During almost 40 years of ministry I have seen many gifted, charismatic, motivational, popular, respected pastors, and preachers exposed for living in long-term unconfessed sinful behavior. We are all moments away from committing great evil ourselves except for the grace of God. Yet, to live in long term unrepentant sin as a pastor, to not step down when you know you are disqualified, calls into question his salvation.
If you merely go by what the Bible plainly says the great majority of texts declare a person who lives in long-term unconfessed sin "will not inherit the kingdom of God," (e.g., Jn. 3:36; 14:15, 21, 23-24; Rom. 1:5; 16:26; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; 16:22; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Jn. 3:4, 8-10; Rev. 21:8).
How can a truly born again believer, a highly trained pastor no less, live in the flesh, lying, deceiving, slandering, taking and serving communion, preaching the Word of God, doubling and tripling down when confronted about his sin, for years? This, to be sure, is of the evil one, not the Holy Spirit. Jesus confronted the hypocritical religious leaders of His day, who behind the scenes were doing everything they could do discredit Jesus' ministry. Jesus said:
“You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44).
Long term, unconfessed lying, deceiving, slander, and the like, come from the unconverted heart. As Jesus taught, “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. “All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.” (Mark 7:21–23)
Contrary to what some have asserted, the problem has nothing to do with Bible or preaching conferences, or a person's popularity. It has everything to do with a person's heart before a holy God and the true condition of his soul.
J. C. Ryle rightly noted: "Great illnesses seldom attack the body, without a previous train of premonitory symptoms. Great falls seldom happen to a saint, without a previous course of secret backsliding. The church and the world are sometimes shocked by the sudden misconduct of some great professor of religion. Believers are discouraged and stumbled by it. The enemies of God rejoice and blaspheme. But if the truth could be known, the explanation of such cases would generally be found to have been private departure from God. Men fall in private, long before they fall in public. The tree falls with a great crash, but the secret decay which accounts for it, is often not discovered till it is down on the ground." (J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on Matthew, 376–377.)
The Apostle Paul who planted the church at Corinth was being slandered by false teachers who infiltrated the church of Corinth after his departure. They made many false accusations against him, his ministry, his appearance, and character. None of which were true. Behind the scenes they lobbed their verbal grenades for they were too cowardly to tell the Apostle Paul to his face. The Apostle Paul wrote 2 Corinthians to defend himself against these false accusations and slanders.
In 2 Cor. 6:1-10 he lays out in detail what a God glorifying ministry of integrity looks like, what the true minister is willing to suffer, the fruit of the Holy Spirit that is displayed in his life, and the blessings that are received from God even in the midst of persecution, trials, and slander. May God raise up more godly men of integrity to preach the gospel! @anchorbiblelou
FREE STUDENT RALLIES!
2 Crossover Student Rallies in Dallas, TX connected to the Southern Baptist Convention.
Games, Giveaways, and most importantly - the Gospel.
There will be two rally options – choose the location that is best for you & your group!
Friday, June 6, 2025 6:30–8 p.m. (Doors open at 6:00 p.m.) First Baptist Rockwall 610 S Goliad St Rockwall, TX 75087
Saturday, June 7, 2025 4:30–6 p.m. (Doors open at 4:00 p.m.) Cross Church – North Richland Hills Campus 6955 Blvd. 26 North Richland Hills, TX 76180
REGISTER HERE: https://t.co/2NZ8XdR9cB
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
~Philippians 4:6-7
Father, we pray that You will intervene in the lives of Rebellious-Parents who are living ungodly lives. Deliver them from evil, O Lord, we pray. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
I tell you that the great God, who might have frowned you to hell for your secret sins that nobody knew of but God and your own souls, and who might have damned you times without number, has cast the mantle of his love over you
Father, we pray for the Salvation of Unsaved Young Adults who are active in all manners of ungodly living in their places of employment. We pray that You will hear and answer our United Prayers for their Salvation. We pray in the Name of Jesus. Amen.