1. “Too Radical!”

2. Kill the Messenger! Enemies of truth cast doubt on the messengers of truth, 1 T hs. 2:13-16 Enemies of truth cast doubt on the messengers of truth, 1 T hs. 2:13-16 Slander, insinuations, slurs, insults, epithets, ill treatment, Gal. 4:16 (2 Cor. 11:26) Slander, insinuations, slurs, insults, epithets, ill treatment, Gal. 4:16 (2 Cor. 11:26) “Killing the messenger” does not change the message! “Killing the messenger” does not change the message! Are we “too radical” when we preach and demand the word of God? 2 Tim. 4:2-4 Are we “too radical” when we preach and demand the word of God? 2 Tim. 4:2-4 2

3. WHAT CHRISTIANS FACE IS NOT DIFFERENT FROM WHAT FAITHFUL ONES HAVE FACED IN THE PAST 3

4. “Too Radical!” King Ahab  Elijah, 1 Kgs. 18:17-18 King Ahab  Elijah, 1 Kgs. 18:17-18 Amaziah  Amos, Amos 7:10-13 Amaziah  Amos, Amos 7:10-13 The Jews  John the baptizer, Matt. 11:18 (3:4) The Jews  John the baptizer, Matt. 11:18 (3:4) 4

5. “Too Radical!” Pharisees  Jesus, Matt. 11:19; 12:24 Pharisees  Jesus, Matt. 11:19; 12:24 Enemies of the faith  Apostles, Acts 17:6 Enemies of the faith  Apostles, Acts 17:6 Tertullus  Paul, Acts 24:5-7 Tertullus  Paul, Acts 24:5-7 5

6. “Too Radical!” Brethren in the recent past… Brethren in the recent past… Opposition to instrumental music in worship … “Divisive”  Eph. 5:19 Opposition to instrumental music in worship … “Divisive”  Eph. 5:19 Opposition to church-supported human organizations … Opposition to church-supported human organizations … “Orphan-haters”  Jas. 1:27 “Orphan-haters”  Jas. 1:27 “Antis” … “church-splitters”… Yellow tag of quarantine “Antis” … “church-splitters”… Yellow tag of quarantine 6

7. “Too Radical!” Brethren today… Brethren today… Opposition to unity in diversity … “Tradition-bound hobbyists”  2 Jno. 9-11 Opposition to unity in diversity … “Tradition-bound hobbyists”  2 Jno. 9-11 Opposition to MDR innovations … “radical watchdogs”, “emotion-based” objections  Matt. 19:4-6, 9 Opposition to MDR innovations … “radical watchdogs”, “emotion-based” objections  Matt. 19:4-6, 9 7

8. WHY ARE SUCH CHARGES MADE AGAINST FAITHFUL BRETHREN AND THE TRUTH THEY TEACH? 8

9. Why such charges? Because when the whole counsel of God is preached it does not scratch itching ears, Acts 20:27; 2 Tim. 4:2-4 Because when the whole counsel of God is preached it does not scratch itching ears, Acts 20:27; 2 Tim. 4:2-4 Accusers have lost their love for truth, Psa. 119:97; 2 Ths. 2:10-12 Accusers have lost their love for truth, Psa. 119:97; 2 Ths. 2:10-12 Hearts are closed to truth, Matt. 13:15; Phil. 1:15-17 Hearts are closed to truth, Matt. 13:15; Phil. 1:15-17 Self is elevated, 2 Tim. 4:3-4; 2 Cor. 5: 11- 12; Gal. 6:13 Self is elevated, 2 Tim. 4:3-4; 2 Cor. 5: 11- 12; Gal. 6:13 9

10. WHAT ARE THE RIGHTEOUS TO DO IN THE FACE OF SUCH CHARGES? 10

11. What shall the righteous do? Remember there is a just cause, 1 Sam. 17:29-30 (26) Remember there is a just cause, 1 Sam. 17:29-30 (26) Examine ourselves, 2 Cor. 13:5 Examine ourselves, 2 Cor. 13:5 In the faith (truth), 2 Tim. 2:15 In the faith (truth), 2 Tim. 2:15 Pure motives, 2 Cor. 4:2 (Phil. 1: 15-16) Pure motives, 2 Cor. 4:2 (Phil. 1: 15-16) 11

12. What shall the righteous do? Contend for the faith, not ourselves, Jude 3-4; 2 Cor. 10:12-13; 2:17 (Phil. 1:14; Acts 20:20, 27) Contend for the faith, not ourselves, Jude 3-4; 2 Cor. 10:12-13; 2:17 (Phil. 1:14; Acts 20:20, 27) Repetition in teaching promotes learning and stability, 2 Pet. 1:12 Repetition in teaching promotes learning and stability, 2 Pet. 1:12 Hold up the hands of the faithful, Exo. 17:8-13 Hold up the hands of the faithful, Exo. 17:8-13 12

13. “Too Radical”! Follow the example of Jesus and endure hostility Hebrews 12:1-2 (1 Pet. 2:21-24) The opposition of men does not prevent God’s purposes from being fulfilled! Isaiah 55:11 13