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Mike Evans | PentecostalTheology.com
When I was a child, a friend caught a snake and gave it to me for a pet. I kept this snake in a jar and oftentimes took it out to play with it. My mother soon found this was a rattle snake and disposed of the reptile. I was angry for a while as, being a child, I did not fully understand the danger I was playing with.
When a brother warns another of sinful activity which can drive the presence of God from a life, it is love. It is wise to accept such correction (Prov. 15:5). Those who say that correction is not loving do not understand the God of the Bible for the book of Hebrews describes discipline as a form of love (Heb. 12:10-11). In Fact the believer has a responsibility to warn others of sin (Ez. 3:16-21; 33:10-20). The Preacher is charged by the Holy Spirit to “preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:2).
Many today become angry when sin is pointed out and I believe it is because they do not understand the danger they are playing with. A snake can cause physical death, but sin can damn a person to hell for eternity. Would we not scream at the top of our lungs to save a person from eminent danger? Yet, People often tell the one who warns of spiritual danger to be quiet!
Let us all be open to correction and with hearts of love fulfill the charge of “preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:2).
Street Preacherz
A snake is a good comparison. Especially a poisonous snake. I was talking to man a few years ago. He did commit to Christ later and was born again. But I was talking to him about the dangers of sin. Particularly heroin. He said, “but I’m not an addict. I only use on the weekend.”
I used the example of a snake. Would you let a 9ft rattlesnake crawl around in the living room. In front of your children? No, was his obvious answer. I asked what about a 3ft rattlesnake? Again no. So what’s the difference? It’s sin, it’s still deadly.
Whether it’s big or small it will still kill you and your children. He understood immediately.
Ira Huth
Amen Brother! Good word!!
Casey Steer
Amen!