) Let's be SOUND.