There is a major problem in churches today. That problem is the lack of the preaching of God’s Word. The great Apostle Paul admonished the younger preacher Timothy to “Preach the word…” (II Timothy 4:2) Romans 15:4 tell us “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” The Bible is given as an example and for the learning of all Christians. It teaches us that we should all be bold in our witness for the Lord and in our preaching of the Word of God (Acts 4:31 “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”). As I said, there is a problem in churches today. This problem is two fold, (1) lack of preaching from God’s Pulpits and (2) lack of preaching from God’s People.
The first problem is the reason for the second problem. Preaching is God’s method of delivering the Gospel (1Corinthians 1:21 “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” Titus 1:3a “But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching…”). God gives His churches pastors to preach the Word of God to His people (Ephesians 4:11 “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;”). These Men of God are to fulfill certain requirements found in I Timothy 3:1-7 and in Titus 1:4-9 and if they do not meet these requirements they should NOT be preaching in a pulpit.
Now, too many preachers are preaching “thus saith Dr. Boastalot” instead of preaching “thus saith the Lord”! We hear them talk about the reasoning of men, their experiences, some feel good stories and very little, if any, of the Word of God. Now, quoting a man and telling a story or an experience that gives some light to what one is preaching is one thing, but more often than not it is more of those than the Word of God that is spoken. The Bible says “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” (I Corinthians 1:18) Our example from Jesus, John the Baptist, and the Apostles is preaching! Matthew 3:1 “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,” Matthew 4:17 “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Acts 4:33 “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.” If a man stands in a pulpit, before a congregation of people, and will not declare “thus saith the Lord” with conviction and without apology that man is not fit to be a pastor!
America is in a great spiritual decline. The need for America today is not necessarily a new president. The need for America today is some preachers with backbone! Men who will boldly stand before their church and say “thus saith the Lord”! Preachers must stop prancing around sin, and being in sin themselves, and start preaching against it! “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” (Isaiah 58:1)
Problem #2 will be discussed next week.
The first problem is the reason for the second problem. Preaching is God’s method of delivering the Gospel (1Corinthians 1:21 “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” Titus 1:3a “But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching…”). God gives His churches pastors to preach the Word of God to His people (Ephesians 4:11 “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;”). These Men of God are to fulfill certain requirements found in I Timothy 3:1-7 and in Titus 1:4-9 and if they do not meet these requirements they should NOT be preaching in a pulpit.
Now, too many preachers are preaching “thus saith Dr. Boastalot” instead of preaching “thus saith the Lord”! We hear them talk about the reasoning of men, their experiences, some feel good stories and very little, if any, of the Word of God. Now, quoting a man and telling a story or an experience that gives some light to what one is preaching is one thing, but more often than not it is more of those than the Word of God that is spoken. The Bible says “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” (I Corinthians 1:18) Our example from Jesus, John the Baptist, and the Apostles is preaching! Matthew 3:1 “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,” Matthew 4:17 “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Acts 4:33 “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.” If a man stands in a pulpit, before a congregation of people, and will not declare “thus saith the Lord” with conviction and without apology that man is not fit to be a pastor!
America is in a great spiritual decline. The need for America today is not necessarily a new president. The need for America today is some preachers with backbone! Men who will boldly stand before their church and say “thus saith the Lord”! Preachers must stop prancing around sin, and being in sin themselves, and start preaching against it! “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” (Isaiah 58:1)
Problem #2 will be discussed next week.
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