SUMMARY

I. EXCESSIVE TOLERANCE AND PASSIVITY

Modern Christians and churches often exhibit excessive tolerance, apathy, and conformity to anti-Christian philosophies, prioritizing social acceptance over biblical fidelity. This cultural accommodation, influenced by postmodern relativism, weakens evangelism and spiritual vitality, as highlighted by Alisa Childers, John MacArthur, Albert Mohler, BreakPoint.org, STR.org, Tim Stratton, and J. Warner Wallace. Examples include Christians facing professional consequences for their faith, underscoring the cost of cultural pressure.

II. WEAKNESS IN FAITH AND THEOLOGY

Contemporary believers show a lack of vigor in devotion, relying on emotional comfort rather than rigorous doctrinal study. This shallow theology, critiqued by Childers, Wallace, and Mohler, results in a faith that fails to challenge worldly norms, contrasting with the early church’s fervent commitment. Outsourcing theology and intellectual laziness, as noted by STR.org and Stratton, further perpetuate weak convictions.

III. CONTRAST WITH EARLY CHURCH BOLDNESS

Unlike the bold proclamation of Paul and Peter, modern Christians often avoid public witness due to fear of repercussions. Early leaders displayed bravery and resilience, as seen in historical examples like Ignatius and Clement. BreakPoint.org, STR.org, and Wallace urge a return to this apostolic zeal, while Stratton and Childers highlight modern timidity in addressing moral issues.

IV. THE SIN OF EMPATHY

Excessive empathy, as critiqued by Joe Rigney and Mohler, leads to compromised convictions by prioritizing feelings over truth. Cultural pressures equate disagreement with intolerance, fostering silence on critical issues. Historical examples of balanced confrontation, like Nicea and the Reformation, show that truth and love can coexist, a principle Stratton applies to modern ideological challenges.

V. BIBLICAL CALL TO BOLDNESS

Scripture, including Revelation 3:16 and Acts 4:29-31, calls believers to reject lukewarm faith and embrace Spirit-led boldness. Childers, Mohler, and STR.org advocate apologetics and doctrinal clarity, while BreakPoint.org and Wallace emphasize scriptural models of courage. Spiritual practices like prayer and community accountability foster resilience.

VI. CONSEQUENCES AND RENEWAL

Complacency leads to spiritual stagnation and vulnerability to heresy, diminishing the church’s societal impact. Paths to renewal include bold preaching (Childers), personal Bible study (Patton), worldview training (BreakPoint.org), apologetics (STR.org, Wallace), and political engagement (Stratton). A "theology of getting fired" (Stonestreet) prepares believers for the cost of bold witness, restoring the church’s transformative power.