an update here: A Response to Posts Critical of “Watch Bloggers”
I saw this article this past weekend and I was a bit stunned in a number of different ways:
1. It is an unbiblical statement as we are all called in God’s Word to be Watchmen and “good Bereans”
2. It comes from a Pastor in a denomination where the vast majority of its churches no longer have Biblical “elders” but instead have 501c3 corporate style Business Boards who do not know God’s word, take no part in providing oversight in what is taught or preached in their churches, the Pastor is a corporate style CEO where the “Pastor is Master” !
3. It comes from a denomination whose national leadership have increasingly compromised Biblical Truth, therefore abrogating their position as True Spiritual leaders and Biblical elders.
4. The Pastor who wrote the article is a Pastor who does not operate his church on the model of a plurality of Spiritual elders who oversee and protect the spiritual health of the local church and the pastor as but one of those elders, but instead has a 501c3 Corporate style Business Board with the Pastor as CEO, where the “Pastor is Master” and if there are any “elders” they are “ruled” by the Pastor and his agenda.
The established visible churches have abrogated their role in guarding the Gospel and have instead put denominational allegience ahead of Allegience to God and Biblical Truth. Hence the need for Online Discernment Ministries to fill the gap and make people aware of the rapid disintegration of Biblical Truth in the vast majority of Churches.
Denominational “Professional” Pastor’s have put job security ahead of standing on Biblical Truth out of fear of being kicked out of their denominations and losing their pulpits, pension plans, and denomination perks!
Lets see what God’s Word says about the watchman position not only being reserved for ancient prophets, present pastors, seminary graduates, professional apologists, or just someone else besides you or the people you go to church with.
The fact is that the New Testament is full of exhortations for us to live godly, obedient lives. Doing that involves watchfulness, soberness, alertness, and even recognizing the enemy’s devices (2 Cor. 2:11) and warning others away from sin and satanic deception:
“Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19,20)
Watching and warning were regular inclusions in Paul’s letters to the churches. Paul himself showed characteristics of a watchman and then urged the readers of his day and now us to “imitate” him as he imitated Christ (1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1). Paul modeled for us what Godly concern and sounding a trumpet looked like.
The writer of Hebrews tells us to grow in maturity and to imitate others who demonstrate faithfulness:
“But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak to you in this manner. (The writer had previously been warning of the dangers of immaturity and apostasy). For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love, which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but IMITATE those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:9-12)
Peter tells us to be watchful (“sober; vigilant” 1 Peter 5:8), and the entire letter of Jude is a watchman’s warning, clearly identifying false teachers and crying out to church people like you and I “To Arms!!!” Of special note is verse 3:
“Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary (Lit: “compelled or pressured from the outside”. This construct is used 18 times in the New Testament) to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly (“Fight hard”) for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”
Jesus Christ Our Lord is the ultimate Watchman and “Chief Shepherd” (1 Peter 5:4). He left a brilliant pattern for us to follow of One who knew no compromise as He proclaimed the truth. By doing that, He displayed “salt” and “light” to fallen mankind and then asked us to be those same preserving and illuminating elements in the world we live in. (Matthew 5:13,14)
Worthy of mention is the fact that Jesus never shied away from taking the tough stands against the corrupt teachings and false religion in His day. He clearly declared the truth about hell, a real devil, the horrors of sin, and coming judgment.
The scriptures are obvious and vast so we wont include them all, but these writers and the Lord Himself demonstrated qualities and actions that were watchful and protective. If we are to try to imitate our Lord and Savior and live Godly examples, then our lives need to reflect clear seeing, bold warning, and alertness in this dark time.
