There has to be constant and healthy and serious debate about truth in the church.

When you decide that a debate is divisive, disagreement is intolerable,

because everybody's got a right to his own opinion, the church will die.

It's essential to be willing to say that's wrong and that's right.

Welcome to Grace to You with John MacArthur. I'm your host, Phil Johnson.

What should you do if your pastor says something that isn't biblical? Maybe he's creating

confusion about a foundational Christian doctrine. Should you confront him? What if a friend

rejects a clear biblical principle? What should you say to that person? John MacArthur considers

those issues today on Grace to You. He's looking at the

key role that confrontation has in the Christian life. It's part of his current study titled

A Plea for Discernment. This is a study he first preached in chapel services at the Master's

University where John serves as Chancellor.

So now take your Bible and follow along, if you're able.

Here's John.

We're talking about the issue of discernment, basing it on a text from First Thessalonians.

If you want to turn back to First Thessalonians chapter 5 for a minute, I want to look at just the

foundation of our thoughts in verse 20 of

1st Thessalonians 5. Do not despise propheteus. Do not despise messages, really, preaching. Do not

look down on it. Do not treat it with triviality. Do not diminish it. Do not belittle it.

Take it seriously. But when you hear preaching, verse 21, examine everything. Put it to the test.

Obviously the test of Scripture. Hold fast to that which is good, that which is inherently good and true, and

shun what is evil in every form.

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