The Irrelevance of Positivism
Preachers obsessed with the popular positivism of the day need to heed a vital consideration. Their lopsided devotion renders their ministry irrelevant to a crucial area of their constituents' lives. The brethren are constantly confronted with pressing issues, both moral and religious, that cannot with impunity be ignored. If the preacher or teacher is to give help here, he must clearly and emphatically apply Gods truth to these issues, exposing and reproving the error and setting forth the right way of God. This the Prophets, the Lord Jesus, and the Apostles did with vigor. One cannot legitimately dissociate himself from the contemporary arena by taking refuge in mere biblical lore, or a never-failing affirmative and brightsome attitude. It may create an attractive image (for some) for the preacher to be always positive, and pleasant, but it can be a distinct disservice to those who hear him. --Fred O. Blakely
