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Meeting the Challenge
"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the
Word of God," (Eph. 6:17).
Expository Files articles are characterized by an emphasis on what the
Scriptures teach. In a publication where there is this kind of emphasis, you
will also find an outspoken approach in identifying and exposing error. The
editors believe we must not only refuse participation in sin and error, we are
also obligated to expose it (see Eph. 5:11 & 2 Cor. 10:1-6). We try to do this
without being self-righteous, and in keeping with the humility that ought to be
rooted in every servant of the Lord (2 Tim. 2:23-26).
On the subject of religious error, it is noteworthy that godless and
unscriptural philosophies and doctrines have a way of finding one another. There
may be no formal, organized conspiracy. But there is an informal networking that
takes place in consequence of shared goals and similar teaching. Just as the
proponents of truth and error tend to polarize, those with similar values and
aims often find each other and work together.
I believe this is happening today, in our society. Have you observed how the
following systems seem to be linking together and cooperating with each other?
Militant feminism
The New Age movement and eastern religions
deviant sex practitioner Rights
Nature worship
Secular Humanism
Abortion Rights
What do they have in common? Is the link-up merely coincidental? Well, there may
be some diversity and even some disagreement, but all of these causes and
perspectives are politically correct and Biblically incorrect. They all - some
more vocally then others - regard Christians as a bothersome and ignorant
minority group threatening the peace of universal tolerance and individual
freedom. Their agenda reflects this attitude.
There is no place for a compromise, and we cannot afford to be ill-prepared in
meeting these challenges. Only those aware of and willing to take up the
struggle will survive the forces of evil at work in our society. And standing
firm is only possible if we have the belt of truth, the breastplate of
righteousness, feet shod with the gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of
salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
Our prayer is, Expository Files will help awaken and enlighten those with a good
and honest heart.
By Warren E. Berkley
The Final Page
From Expository Files 2.2; February, 1995
