chutzpahs
The word "chutzpah", from old Hebrew and Aramaic roots, connotes bluntness, frankness, and audacity, for good or for bad. In terms of dealing with people, it's the diametric opposite of the American millennial generation. Chutzpah, a big part of Jewish culture, is desperately needed in today's local churches and in a world turned upside down by political correctness.
Chutzpah is needed more than ever in the church and in the world.
There were two things about the preaching of the Lord Jesus Christ that gave people pause and drew them to listen. First, they wondered at the "gracious words" that came out of his mouth (Luke 4:22). He was gracious; He didn't rant and rave like a shock-and-awe sidewalk protester dressed in neon colors and publicly singling out individuals. His words, though strong, carried with them His heart and His convictions, "alway with grace" (Colossians 4:6).
But that's not all. Jesus, being truly Jewish in the flesh, also spoke as "one having authority, and not as the scribes" (Matthew 7:28-29). He spoke with chutzpah. And the people were therefore astonished. Jesus Christ didn't beat around the bush; He refused to dissimulate; He never apologized for the truth; He spoke plain as if He really believed what He was preaching; and He was never politically correct. His words were "seasoned with salt" (Colossians 4:6).
At times, it can be said that our Lord even used buzzwords that He knew would elicit an angry reaction, but for the sake of the truth, he spoke them anyway. He spoke them; He didn't yell or scream them. Luke 19:40, Matthew 26:64, John 8:44-59, and John 19:11 reflect true buzzwords, true chutzpah, on the part of the Saviour.
We would do well to learn from our Lord's example and be those that say, both to the world and to the church: "I'll tell you plain . . ."
Below, you will find some chutzpahs we have promulgated over the years and for which we make no apology. May these be a source of conviction and motivation to the Remnant Body of the Lord Jesus Christ in dark days when the world needs chutzpah:
“Everywhere you go, preach the Gospel and if necessary, use a bullhorn.”
“When truth is spoken to 3,000 people, 300 will listen, and 3 will believe. When error is spoken to 3 people, 300 will listen, and 3000 will believe.”
“In these dark times, the Christian leader has two choices: a limited audience or a limited message. Preaching the whole counsel of God guarantees the former. Apostasy is the inevitable result of the latter.”
“If you claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ and cannot go into all nations with the Gospel, then you should give so that others can. If you cannot go or give, you should pray. If you can go, give, and pray, you should be doing all three.”
“It has often been said that men who don’t know their history are doomed to repeat it. But, where Bible-believing Christians are concerned, those who don’t know their history are doomed NOT to repeat it.”
“There is nothing holy about the Koran: it lies about Christ; proclaims salvation by works; denies God’s promises; and solicits the worship of an idol. Moreover, its message has damned untold millions to hell for centuries. To burn one, I’d have to buy one, and it ain’t worth the money.”
“These dark days, clear evidence of God’s judgment upon America is the caliber of preachers that fill her pulpits, leading people astray with Gospel-less moralisms.”
“Only foolish Americans think our freedom comes from the United States military. Freedom is a gift from the hand of Almighty God.”
“A man who fears GOD will not fear men. A man who fears men does not fear GOD.”
“Speaking is the inevitable outflow of belief. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you will speak your faith in him (Psalm 116:10; II Corinthians 4:13).”
“Seeker-sensitive ministry????? The Bible says there is no such thing as a seeker (Romans 3:10-11; Psalm 14:2).”
“I don’t see Jesus Christ teaching that we should “strategically” try to get into communities by sugar-coating the Gospel from the outset. The biblical approach to missions and evangelism is to go in boldly with the Gospel. If it is received, remain. If it is rejected, resume the journey (Luke 10:5-12) The Great Commission is about obedience, not results.”
“Human history shows that all manmade attempts at bringing “peace on earth” or “worldwide unity” have resulted in prison camps, revolutions, bloodshed, graves, and the persecution of Bible-believers. Real peace on earth will only come when Jesus Christ physically and bodily returns to earth to set up His Kingdom. Any manmade effort is suspect, at best.”
“In God’s court, abortion is murder; and to vote pro-choice makes you a guilty accomplice.”
“Hey Rick, Joel, Aposate American Churchianity: “He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD” (Proverbs 17:15).”
“No unity under tyrants! God Save the United States!”