The Uncertain Sounds of Evangelicalism
Marion H. Reynolds, Jr.
April 19, 1919 - Sept. 3, 1997
©FOUNDATION Magazine
Editorial, January-February 1997
EVANGELICAL LEADERS TODAY are so uncertain and
tentative in their words and actions that it is difficult to know just where they stand on
some of the most important issues of our day. Many of these leaders vary their messages to
appeal to different audiences, often expressing positions and principles that are
contradictory. When they write books or prepare tapes and videos, some of their message is
so biblical and so well-presented that every true believer could respond with a hearty
"Amen!" However, so many half-truths, perversions of truth and outright errors
are mixed with the precious truths of God's Word that any believer with even a limited
amount of spiritual discernment is left with serious questions and doubts-"What is
this leader trying to say?" "What does he mean?" "Is he teaching new
truths I need to learn, or is error being presented in a deceptive form?" Is it the
believer's scriptural responsibility to be reconciled enemies of Christ and the Bible, or
must these enemies be properly identified, exposed and removed from fellowship? Today,
evangelical leaders and movements have become so popular and appear to enjoy such growth
and success that it is difficult to speak words of reproof and rebuke, even though all of
God's leaders are commanded to do so (2 Tim. 4:1-5). We plead with all believers
everywhere to realize that failure to declare and obey "all the counsel of God"
can only lead to ultimate spiritual disaster for all concerned.
In l Corinthians 14:8, God asks a question which implies only one answer: "For if
the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?" The
only answer possible is "no one." If those commissioned to be God's
trumpet blowers (which would certainly include every evangelical leader) give uncertain
sounds on their trumpets, those who look to them for leadership and spiritual guidance
will certainly be and confused, making them easy prey for Satan and his angels of light (2
Cor. 11:1-l5). A similar message to that which God gave to His people Israel in Isaiah
58:1 needs to be repeated to all believers today with even greater diligence: "Cry
aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their
transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." Tragically, most evangelical
leaders today are trumpeting uncertain sounds, giving mixed signals and leaving their
followers in a state of spiritual confusion.
The uncertain sounds of evangelicalism were certainly heard by the more than
l9,000 young people gathered at the Urbana 96 Youth Missions Convention held
December 28-31, l 996. Be sure to read the clear; certain eye-witness reports in this
issue of Foundation magazine by associate editor Dennis Costella and our staff reporter
Matt Costella. And then, please help give this important documented information the widest
possible circulation. Precious young people were at Urbana 96 from around the world. They
were challenged by evangelical leaders to witness for Jesus Christ and to help reach
others around the world with the Gospel. That was commendable. However, while we have no
reason to question the sincerity or motives of either the evangelical leaders or the youth
participants at Urbana 96, what must be questioned is whether or not these evangelical
leaders, who have the ears of millions of professing Christians around the world, are
following their own orders from God. Every Christian leader has the God-given
responsibility not only to help bring the unsaved to Christ, but also to feed believers
with the pure Word of God. At the same time, he is to protect them from the wolves in
sheep' s clothing (false teachers) which have surreptitiously infiltrated the flock and
from those who have risen from within the flock (disobedient brethren) to draw away
disciples after themselves (Acts 20:17-32).
There are several reasons why most evangelical leaders produce uncertain sounds on
their trumpets. Perhaps the first reason is because most people today want to hear words
that please the flesh and not those that call for personal sacrifice. When absolute Truth
is proclaimed with complete disregard for how that Truth may be received, Christian
leaders, whether pastors, missionaries, evangelists, teachers, writers or speakers,
quickly discover that numbers decrease and contributions disappear. Many professing
Christians today are looking for and willing to accept almost any form of worldliness as
long as the word "Christian" is coupled with it. As a result, we have
"Christian" entertainment, "Christian" psychology, and 'Christian rock
music. The satanic premise "The end justifies the means," which has been used so
successfully by the Communists through the years, has been "Christianized." This
phrase is now applied to unscriptural evangelism in both the message and methods. It is
being used to produce massive movements which result in unscriptural worship, Bible study,
prayer and fasting; it is being used to destroy Scriptural walls which provide necessary
spiritual protection for the children of God; it is being used to build bridges between
truth and error; unscriptural bridges which facilitate the promotion and acceptance of
doctrines of demons (1 Tim. 4:1-3) and fail to protect against the insidious wiles of
Satan (Eph. 6:10-18).
Despite the uncertain sounds of evangelicals that are so prevalent today, we are
so thankful that God has His faithful leaders scattered around the globe–men
comparable to Elijah in the Old Testament who stood alone in challenging the 450 prophets
of Baal and the 400 prophets of the groves (1Kings 18:17-46); men like the apostle Paul in
the New Testament who, in a time of crisis, found himself standing alone, humanly
speaking, but received deliverance from the Lord Who stood with him (2 Tim. 4:16-18).
Through our slowly expanding radio and literature ministries, God is bringing us into
precious contacts with other leaders of like precious faith, convictions and desires. We
are thankful that we can encourage each other in continuing battle for the faith and in
the proclamation of the one true Gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus
Christ alone. We are thankful for the growing number of letters and phone calls from
fellow-believers whose spiritual discernment has led them to separate from compromising
churches even though such separations are extremely painful. We are thankful for those
growing number of discerning believers who are withdrawing financial support from
compromising groups and individuals and using their means to help those who will not bow
the knee to Baal nor remain silent in these days of rapidly increasing apostasy and
compromise. We are thankful faithful believers who are changing their wills and/or trusts
so that what they leave behind when God calls them home may be used for His glory. We may
not have much time left to serve the Lord acceptably with reverence and godly fear (Heb.
12:28), for our Blessed Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ could return at any moment ( l
Thess. 4: l 3-18). But as long as He leaves us here, we should put Him first in our
hearts, minds, thoughts and actions.
A wonderful future lies ahead for those who have been redeemed by the Blood of the
Lamb. The conflict now is great. The problems may seem insurmountable and suffering may be
intense, but let no believer become weary in well doing, for God has promised that we
shall reap in due time (His time) if we faint not (Gal. 6:7-9). Let us continually look
up! Our redemption draws nigh (Lk. 21:28) !
M.H. Reynolds, Jr.
