Many in our day have relinquished their stand. Preaching today has fallen on hard times. Preaching is now in the doldrums- if not in the doghouse. Our day has become the day of dialogue rather than declaration. Young men today are often discouraged from preaching as they witness disciples' disdain for the pulpit. Many members with an eye on the clock and a foot in the aisle are saying to the messenger, "Son, don't preach too long." Many feel the church can do without a Bible-thumping preacher in the pulpit using a lot of scripture to a captive audience.

We must return to distinctive preaching that rings with Biblical authority and clarity. A church conservative in doctrine, biblical preaching, militant in action, evangelistic in spirit, strict in moral and undenominational in posture will grow. Stake the word out in the hearts of men and watch the church catch fire. It has been proven that such grand themes as the Virgin Birth, the Cross, the Resurrection, the Lordship of Jesus, the Second Coming and Undenominational Christianity attract and convert men.

If we dilute the message, what do we have when we go to the lost? The first century Christians recognized the need for proper teaching. Early disciples persevered in the apostles' doctrine (Acts 2:42). God's ambassadors fitted their message to men's need rather than their fickle curiosities (Acts 17:18).

The divine strategy: win with the word or die with a lie. The early church gave the world a live option, and multitudes stormed to the cross.

As then--so now . A religion that is definitive, lovingly tough, separate, evangelistic and fundamental will win. Liberalism has nothing to offer. Social discourse and a lukewarm gospel are burial garments for liberal churches. Only the gospel of the blood of Christ can live (I Cor. 2:2; Gal. 6:14).