A recent issue of the GOSPEL ADVOCATE carried an account of an interview with N.B. Hardeman, who is now in his 87th year. He has been for many years one of the greatest: gospel preachers and educators.
In the interview he was asked: “In your judgment, what are the four greatest dangers facing the church today?” He replied: “First, a lack of Bible knowledge and a light regard for what it says. Second, a tendency to make the Church a social club for entertainment. Third, a disposition to compromise the Truth and discourage its preaching. Fourth, a love for the praise of men more than the praise of God, lest they should be put out of the club or some social organization.
Brother Hardeman has never been known as a “crank”, but has always been regarded as a man of sound judgment. The dangers which he points out are real. Any experienced Christian can see evidences of each of these dangers. Every congregation and individual must fight against these things. It is often said that the Church is full of unconverted people. The problems which Brother Hardeman mentioned prove that such is the case. The solution to this is for each of us to love the Lord, our God, with all our hearts. To do less is to fail in the judgment.
Lloyd L. Smith
Source: Beckley Heights BEACON, November 6, 1960
