What is meant by controvery?  Some of the synonyms are arguement, discussion, debate, and dispute.

    Our question for study is:  Does God's Word have anything to say about this matter or is it just left up to each one to decide if it is to be avoided or engaged in?

    Some years ago, I was asked to consider working with a congregation that at the time had two elders.  As we discussed the work one of the men expressed that he was interested in a preacher who would preach the Word without any reservation as to theme or subject regardless of what attitude might be manifested by the hearers.  The other said he wanted a man who would not drive anyone awa, call names or make anyone mad.

    For years some have resounded the cry "Just preach the gospel and leave people alone."  "Don't rock the boat", "Don't stir up the natives", "Live and let live", in other words they are saying we do not want any controversy.

    In Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 16:15-16 is recorded what we clal the commission to preach the gospel.  Matthew also shows that this charge was to be passed on to others and according to what Paul said in Romans 1:16 and 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the reason for this is obvious.

    Man needs to be saved from his sins and all have sinned Romans 3:23.  God's grace and love provided through Christ the way of salvation.  It needs to be preached unto men.

    The question then follows, are we going to fulfill our responsibility in preaching the gospel, are we going to use the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:18), or put it up?  Are we afraid to preach the Word as revealed -- are we afraid to pay the price for doing so?  The purpose of preaching the Gospel is to:
            a.  Give faith (Romans 10:13 - 17)
            b.  Convict sinners (John 16:8; Acts 2:37)
            c.  Produce repentance (Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30, 2 Peter 3:9).
            d.  Save Lost (1 Corinthians 1:21; James 1:21)

    There are two major points to be discussed:
            (1)  What is called POSITIVE preaching?
            (2)  Should we call NAMES in our preaching?

    Christ was the only perfect preacher, all others have short comings, one of which we face today is "POSITIVE PREACHING SYNDROME".  Define - (1) POSITIVE - always on the upbeat - never say anything against or negative.  (2)  PREACHING - teaching, if not, should be.  (3) SYNDROME - the combination of symptoms in a disease; a set of series or related things, happenings or the like.

    Positive christianity will eliminate any and all controversy, it is to speak only on positive terms, to emphasize emotional love above all else.  If continued it will produce a generation of Christians who are as weak as water.

    In the October 1985 issue of "THE HEBRON HERALD" the editor Donald Townsley wrote "I'm afraid that some of us have become so enamored with the 'POSITIVE PREACHING SYNDROME' that we are fearful of drawing the sword from the sheath lest we be accused of being overly "NEGATIVE" -- we need positive preaching, edifying, upbuilding, uplifting lessons, but it is also true that we need so desperately to speak out against sin, to be specific about what sin is and what sin will do.

    I quote from another article that appeared in "THE GOSPEL ANCHOR" in February 1987 and was written by Don Martin.  "Frankly we also presently have some who can and will preach what the people want.  They will never lose their head because they will never stick out their neck for truth's sake.  It is past time that we need to desist applauding mealey mouthed pupit entertainers and start supporting Gospel preaching".  There are churches that have not heard the truth on a number of vital subjects -- because the local preacher is afraid some will become upset if he preaches on such a controversial subject.

    One other quote along this line is from Jimmie Tuten's article in April 17, 1986 issue of "GUARDIAN OF TRUTH" -- "This has resulted in the kind of preaching that can best be labeled warmed over pablum.  Some preachers have become time-servers and crowd pleasers who act more like public relations men and pep-rally enthusiasts than the preachers they ought to be.  Bible preaching has been replaced by hirelings who are afraid and refuse to fight the error that they know exists in the congregations where they preach".

    These articles plus many other things which could be said, show, and all too clearly that changes have and are occurring.  Years ago we grew because we had convictions and stood for them -- error was challenged -- truth was defended.  The fire of zeal has been weakened by softness -- pulpits that once blazed forth the Gospel without fear or fervor now ooze with sticky sweetness.

    Preachers present a beautifully worded message, very little scripture, if any is used, no sin is condemned and no hearts are convicted.

    Let's be very careful that we are not guilty of paying closer attention to the messenger instead of the message.  It is possible for truth to be taught and not teach the truth needed.  Preaching needs to be adapted to the needs of the hearer -- notice the sermon in Acts 2 and also Philip to the eunuch in Acts 8.

    In Matthew 15:3-9, Jesus told the Scribes and Pharisees that they had made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.  He also pointed out their worship was vain see Mark 7:7-8.

As I have said many times before, very few doctrinal sermons are preached in the denominational world.  Therefore, the result is that many who are members of such really don’t know all that much about their doctrine.  So when religious error is exposed, it needs to be identified in order that people will know who it is that follows such error.

   In Matthew chapter 23, we have Jesus talking about the Scribes and Pharisees – notice the names, verses 2, 1, 14, 15, 16, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 33 – was He a name caller?

   Did the preaching of Jesus ever turn people off?  Notice John 6 – After hearing Jesus teaching on the bread of life, many of his disciples went back and walked NOT with Him no more.  The rich young ruler, Matthew 19:16-22 – these are just two examples of many that could not be given.

   Preaching and teaching the Gospel of Christ will cause controversy because the Gospel demands that we confront a lost world with truth.  This will bring us into conflict with religious errors and their teachers.  It might even make some mad, it may cost us friends and other things of the world.

       -- Denver Niemeier