PREACH THE WORD! by C. Castberg

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Aug 27, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 35.

“PREACH THE WORD!”

By C. Castberg

“I CHARGE thee,” says the apostle Paul to the Christian minister, “preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Tim. 4 : 1—4.

These words were spoken with reference to “the last days,” when the coming of our “Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom” (2 Tim. 3:1; 4:1) is nigh at hand. The admonition, therefore, applies to the generation in which we are living—a time that surely more than any other time in the history of the world is a time of “fables;” for the children of men are “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” Eph. 4 : 14.

To meet these fables many think that they ought to be conversant with them, and so they study Mormon, Theosophical, Unitarian, Spiritistic, and other writings, in order—as they suppose—to be better qualified to meet these doctrines within the pale of their own domain. But what a mistake! And what has been the outcome of this method of study?—Bitterness and strife and unbelief, and no results worthy of mention for the advancement of the truth. But “the servant of the Lord,” Paul says, “must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves: if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge [R.V.] of the truth.” 2 Tim. 2 : 24, 25.

And how much valuable time has been thrown away in attacking everything and everybody—precious time that might have been used for a better purpose! Paul shows us a better and more effective way: “Preach the Word!” Every other weapon is carnal; but “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God.” With “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Eph. 6 : 17)—the only sword a Christian is justified in using—one will be able to cast down “every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God.” 2 Cor. 10 : 4, 5.

Let alone the fables, and the things which others teach or think; “do the work of an evangelist” by preaching the WORD, and then the fables, or erroneous doctrines, will vanish as the morning dew from the minds of those that are sincere at heart. The truth shall make them free. John 8 : 31, 32.

Oakland, Cal. C. CASTBERG.