Example Shows One's Belief

The best­seller lists ("Top 20") are based on actual sales in Christian bookstores in the U.S. and Canada. The October 1994 report shows Max Lucado with three books as best­sellers. Number one was When God Whispers Your Name. Number ten was He Still Moves Stones. In the non­fiction list, his book, God Came Near, was number seven. Obviously he is one of the most popular writers in America. His books are being widely read in the brotherhood at home and in the mission field. Max Lucado is also a preacher and lecturer who is on numerous lectureships and workshops.

Additionally the past two years or more, he has had a daily broadcast on 100 stations, which is aired all over the country and in foreign nations. It is listener sponsored and not church sponsored, and it is said to receive good financial support.

While scanning I happened to get the radio program over a Memphis "Christian radio station." Donations were being requested and donors would be able to get his book, Stronger in Broken Places. Since Max Lucado preaches for the Oak Hill church in San Antonio, Texas, I was astonished to hear instrumental music both to introduce and close the program.

The announcer gave at the end of the program its name, address, and phone: Upwards, P.O. Box 5860, San Antonio, Texas 78201. 1­800­822­WORD. After hearing the organ music, I called to see what connection the program had with the church, and also the reason for using instrumental music. The receptionist advised me that such music was "not an issue" and there was no scriptural reason not to use the organ since the program was "not a service." She stated that doctrinal matters are not argued on the program, but rather it was to give a "message of hope and faith." When I inquired if the program (that had WORD in its telephone number) set forth the conditions of salvation, she gave no answer.

Suppose a person heard the radio messages and wanted to be a Christian. What would Max Lucado teach this one about instrumental music in worship? His example of using the organ on his program demonstrates his belief that instrumental music is acceptable.

(Editor's comment: Another question of equal interest is: What would Max teach about baptism? Still another question: What would Max say about the church? Max, of course, is not going to answer our questions. Why should he? So, maybe we ought to ask ACU: What do you think about Max Lucado now? You have honored him, promoted him, praised him and bowed down before him. Is he still your darling? What do the professors in the Bible Department "out on the hill" think about these issues? They will not answer. The administration will not answer. Members of the board of trustees will not answer. Not even Bill Young, ACU's answer man, will answer. Still, we aim to ask the questions and keep on asking them. Lucado and ACU maintain a haughty silence, showing disdain for those who call for a "thus saith the Lord. " One by one the sleepyheads in the church will wake up. I pray that it will not be too late when they finally get their eyes open. Attention members of the spiritual family of God: Your grandchildren will bring this home to you and you will have to sleep with it - forever and forever. Amen.)

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