Whenever the young men whom John Wesley sent out to preach returned, he would ask two questions: "Was anyone converted?" and "Did anyone get angry?" If the answer was no to both questions, he cautioned them about entering the ministry. He explained that when God's Word is faithfully presented, people either believe or they become antagonistic.

The apostle Paul told the Corinthian believers, "Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!" (1 Cor. 9:16). Many preachers in our day don't have the passion Paul had for proclaiming the truth. They seem to be more concerned with avoiding statements or truths that might be offensive. In their desire to conform to the world's shifting standards, they compromise and twist the words of the Bible instead of confronting evil with courage and love.

God warns those who distort His words. Through the prophet Jeremiah, He declared His opposition to the religious leaders who "cause My people to err by their lies and by their recklessness" (Jer. 23:32). Instead, God urged the prophets, "Speak My word faithfully" (v.28).

Today more than ever, we need to pray that men of God will courageously hold forth His Word.  — Henry G. Bosch