Leaving A Church

"NO ONE EVER LEAVES THE CHURCH — HAPPY!

"I wish those who trouble you were also cut off" (Galatians 5:12).

Charles Hodge when he had preached for 45 years said, "I have seen it all." There is nothing new under the sun. Since Biblical times members "have left the church." NONE HAPPILY! Today our critical world has made the church "hyper-critical." To make bad matters worse leaders have stopped trying to save souls opting to keep brethren happy. No preacher nor eldership can do this (even God cannot!).

It used to be when brethren left they "changed congregations." Now they start their own church or go to sectarian groups. One thing is constant — they are not happy.

Paul dealt with this in our text. It is not pleasant. Paul was frustrated, angry! He pulled no punches. Galatia was close to Phrygia. They worshiped Cybelle . . . this idolatrous philosophy mutilated. Self-mutilation. Paul said, "Let them mutilate themselves ... let them cut themselves away." It is tough. It is Biblical. Paul said "Let them go!" When will we ever learn?

Jesus "let them go" in John 6. Peter could have gone, too. Demas left. John simply said, "They would have not left us save they were not part of us!" It is also sad when brethren get "too big" for the brethren. Truth is no longer absolute! Political Correctness overrules common sense. Paul reacted in bitterness, cruelty.

It is high time "We cleaned out the barn" down at church. We are "tip-toeing" when we should be preaching. One cannot see the difference between the world and the church. Let them leave.

Then notice . . . they will not leave happy!

Charles Hodge - 711 Villa Creek, Duncanville, TX 75137