A NEW PREACHING STYLE?
Notes
Transcript
INTRODUCTION
The church is under attack by the change agents, and one of their targets is unquestionably the worship services
The church is under attack by the change agents, and one of their targets is unquestionably the worship services
One striking change that has occurred in recent years is the desire for a new style of preaching
Scripture used to be the sum and substance of every Gospel sermon
Preaching use to be saturated with Bible - but this is no longer the case in many places
True Gospel preaching use to be easily identifiable for its sober logic and good sense
Much like Paul’s preaching...
25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.
But, sadly, this is no longer the case in many places
But, sadly, this is no longer the case in many places
Much of the preaching now is dominated by psychology - which is nothing more than man’s fallible perceptions of his own needs or wants
Much of the preaching today focuses more on the preacher than the message
This breed of preacher is a master at endearing himself to the congregation rather than endearing the congregation to Jesus and the word of God
A preacher must stand behind the cross - not in front of it
The audience must see Jesus - not the preacher
Biblical substance, in far too many places, has been replaced by emotional stimulation
Many preachers are selling out to the denominations and opting for the denominational approach to preaching
“feel good sermons”
“cotton candy sermons”
The old style of preaching (biblical preaching) was appealing for its good sense, and use of Scripture and logic.
But the new style of preaching entails showmanship, entertainment, and is filled with anecdotes rather than a thus saith the Lord
Let’s begin by noticing...
DISCUSSION
The “Felt-Needs” Fallacy
The “Felt-Needs” Fallacy
The new style of preaching and the change in sermon content has occurred largely as a result of the preoccupation with numerical growth
The new style of preaching and the change in sermon content has occurred largely as a result of the preoccupation with numerical growth
The desire to attract people is accompanied by the insistence that preaching must be adjusted and adapted to culture
Many now are molding their preaching around the “felt-needs” of the audience
By “felt-needs” it is meant that the listener possesses specific perceptions of what he needs, desires, or wants
The new style of preacher finds what kind of food they want and provides them a good “fluffy, sugar coated sermon”
Always wanting the audience to leave feeling good about themselves
But, never wanting the audience to leave feeling they have or are falling short of what they need to be
People need to be uplifted and encouraged to improve and mature - not just being satisfied with their current condition
This mentality of wanting “cotton candy preaching” was seen in the days of Isaiah...
9 For it is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of Jehovah; 10 that say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits, 11 get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.
Notice that this approach, by definition, permits man to set his own agenda for what he “thinks” he needs spiritually
Notice that this approach, by definition, permits man to set his own agenda for what he “thinks” he needs spiritually
But if Bible history shows us anything, it shows us that this is not the proper approach
23 O Jehovah, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; But the end thereof are the ways of death.
24 A man’s goings are of Jehovah; How then can man understand his way?
Man often clamors for what they want, and not what they need - Only God knows what is, in reality, good for man
We must permit God to set the agenda for preaching
Biblical preaching centers on and majors in what God says are man’s needs - rather than any “heart felt-need” man may think that he is need of
Biblical preaching centers on and majors in what God says are man’s needs - rather than any “heart felt-need” man may think that he is need of
The greatest need of mankind is the straightforward proclamation of the Bible, rather than tickling of the ears of the people
Notice what Paul declared...
1 I charge thee in the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables.
We need to get away from man’s wisdom and get back to God’s wisdom
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes; But he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel.
this counsel, in our current context, is the council of God’s word
There is also much discussion concerning...
Balanced Preaching
Balanced Preaching
Some are now saying that a preacher should never, under any circumstance, offend or create any kind of division by his teaching
Some are now saying that a preacher should never, under any circumstance, offend or create any kind of division by his teaching
It may be true that some preachers offend inappropriately
On the other hand, the preacher who is patterning his life and teaching after Jesus will inevitably offend some
Consider the preaching of Jesus...
Consider the preaching of Jesus...
12 And there was much murmuring among the multitudes concerning him: some said, He is a good man; others said, Not so, but he leadeth the multitude astray.
43 So there arose a division in the multitude because of him.
19 There arose a division again among the Jews because of these words.
The prevailing mood among many of our brethren is “peace at all cost,” “smooth it over,” and “whatever you do, don’t create division”
No one wants division just for the sake of division, but Jesus said...
51 Think ye that I am come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
Another contrast between Bible preaching and human ideas about preaching is seen among those who claim that it is inappropriate for the preacher to “call names” or speak too directly about a false doctrine, a false teacher, or a false church
Another contrast between Bible preaching and human ideas about preaching is seen among those who claim that it is inappropriate for the preacher to “call names” or speak too directly about a false doctrine, a false teacher, or a false church
Their reasoning is that this alienates people and brings unnecessary antagonism to the church.
Does this premise, in fact, have biblical support?
Jesus labeled false teachers with such names as: offspring of vipers, hypocrites, blind guides, fools, serpents
34 Ye offspring of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he is become so, ye make him twofold more a son of hell than yourselves. 16 Woe unto you, ye blind guides, that say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor. 17 Ye fools and blind: for which is greater, the gold, or the temple that hath sanctified the gold?
33 Ye serpents, ye offspring of vipers, how shall ye escape the judgment of hell?
Paul publicly called people down by name...
11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I resisted him to the face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before that certain came from James, he ate with the Gentiles; but when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing them that were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that even Barnabas was carried away with their dissimulation. 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Cephas before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest as do the Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, how compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
20 of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I delivered unto Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.
17 and their word will eat as doth a gangrene: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 men who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some. 19 Howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his: and, Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.
10 for Demas forsook me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord will render to him according to his works:
Publicly pinpointing people, groups, and doctrines is biblical if undertaken properly
Doing this is important to the spiritual well-being of the church
One also hears a lot these days about the need to have “balanced preaching”
One also hears a lot these days about the need to have “balanced preaching”
But what is often meant by this admonition is that the preacher should refrain from being “negative”
Granted, we should “speak the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15)
It is important to realize that our approach to life and preaching should not be dominated by a harsh, critical, and unkind demeanor
1 Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
24 And the Lord’s servant must not strive, but be gentle towards all, apt to teach, forbearing, 25 in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth,
But the Bible repeatedly teaches that the human mind is in frequent need of correction and discipline - that which is negative
10 see, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down and to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.
1 I charge thee in the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
This is hard for many to accept, but biblical preaching - balanced preaching - can sometimes be divisive, offensive, and negative
This is hard for many to accept, but biblical preaching - balanced preaching - can sometimes be divisive, offensive, and negative
God’s proclaimed that truth is like a hammer that breaks rocks into pieces
29 Is not my word like fire? saith Jehovah; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?
But to those who will receive Biblical instruction with humility, it will save their soul
21 Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
The change agents are also apposed to...
Book, Chapter, and Verse Preaching
Book, Chapter, and Verse Preaching
Another facet of the new style of preaching is the insistence that the explicit citation of Bible book, chapter and verse in pulpit proclamation is somehow unsophisticated, ineffective, or inappropriate
Another facet of the new style of preaching is the insistence that the explicit citation of Bible book, chapter and verse in pulpit proclamation is somehow unsophisticated, ineffective, or inappropriate
There is a dramatic reduction in the use of Scripture in many pulpits today
In some places you are lucky if you hear one or two bible verses quoted
This is dangerous and sure to bring spiritual destruction, as biblical history points out
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate thereon day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I also will forget thy children.
Why do some seem so reluctant to give book, chapter, and verse in their preaching?
Why do some seem so reluctant to give book, chapter, and verse in their preaching?
Perhaps some are threatened by their lack of Bible knowledge
Or, perhaps some have embraced false doctrines which will not hold up under the straightforward scrutiny of the Scriptures
Or, maybe to them constantly quoting Scripture does not fit well with the modern, “sophisticated,” “educated,” “smooth” approach.
But the Bible says...
But the Bible says...
11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
20 To the law and to the testimony! if they speak not according to this word, surely there is no morning for them.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
21 prove all things; hold fast that which is good;
...thus, the need for Scripture in preaching is very evident
There must be a “thus saith the Lord” in our preaching
CONCLUSION
The Bible must be preached in our pulpits
Bible ignorance destroys soul
