Ever since the church of Jesus Christ was first established, she has been plagued by troublemakers. These are people who have desired to either see the church destroyed, or to see it shaped to their own will. This should come as no shock. After all, Jesus Himself predicted the rise of troublemakers in the church, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." After 2,000 years the troublemakers are still inside the church! That's right, there are still those within and without the church who work against the mission of God and seek to mold the church to their liking! Now, lest you become concerned, this message is designed as preventative maintenance. As far as I know, there are no troublemakers here. However, the best offense is a good defense! Therefore, it will be good to hear what the Bible says about how to handle troublemakers in the church. So that when trouble arises, we will be able to identify it and deal it a death blow before serious damage is done to the church of God! J. C. Ryle was a champion for the truth in the Church of England during the 19th century. In Warnings to the Churches, he wrote about how difficult yet necessary controversy in the church is. He explains, "But there is one thing which is even worse than controversy, and that is false doctrine tolerated, allowed, and permitted without protest or molestation." He wisely points out, "Three things there are which men never ought to trifle with—a little poison, a little false doctrine, and a little sin."
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David Bodanza is the pastor of Mission of Grace Church in Westborough, Massachusetts. He is also a practicing lawyer. He holds an M.Div. degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a J.D. from New England School of Law. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife, four...
