The old man sat in a corner of the church enjoying the worship service. He was the best preacher and teacher in the church, but he seldom spoke anymore. He was old and he was tired so he had passed the baton to another generation.

In recent months, he had begun to be concerned about the things being taught to the congregation. The pure Gospel of Jesus Christ was being changed to appeal to a larger audience. Many were teaching that Jesus was not a real person and that He was not the only way to the Father. The old man determined he must speak out. He would tolerate nothing, but the truth.

With strength in his legs and firmness in his voice which he had not felt in months, he stood and began to speak. This is how his message began “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life” Yes, the old man was John the beloved, the one whom Jesus loved. He was the last of the generation that had eaten fish with Jesus. He had leaned against the breast of the Master. He had watched the Savior die and he saw Him live again. He, the one whom Jesus loved, would never let the Lover of his soul be marginalized by any teaching that was not the truth.

John stood as a wall that was intolerant of false teachers. He proclaimed that Jesus is alive and we can walk with Him and talk with Him. He taught that the Son of God was the only one who could stand for us as an advocate before the Father. John knew that the Holy Spirit bore witness to the Truth. He also knew that the Antichrist had evil spirits speaking through many false prophets. John’s writings teach us, if we are children of God we will be obedient to God. And if we are obedient to God, we will tolerate nothing but the truth about the Savior.

Jesus is the one who was from the beginning. With my ears, I have heard His voice and with my eyes, I have seen His love. His breath has breathed life into my soul and His touch has guided my steps. Like John, I have been heartbroken when man-made doctrines have guided people into hell. Now while many preachers are arguing the finer points of Calvinism and Arminianism, I have determined to know nothing but Christ and Him crucified. Jesus Christ is the living Savior. This is truth. I challenge all who hear and read these words. Stand on the Word of God, accept only the truth and nothing but the truth.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

From Down Where The Pavement Ends