Arthur Gonçalves
Sep 18, 2025
Discerning truth from distortion, and keeping our eyes fixed on Christ and His kingdom.
The Apostle Paul warned the elders of Ephesus:
“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock” (Acts 20:28–29).
That warning still rings true today.
Recently, a document by Mark Driscoll has been circulating under the title “How to Find a Courageous Bible-Teaching Church in a World of Cowardly, Woke Pastors.” It was written particularly in response to the tragic death of Charlie Kirk. I reference it because it is a clear example of the kind of writings that may surface more frequently in days to come—materials that appear zealous for truth but, in reality, mix the gospel of Jesus Christ with political outrage, contempt for fellow pastors, and a spirit of division.
This kind of material does not build up Christ’s church. Instead, it tears down the body for whom Christ died, replaces the gospel of grace with cultural litmus tests, and fuels anger against shepherds rather than love for the Good Shepherd. Paul tells us plainly: “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1 Timothy 1:5). But rhetoric like this breeds suspicion, pride, and quarrels about words (1 Timothy 6:4–5).
Specific Concerns
Redefining biblical categories. The document calls political figures “martyrs,” which distorts the biblical meaning of martyrdom (Hebrews 11).
Unbiblical demands on pastors. It declares that pastors who don’t publicly address certain cultural tragedies are “in sin” and should resign—something God’s Word does not require.
Mocking the church. It condemns whole denominations as “dead coffins” and labels pastors “evanjellyfish.” Yet Scripture reminds us: “Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls” (Romans 14:4).
Equating silence with damnation. It suggests that not speaking politically equals damnation, undermining the sufficiency of the cross. Paul testified, “I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).
Drawing people away from the local church. It subtly directs believers to abandon local churches and instead follow one man’s ministry—a dangerous pattern that exalts personalities above Christ (1 Corinthians 1:12–13).
A Different Way
Beloved, this is not the way of Christ. James reminds us: “The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). The kingdom of God does not advance by political battles or worldly outrage but by the Spirit of Christ, through the preaching of the gospel, the making of disciples, and the holiness of God’s people (Matthew 28:18–20; John 18:36).
We must remember Jesus’ words: “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). When Christian leaders try to wed the kingdom of Christ to the kingdoms of men, they lead God’s people away from our true mission. Our calling is not to rally around partisan lines, but to proclaim the crucified and risen Savior who alone saves sinners and makes us one family in Him (Ephesians 2:14–16).
How Should We Respond?
Be discerning. Test every teaching by the Word of God (Acts 17:11).
Be charitable. Do not be drawn into a spirit of contempt or mockery (Ephesians 4:29).
Be steadfast. Cling to the true gospel, which is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).
Be prayerful. Pray for Christ’s church to remain faithful and for false teachers to repent (2 Timothy 2:25).
Final Word
I am saddened and angered when I see material like this because it distracts from Christ, divides His body, and disfigures His mission. Yet I am also filled with hope—for Jesus promised, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).
Let us not be swayed by loud voices that speak with the world’s anger. Let us instead be anchored in the still, strong Word of God—walking humbly with Christ, loving one another deeply, being a part of a faithful church, learning to grow in the “one another’s” together, and pressing on in His mission that He has entrusted to us.