Machen: "God send us preachers who... will be on fire for the cross!"

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In Christianity and Liberalism (1923), J. Gresham Machen writes,

"The issue often arises... Such and such a man, it is said, is a brilliant preacher. But what is the content of his preaching? Is his preaching full of the gospel of Christ? The answer is often evasive. The preacher in question, it is said, is of good standing in the church, and he has never denied the doctrines or grace. Therefore, it is urged, he should be called to the pastorate. But shall we be satisfied with such negative assurances? Shall we be satisfied with preachers who merely 'do not deny' the Cross of Christ? God grant that such satisfaction may be broken down! The people are perishing under the ministrations of those who 'do not deny' the Cross of Christ. Surely something more than that is needed. God send us ministers who, instead of merely avoiding denial of the Cross shall be on fire with the cross, whose whole life shall be one burning sacrifice of gratitude to the blessed Savior who loved them and gave Himself for them!"
This quote makes me think about Saskatchewan. It is not just true for Saskatchewan, but it is true for us. We don't need more pastors and churches; we need more pastors and churches who really truly believe the gospel and proclaim it clearly and unashamedly. We don't need pastors who view doctrine as divisive; we need pastors who are equipped to divide the Word of God rightly. We don't need pastors who treat doctrinal statements as necessary evils (or worse); we need pastors who are aflame with the life-giving truth of God's Word. We don't need pastors who head-nod the substitutionary death of Christ; we need pastors who daily hold it forth as the only hope for sinners and ultimate encouragement to the saints.

Oh that the Lord would pity us and raise up pastors who are full of Christ and cannot help but proclaim Him!

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