Commendable is the congregation's commitment to see that the gospel is preached whenever and wherever it is permitted to do so (11 Tim. 4:1-2), but is it also the case that a congregation can do much harm to the cause of Christ? How so?

I . The influence of a faithful congregation is unnecessarily marred. The elders and each of the members bear the responsibility of judging righteously, but each congregation is also responsible for doing that which is honorable in the sight of our God and to take care that even our rightful deeds are not misunderstood and thereby cause harm to the local congregation and the Lord's cause (Rom. 12:17; 1 Cor. 8:9).

2. The blurring of the distinction between the commendable and the condemnable is made. The obligation to love God, man, and the truth demands that congregations develop and increase their ability to discern and choose God's way and to help others do the same (Matt. 22:37-39; 11 Thess. 2:10; Js. 1:21). How much aid will the immature, the weak, and the gullible receive if a congregation has a known false teacher?

3. The congregation encourage the enemies. of the cross to be encouraged in their false ways. If a congregation agrees to have its good name associated with the enemies of the cross of Christ, it is telling the community and the brotherhood they wish not to abide in 'the doctrine of Christ. They are just adding fuel to the current bonfire of digression among us. One wonders if they have a set course for hell by inviting the apostate speaker to come.

4. God commands the congregation to mark and avoid divisive men (Rom. 16:17). They know what the false teacher has said and written. They know of the apostate lectureships he has appeared on. They know of the false teachers he willingly gives God-speed to. Yet, in spite of all of this, they invite him to appear at their congregation to hold a-gospel meeting. They should be "marking and avoiding" him that is what God requires. But some among us could care less what God requires. There will be no attempt to expose the wickedness fostered by the invited false teacher. Surely a congregation acts in defiance of God's commands and intensifies the fires of apostasy, which even now threaten to engulf the church.

5. Congregations willfully hurt faithful brethren. The church of our Lord is the army of the Lord. Christians are to be His loyal soldiers,-those who wear the whole armor of God. They- are to fight the good fight of faith (Eph. 6:10ff, 1 Thess. 5:21). Congregations motivated by love should be set for relentless battle with the devil we must choose men and activities that will further the Lord's cause. Faithful brethren will not be told of the ways o-cr the false teacher. They will think everything is all right and they will, in turn, give the false teacher God-speed in his efforts to hurt the cause of Christ. Good speeches and good intentions do not justify a congregation bringing into the community false teachers and asking area congregations to support these lame efforts at presenting the truth. Consistency, thou art a jewel.