Preachers and Their Demise

Preachers and Their Demise

I recently read on a church leadership lectureship flyer that the church is losing approximately 600 preachers per year, while replacing only about 300 over that same time span. Although those numbers initially seemed staggering to me (especially when you factor in that in all likelihood, a sizeable percentage of those 300 preachers produced may not remain faithful to the scriptures in all things when the going gets tough), and while I do not know the source of their research, speaking from personal observation and experience, sadly, tragically, I can certainly believe it.

What will happen to that bright eyed preacher?

What will happen to that bright eyed preacher?

I have seen more than one fine, biblically sound, faithful young man go into the ministry, land a full-time preaching position with a congregation that had, apparently, in some way indicated they wanted someone who would only preach the truth of God’s word, just to find out a little later on that that wasn’t quite the case at all. In fact, it was borderline dishonest – if not outright false. This is because what their leadership REALLY wanted, was someone who would certainly pay enough lip service to the truth to still make them feel good, but who, in all reality, would be more concerned about and consumed with the numbers in the pews and the plates than they were with whether or not God’s word was being fully and truly proclaimed. The way such congregational leadership should have written their job description in order to make it more honest and less misleading, would have been something along the lines of: “Wanted: Preacher who is faithful to and will proclaim the whole, entire, Biblical truth in all things – JUST SO LONG AS that truth is neither offensive, uncomfortable, or inconvenient to/for anyone, and ESPECIALLY as it pertains to our immediate family and personal friends!”

Tragically, I have known of more than one fine, faithful, and Biblically sound preacher who has accepted employment, uprooted his family, and then relocated them all far from home in order to preach and teach God’s word for just such a congregation, investing himself fully in the work – only to be fired or feel forced to leave within a fairly short amount of time. This, because his only ‘crime’ was that he dared to preach exactly what the timeless word of almighty God says about such sins as alcoholic consumption, adulterous relationships, apostate worship practices, or some other clearly God-defined sin, which either the leadership there or someone else in their immediate family dearly loved indulging in and would do anything to continue justifying and practicing.

There have been other instances wherein faithful men, messengers, and proclaimers of God’s word have been severely reprimanded for simply doing exactly what the very sinless Jesus, as well as His very faithful apostles did, in their all-out efforts to seek to help save lot souls in the first century: Be ready and willing to boldly challenge, strongly correct, and fully identify – yes, and that absolutely and scripturally includes doing so by name, when necessary – those zealously religious people who are yet still Biblically wrong (Matt. 22:29-32, 23:1-33; Rom. 10:1-3; 1 Tim. 1:18-20; 3 Jn. 9+10; Rev. 2:6, 9, 14-16, 20-23, and 3:14-19)! Yes; the sinless Son of the living God; the God who is love incarnate; Jesus, the loving God in the flesh who came to earth to save us from our sins, in His warnings to His people, continually named the names while exposing the false and man-made teachings of the major and more well-known religious denominations of His day (Matt. 15:7-9; Mk. 7:5-13). Read through the gospels again and see for yourself. How many times does Jesus publically name, confront, correct, and/or expose the erroneous and false teachings of, while unashamedly and righteously naming the names of, either the Scribes, the Pharisees, or the Sadducees? To do so two millennia ago was not a sin according to God, nor is it a sin for God’s faithful messengers to do the same thing regarding the zealous but erroneous man-made religious denominations of our day. In fact, they are commanded by God Himself, to do nothing less (Rom. 16:17-18; Eph. 5:3-17).

And then, there is what is to me, one of the most tragic, toxic, and terrifying statement tandems I have ever heard. It is one which I have heard voiced in some form or fashion, on two separate occasions, by two different congregations’ leaderships, in two different discussions, regarding their faithful preacher’s departure. It is a statement tandem which spells nothing but spiritual disaster for any congregation cursed enough to have allowed such ‘leadership’ to be put in place to rule over them. These two statements, both taken from two different points within the same conversation in each case, when considered side by side with one another, rate right up there with the Jew’s statement in response to Pilate’s question regarding what to do with Jesus in Matthew 27:25 wherein it states “His blood be on us and our children.” What is this toxic statement mixture made by two different congregational leaderships regarding the departure of their faithful preacher (whether he was fired or simply felt forced to leave)? Some semblance of the following: “We have never heard or seen Him preach, teach, or do anything unscriptural,” followed shortly thereafter by some form of the statement, “We just want to go in a different direction.” Do you understand exactly what that means? Stop and think about it for a moment – because those who do not do so in depth now, might just be mournfully re-thinking it throughout all eternity!

Another statement one congregation’s leadership was reported as making in light of their looking for a new preacher (after the departure of the previous faithful one due to their dismal lack of willingness to repent and obey the truth he preached), was along the lines that they needed a man who “preached the truth and would fit in [there].” That was a simply impossible sentiment to fulfill! Because if he, like their previous truth-proclaiming preacher, actually did preach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27), then for that very reason he could not possibly “fit in” there – any more than the man who had just left! In such a situation, one of two things is bound to happen. Either some young man full of Biblical knowledge and a desire to preach and teach the truth could come along, try his best, discover the real truth, that they didn’t really want the whole truth, and then be forced to once again seek employment elsewhere; or else someone with a less than scriptural agenda could come along, tickle that congregation’s ears with just enough truth to keep them comfortable, while helping them to happily continue their journey in the wrong direction, away from God and heaven (2 Tim. 4:3-4; Isa. 30:8-15)

I believe so many of our young men who only want to preach, teach, and practice the word of God, start out with such a heart full of faith, hope, and love; love for the Lord, His truth, their brethren, and the lost. And then they take a position as the preacher for some congregation that has advertised themselves as wanting the whole truth taught – only to eventually discover the real truth, that nothing could be further from the truth, when it comes to certain sins and subjects; certain subjects such as marriage, divorce, and remarriage; adultery; immodesty; immorality; disfellowship; denominations; the essentiality of baptism both for and before salvation can occur; so-called ‘social drinking;’ plus a whole host of other God-addressed topics. These men then often feel discouraged, abandoned, lied to, heartbroken, and disillusioned. Several I know of have actually sought and obtained secular occupations in the aftermath of such disheartening, destructive, and debilitating spiritual experiences. As a result, our brotherhood has suffered – and continues to suffer – the loss of a number of good, solid, faithful, full-time preachers from her pulpits – some 300 or so per year according to the initial report referred to above.

Additionally, have you ever stopped to consider this question: Why is it that these good and faithful men of God and their families suddenly and somehow have to now up and move on, relocating once again because he simply sought to preach the truth the way God calls and commands him to? Why should the faithful preacher and his family have to pay the price for someone else’s continued impenitence, disobedience, and indulgence in soul-destroying sin – especially when the preacher was the one who loved them enough to try to correct them and get them back on the straight and narrow pathway to heaven? Should not being removed from the group be something that the impenitent sinner should be forced to do instead? It is if and when a congregation and their leadership actually loves the Lord and His church enough to continue steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine (1 Cor. 5:1-13).

Listen brethren; real, loving, godly, biblical truth, is always offensive to someone. Jesus seldom ever opened His mouth without offending someone or exposing somebody’s own particular pet sin. Go back and re-read the accounts of the sermons the apostle Paul preached during his three missionary journeys. Look at what happened to him as a result. God’s truth is always, both offensive, uncomfortable, and inconvenient to any and every one of those proud and self-absorbed sinners who is simply unwilling to accept, submit to, and obey it. That’s why it’s called a sword (Eph. 6:17; Hebs. 4:12) instead of a pillow – IT CUTS! It cuts all the way to the heart, soul, and spirit – when and if it’s properly preached that is (Acts 2:37, 7:54; Hebs. 4:12). And if it doesn’t, then it isn’t. Remember: Scripture plainly shows that any person or preacher who is primarily out to please men instead of God, is certainly no servant of God (Gal. 1:10, 4:16; Jn. 12:42-48).

If you and the congregation where you work and worship is blessed enough by God to have a Biblically-sound and Scripturally-faithful man in the pulpit – one who preaches and teaches the full, absolute, and unadulterated word of God no matter how offensive, uncomfortable, or inconvenient it may seem to some (because after all, the number of souls in heaven are more important to both him and you than the number of people in the pews and pennies in the plates) – then he is worth immeasurably more than his spiritual weight in pure gold! Love him, listen to him, work with him, defend him, protect him, and never let him go!

However, if you’re possibly part of some congregational leadership team that is in the process of seeking a new evangelist, but you only want one that will tickle ears, toss out pillows, and not take on the tougher topics in accordance with exactly what the truth of God’s word says about them, then do yourself and our brotherhood a colossal favor. If you only want a preacher who will preach the soft stuff so as to try not to offend anyone (because numbers in the pews and plates are somehow more important to you than numbers through the “pearly gates”); and/or if you have somehow allowed yourself to be deceived by Satan into believing that it’s more loving to let someone living in sin continue to set in the pews unchallenged and headed for hell rather than to tell them the truth so they can at least have a chance to repent and get right with God before it’s too late; then please, at least strive to be honest enough to admit it in your advertising for a new evangelist. After all, if you are possibly someone like that – God forbid, but if you are – then you’re going to have enough problems answering for that and the lost souls you’re responsible for helping to lead astray and destroy by your not wanting the whole counsel of God preached come Judgment Day (Hebs. 13:17), without having to answer for additionally being part of the problem which may have helped to lead to the departure of some of the 300 brotherhood preachers per year from the Lord’s pulpits.

And to my much-beloved, faithful to the Scriptures at all cost, whole counsel of God preaching brethren, may I remind you that your charge from God has not changed in the least. It is still found in 2 Tim. 4:1-5. And neither has His blessed admonition regarding you changed. See: Lk. 6:20-26; Jn. 15:18-16:3.

GOD BLESS… & PREACH THE WORD!

 

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Justice Doesn’t Reward Lies

Justice Doesn’t Reward Lies

While God is most certainly a God of love, we should also never forget that He is also a God of justice. Thus the apostle urged us to “consider both the goodness and the severity of God.” (Romans 11:22a)

While the New Testament focuses more heavily on the goodness of God, there are occasional and important reminders of His severity also. For instance, as one begins reading through the book of Acts, observing the beginning and early growth of the church, we are moved by the generosity of the saints, one for another, as those with many possessions sold what they had in order to take care of those with fewer (cf. Acts 2:44-45) The love of God was at work in the church. One Christian, a man named Joses, was so generous and so loving, that the apostles nicknamed him Barnabas – meaning “Son of Encouragement.” (Acts 4:36-37) However, following the uplifting account of Barnabas, we then read about Ananias and Saphira (cf. Acts 5:1-11)

All lying will eventually catch up to you.

All lying will eventually catch up to you.

This husband and wife had some land, and coveting the acclaim others, like Barnabas, had received, they sold the land and decided to give to the church. But they didn’t want to give it all. They wanted to give just enough to make it look like they were generous people. So they concocted a lie about the value of the property, gave a portion of the money to the church, having determined to keep the rest for themselves. And God struck them dead for it, on the spot. One moment they were lying to the apostles about money, the next moment they were dead (cf. Acts 5:5, 10)

Consider the goodness, and the severity, of God. Being struck dead is, most people would probably agree, a rather severe punishment for lying.

There are numerous valuable lessons that one can glean from the actions of God regarding Ananias and Saphira. Many commentators rightly pointed out that God, who was working signs and wonders through the apostles, wanted people to know that Christianity was not a casual social experience. The church was not meant to be a vehicle by which one promoted one’s self in the community. If you were going to be a Christian, you needed to be serious about it.

Others also point out, rightly, that the text makes it clear that Christians are also meant to take the Holy Spirit, who was even then working through the apostles, quite seriously. The Holy Spirit, who was giving men the Word of God, and confirming that Word through the work of the Apostles, was God, and was to be treated with all reverence. Lying to the Holy Spirit was not a small thing.

With that being said, the most immediate lesson is actually rather a simply one: don’t tell lies. The sin of Ananias and Saphira was that of lying. They had lied about money. And God most certainly did not approve of the behavior.

Quite a few people have convinced themselves that there are greater sins and lesser sins. Quite often, grouped into the category of “lesser sins,” is the concept of the white lie: an untruth that doesn’t actually hurt anyone. Lies about money, income, and the like, are also often justified as being mere expedients.

When we are tempted to believe such things, we should take a step back mentally, and remind ourselves that God has never taught such a thing. To the contrary, the Bible is quite clear in this regard. Among those things God abhors is a “lying tongue.” (cf. Proverbs 6:17) We are commanded to “put away lying.” (cf. Ephesians 4:25) And we are severely warned that unforgiven lies are a sin which brings eternal condemnation and a place in the lake of fire. (cf. Revelation 21:8)

If we were to doubt just how serious God was about this whole business of honesty and truth-telling, we have only to remind ourselves of how God treated Ananias and Saphira for their lies. And while God does not make a habit of striking people dead on the spot, He obviously wanted to get across a message, and did it in a rather pointed way.

So next time you are wondering whether it would be right or wrong to tell a particular lie, or the next time you try to justify telling a lie to yourself, stop, remember the warning of Ananias and Saphira, and remind yourself, “Yes, lying is always wrong.”

 

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A Manual for Mental Wellness

Seven Beliefs for Mental Wellness

The Bible is the greatest book ever written for man, and the words of the Bible prove this fact over and over again. It has been said that it is the “owner’s manual” for life. Certainly it was written by the one who knows man best – his Creator. Just as we would look to the owner’s manual for our automobiles, appliances, and other items we possess to become more intimately acquainted with these things, so also we should look to the Bible to become more intimately acquainted with ourselves. Modern psychologists have nothing to boast greater than the principles set down in the Bible for mankind’s well being. No clearer example of this can be found than in the book of Philippians.

There is a cure for what ails you.

There is a cure for what ails you.

Paul wrote the book of Philippians to thank the brethren in Philippi for the monetary gift that they had sent Paul by the hands of Epaphroditus (1:4,5; 4:18). But Epaphroditus also brought some additional news to Paul regarding the church a Philippi. They had heard about Paul’s imprisonment and were worried about him (1:30). Paul comforts the church by letting them know that his situation resulted in the increase of the gospel (1:12). He also relates to them that he hopes to be released soon from his imprisonment, and will visit them again (1:25, 26). However, Paul wants them to know that whether he lives or dies all will be well (1:21). Their concern for Paul had evidently lead some anxiety. The rest of the letter addresses the concern that the church set their minds on matters over which they can control, not over matters that lead to worry and depression. This would bring them out of their “blue funk” and bring them back to greater service to the Lord.

The crux of the book of Philippians in this regard is found in chapter four. It is in this chapter that Paul discusses the action one can take to bring one’s self into the peace of God. First, they were to “rejoice in the Lord always” (4:4). The “Lord” here is Jesus.  He is the Christian’s identity, and it is in Him that he places his absolute faith. The sacrifice of Jesus for our sins defines our worth and proves that nothing is so important in this life as to be a cause for anxiety and depression. This means the Christian has everything for which to be thankful and nothing for which to be ungrateful leading to a perpetual spirit of joy in the presence of the Lord. Value and identity are indispensable principles of psychology. The Christian has his value and identity in Jesus, and that is everything! For this reason, he can rejoice!

Second, Paul says, “Let your moderation be known unto all men” (4:5). The Christian is not to be caught up in the extremes of the world. There is on the one hand the extreme of debauchery in all its forms and practices, and it was prevalent in the Philippian’s society as well as ours today. On the other hand, there is the extreme of asceticism. This is the concept that one must cut himself off from everyone and everything that gives any bodily pleasure. Both of these are extreme choices. The Christian must exercise moderation in living a life that includes interaction with society, but does not participate in its sinfulness. Balance is certain one of the fundamental principles of psychology and it is clearly stated in God’s word.

Third, Paul writes, “The Lord is at hand” (4.5). The expression, “The Lord is at hand” indicates to the Christian that God will always be there for him, even in times of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Hebrews 13:5 states, “for He hath said, ‘I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.’” It is a great comfort to recognize that God is always by our side and is not going to leave us as long as we don’t leave Him (Romans 8:31-39). With God, there is no problem, trouble, worry, or fear that can’t be overcome, for all things are possible with Him (Philippians 4:13). The Christian is never alone.  He has a “self-help group” the likes of which this world cannot boast!

Fourth, we read, “Be anxious in nothing” (4:6). Anxiety for the things of this life can become a big problem for the Christian. Jesus taught us to understand that God knows the things of which we have need, and He will supply those things if we seek Him and His kingdom first (Matthew 6:25-34). When we start to dwell on the worries and anxieties of this life, let our minds and our actions turn to things of the kingdom. What can we think and do to further the cause of our Lord upon the earth? We can study the word. We can visit the sick. We can help the poor. We can evangelize the lost. There is no shortage of activity. Get involved with other people. Being involved in something goes a long way toward eliminating anxiety that crops up as a result of eating the bread of idleness.

Fifth, Paul states, “but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (4:6). Prayer unburdens the Christian from the ceaseless parade of events about which he is concerned, but has no direct control. Prayer provides a means whereby the Christian may exercise a heart of thankfulness to the Creator, Sustainer, and Provider. Prayer provides opportunity for the Christian to divest himself of wrong choices made in the course of the day’s events. Prayer motivates the Christian to act in ways that will improve his relationship with his God and his fellow man. There is much blessing in prayer. Modern psychology acknowledges these activities as being therapeutic and helpful to an individual’s mental state. If we as Christians, would only acknowledge the power of prayer in times of trouble how great burdens would be removed from our weary shoulders and what great relief would be obtained from the troubles of life.

The conclusion of enacting these first five exercises in one’s life is this: “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” There is a certain peace that comes through understanding and applying these five principles in one’s life. The peace that God gives “surpasses all understanding;” one’s abilities alone cannot provide the type of peace that God provides. God’s peace defies the human intellect because ultimate peace in God depends upon one’s faith in God that comes from hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). Faith is always presupposed for having a healthy mind. Without faith, nothing avails to bring peace to our souls. The heart and mind of the Christian will only be guarded through Christ Jesus.

Sixth, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (4:8). One must love God with his mind! (Matthew 22:37). The exhortation is not to just let one’s mind randomly drift upon anything that comes along, but to deliberately concentrate upon good things. What happens between someone’s two ears is under his control! All of his thoughts, feelings, and emotions! One must take responsibility by confessing his own sinful thoughts such as envy, hatred, vengeance, and malice. Only by taking ownership through repentance can He then give them to God and experience forgiveness.  Worry, anxiety, depression, and despair are emotions fueled by sinful thinking. When one accepts responsibility, takes control of his thinking, and fills himself with these good thoughts, there will be no more room for the sinful. It is a fight and struggle to battle these things, but one must bring his focus back upon the true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good, and virtuous. One of the great failures of modern psychology is that while it can help someone understand what he is thinking and bring him to a greater awareness of his thoughts, it cannot provide ultimate content for thought. Only the gospel provides the content – Christ Jesus!  We must focus our minds upon Him, His life, His love, His humility, His sacrifice.  In so doing, we can fill our life with the good things that God created for us.

Seventh, Paul has this to say, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do” (4:9). When we have done everything that we need to do mentally to prepare ourselves for Christian service, we must make application. Paul says that his teaching and example constitute an example for us as well. If we are looking for ways to behave, let us look to the example that Paul left as he followed Christ in his life (1 Corinthians 11:1). We have half the book of Acts to let us know how Paul behaved as well as many of his epistles in which we find great teaching regarding how to live the Christian life. This is where the proverbial rubber meets the road. Again, while modern psychology can suggest a course of behavior, it cannot suggest a lifestyle that will so thoroughly meet our needs as that which we find within the gospel of Christ (2 Peter 1:3).

The grand conclusion to these seven steps of mental health is found in the words, “and the God of peace shall be with you.” This is yet in addition to the previous promise. Not only do we have the assurance of the peace of God being with us, but also we have the assurance of the God of peace being with us. Greater blessing can no Christian have than to know that the very God who made us and knows us better than we know ourselves will provide a life that is filled with contentment and peace as well as provide the companionship that we need to finish such a life in His service. May we ever seek to apply these seven steps in our time of need.

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One Simple Life Changing Decision

One Simple Life Changing Decision

Eve looked at that beautiful, forbidden fruit and made a decision. There was no way she could begin to visualize how that one decision would change the history of the world. The choice made that day has impacted the lives of every one of the billions and billions of people who have lived on this earth. It impacts the lives of each of us.

Decisions impact others.

Decisions impact others.

There are other examples in the Bible of innocent choices which changed the course of the rest of the lives of those who made them. When Jacob decided to send Joseph, wearing his coat of many colors, to check on his brothers it seemed like such a minor matter. Yet, it was the last time the patriarch would see his son for almost four decades. One simple decision which changed the lives of Jacob and his descendants for thousands of years.

In the last few months, two of the members at Palm Beach Lakes have made simple decisions which have changed their lives. Drastically changed their lives. Eternally changed their lives.

Months ago, David Sproule challenged every member to commit themselves to being present every time the doors of the church were opened this year. One couple made that choice. David and Casey Bound made that choice. At that time, David was not a member of the church. It is remarkable what happened. The teaching and preaching of the word of God penetrates the hearts of those who listen to God speaking to them. Faith comes from hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17), and the word of God implanted in David Bound’s heart began to grow and grow. Two weeks ago, David obeyed the gospel. His life was changed. Casey’s life was changed. The life of their newly born child was changed. These lives were changed drastically. From one innocent decision—to attend worship three times each week.

Three weeks ago, I was talking with another member at Palm Beach Lakes. I had baptized him into Christ at least thirty years ago. His work interfered with his ability to come regularly. His spiritual growth stagnated. He was a member here, but not an active one. His work situation has changed, and he recently made a decision to start attending more. Last week, we talked again, and he said that this decision had changed him. He was so much happier and was now closer to God than he had ever been. He said, “It has changed me. My heart is so different.”

Think about these two men who have been changed. Is your faith as strong as you want it to be? Are you where you really want to be? Faith comes from hearing God’s word, and stronger faith comes from hearing God’s word more. Is there an innocent decision you should make? Think about it!

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Un Mensaje a la Conciencia

“LA VOZ INTERNA”
(UN ESTUDIO BREVE SOBRE LA CONCIENCIA DESDE EL PUNTO DE VISTA BIBLICO)
Hace algún tiempo por canal 7 televisora de Costa Rica aparecía regularmente un corto titulado: “Un mensaje a la conciencia, con el hermano Pablo” . La característica de este programa era su brevedad y en un gran porcentaje su exactitud en el mensaje. Sin lugar a dudas nuestra sociedad tiene una idea de lo que es conciencia y lo que  hace. Sin embargo este concepto no le pertenece a la sociedad sino es algo que se origina con Dios mismo. Tanto en el antiguo como en el nuevo testamento encontramos algunas cuantas menciones. En 1Samuel 24:5 la Biblia dice: “Después de esto se turbó el corazón de David, porque había cortado la orilla del manto de Saúl”. Aquí la palabra corazón es utilizada en ves de conciencia. David había reflexionado y entendido que sus acciones no debieron de tomar lugar de la manera que había acontecido. Intentar definir, que es la conciencia por sí solo es un reto ya que en reiteradas ocaciones las santas escrituras nos hablan de ella. Por ejemplo podemos afirmar que la conciencia es un testigo en vez de ser el Juez definitivo en nuestras vidas. Estimado amigo realmente se convierte en un problema pensar que quien tiene que dictar una sentencia sea nuestra conciencia, ya que eso dejaría a la palabra escrita  de Dios de un lado. Observe usted lo que explica Pablo: “mostrando la obra de la ley escrita en sus corazones, dando testimonio su conciencia, y acusándoles o defendiéndoles sus razonamientos” (Romanos 2:15 RV1960). En este párrafo la palabra conciencia es utilizada pero necesitamos tener cuidado como leemos. En el contexto de este pasaje, Pablo está dirigiéndose a los Judíos después de haber exhortado en el primer capítulo a los gentiles. El hermano David Lipscomb junto al hermano J.W. Shepherd en su comentario a los Romanos escribe lo siguiente: 
Aquellos que aunque no están bajo la ley, la guardan, muestran muestra, que está escrita en sus corazones. Sus afecciones la han tomado y la hacen porque en sus corazones temen a Dios. Así que los gentiles podrían conocer la ley, mientras que no se les dio a ellos… podrían amarla, guardarla, y al hacerlo, llegar a ser una ley a sí mismos. Sus conciencias en tales casos darían testimonio de su amor y obediencia a la ley, pues la conciencia es un testigo de lo que pasa dentro del corazón. (Comentario del Nuevo Testamento, Romanos, Gospel Advocate pg.49).

Podemos afirmar que la conciencia es un testigo.

Podemos afirmar que la conciencia es un testigo.

La conciencia nunca debe de reemplazar la palabra de Dios, al contrario está para ayudarnos a aplicar las enseñanzas del cielo. Es curioso ¿no lo cree? es como un mecanismo que bien usado puede ser un amigo importante para el viaje al cielo. Como si el diseñador del ser humano lo puso ahí a propósito. Este “dispositivo” de la conciencia instalado por el mejor técnico  del universo presenta un defecto. Pero este defecto fue también planeado. Una vez que el hombre peca no puede quitar ese pecado de su conciencia, simplemente no es posible. Por esa razón usted podrá observar a una mujer que quizás ha abortado a su bebé y con el transcurso del tiempo la culpa le persigue, quizás no con la misma intensidad pero no es posible para ella borrar eso del “disco duro”. Hebreos 9:9 nos clarifica más al respecto. Aquellas cosas bajo la antigua ley no podían hacer al adorador perfecto, por la sencilla razón que durante el sistema del antiguo pacto la conciencia nunca fue absuelta de todo pecado a pesar de los sacrificios. Había un “recordatorio” del pecado sobre el adorador cada año en el día de la expiación.  Aquellos sacrificios simplemente no tenían la fuerza o la capacidad, el poder para hacer de la conciencia algo completamente puro (Heb.10:2). Los sacrificios de animales no podían por sí mismos hacer que el alma estuviera en absoluta paz. A esto se está refiriendo el autor de los Hebreos y el hermano Tom Wacaster lo puso de una forma sencilla una ocasión, cuando dijo: “La gran debilidad del antiguo pacto era su carnalidad”. Es correcto concluir que Solamente Cristo el Señor y su sangre pueden “limpiar la conciencia de obras muertas” (Hebreos 9:14)  es lo más acertado y de eso precisamente trata todo el libro de Hebreos; la superioridad de Cristo. Bajo el antiguo pacto la sangre de los toros y los machos cabrios nunca pudieron quitar los pecados y así lo diseñó Dios para que pudiésemos nosotros apreciar correctamente el sacrificio de su hijo. ¡Gracias Dios por eso!. La pregunta siguiente es: ¿Cómo quita Cristo la inmundicia de la conciencia? 
La conciencia y él Pecador:  Para el hombre penitente que ha buscado la solución y respuesta a esta pregunta en muchos y diversos lugares la replica bíblica puede ser muy reconfortante. A travez de la obediencia al evangelio; siendo sumergido en agua para perdón de los pecados, allí y solo allí, en las aguas cristalinas del bautismo es cuando el Señor limpia la conciencia. El Apóstol Pedro fue bastante claro en la conclusión de su explicación, el dice: “Y correspondiendo a esto, el bautismo ahora os salva (no quitando la suciedad de la carne, sino como una petición a Dios de una buena conciencia) mediante la resurrección de Jesucristo,” (1Pe. 3:21 LBLA). Otra versión de la Biblia lo pone aún mucho más en perspectiva para nosotros,  la DHH lee de la siguiente forma la primera linea “Y aquella agua representaba el agua del bautismo, por medio del cual somos ahora salvados” El agua que Salvó a Noe y lo separó de aquel mundo de inmundicia, separa hoy al pecador penitente del mundo y es así como puede pedirle a Dios una buena conciencia, limpia, pura, santificada y fuerte.  Sabemos que es difícil pero se puede lograr. Un hombre que hizo tanto daño en su vida pasada pudo ciertamente con la ayuda del Señor purificar su conciencia. Es por eso que utiliza en varias ocaciones esta palabra en Timoteo  y Tito (1Tim 1:5,4:2, 1:19, 3:9; 2Tim 1:3 Tito 1:15). Es verdad que los contextos son diferentes pero es notable observar a los dos receptores, Timoteo y Tito. Ellos eran evangelistas, ministros del nuevo testamento, en lo que Pablo había trabajado también por varios años y que ahora estaba llegando al final de su carrera. Aquel perseguidor pasó a ser predicador y es evidente que aquellos 2 Jóvenes evangelistas debían de tener en cuenta los alcances de su trabajo, ellos eran colaborares del Señor en la “limpieza de conciencia a domicilio” tal como sucedió con el gran apóstol Pablo quien estaba escribiendo esas lineas (Hechos 22). 
La conciencia y el Cristiano: ¿Cómo trabaja la conciencia en aquellos quienes ya han sido lavados en las aguas del bautismo para aspiración de una buena conciencia?. Es difícil determinarlo, sin embargo las palabras del apóstol Pablo  hacen un eco en este aspecto, el escribe: “Por tanto, conociendo el temor del Señor, persuadimos a los hombres, pero a Dios somos manifiestos, y espero que también seamos manifiestos en vuestras conciencias” (2 Cor.5:11 LBLA). Los hermanos de la ciudad de Corinto sin duda alguna son conocidos en la historia del N.T por los muchos problemas carnales y doctrinales resultados de la influencia de la depravada ciudad de Corinto. Con todo, Pablo escribe a ellos apelando al temor del Señor que le movía a él, al resto de los apóstoles que habían sido dispersados por todas partes, y  todo el equipo evangelístico del siglo primero. Pablo explica que el blanco de ellos era agradar a Dios primeramente pero también llegar a las conciencias de ellos. Conciencia en griego es “Syneidesis” en todo el N.T aparece 32 veces. Thayes define esta palabra como: La co-percepción, el alma que distingue entre lo que es moralmente correcto e incorrecto. El mensaje de Pablo y de estos hermanos estaba siendo dirigido a esto precisamente y no a las emociones era como un misil teledirigido con un blanco muy bien definido. Es bastante conveniente por el contexto inmoral en la que estaba situada la ciudad de Corinto que esto fuera el caso.  Otros pasajes en el uso de esta palabra ratifican este hecho (1Co 8:7, 8:10, 8:12,10:25, 10:27, 28,29). Es interesante notar que en la primera carta a ellos se usa unas 7 veces pero en la segunda carta 1 o 2 veces solamente. Quienes han estudiado la Biblia regularmente recordarán que la primera  carta a Corintos se confrontan pecados fuertes, inmorales como por ejemplo en el capitulo 5 donde aquel hombre convivía sexualmente con su madrastra. Al llegar a la segunda de Corintos este problema había sido corregido y el objetivo santo había sido logrado. Los hermanos ahora debían de recibir a este hermano de nuevo en la comunión. La conciencia en el cristiano puede ser violada y sin embargo en apariencia la persona puede seguir obrando piadosamente. En 1Tim 4:2 Pablo llamó a esto “cauterizar la conciencia” esto es algo como “amarrarla de pies y manos y apresarla para obrar conforme al deseo carnal que es más fuerte que la razón misma. Pero cuando los cristianos pecan pueden pedir perdón a Dios confesando el pecado (1Jn.1:9) poniendo así en libertad a la conciencia sin olvidar la exhortación que se nos hace la cual  es la misma a la de la mujer adultera de Juan 8… “Vete y no peques más”. 
Conclusión
No es conveniente violar la conciencia pero tampoco es sabio confiar en ella. Esta parte integrada en nuestro ser espiritual  puede ser muy útil pero no es infalible. La Biblia y solo la Biblia debe de dictarnos las reglas en cuanto a la moralidad, respecto a lo que es correcto y lo que no lo es. La conciencia ha sido puesta como un auxiliar para no pecar pero no determina cómo el hombre debe de obrar para con su Creador. Fue, el mismo Pablo quien escribió: “Entonces Pablo, mirando fijamente al concilio, dijo: Hermanos, hasta este día yo he vivido delante de Dios con una conciencia perfectamente limpia.” (Hechos 23:1 LBLA). El hermano Leo. H boles comentó que este pasaje está conectado a 1Tim 1:15 y cómo Pablo había incluso matado cristianos y su conciencia no le acusaba porque pensaba que prestaba un servicio a Dios (Jn.16:2). Su celo por el judaísmo era tan grande que su conciencia estaba “formatiada” de esa manera sin embargo amigo lector, Dios es la única fuente confiable para determinar qué es lo correcto y lo incorrecto. Su Palabra es nuestro único estándar  en el cual seremos juzgados (Jn.12:48) ¡ En el día del Juicio final, Ojalá su conciencia no sea una excusa!.
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