Historical Posts
Preaching has a Purpose
Preaching must meet with the approval of the Almighty and accomplish His purpose.
The clarion call of the apostle Paul was: “PREACH THE WORD” (2 Timothy 4:2). But what exactly does preaching entail? And, what is the role of the preacher?
Preaching is not entertainment and preachers are not entertainers! Standup comics have their place, but not in the pulpit. The personal satisfaction and joy we derive from the sermon has more to do with our attitude toward the truth than anything else. If we “hunger and thirst after righteousness” the bread of life will satisfy our spiritual needs! We will not need to be entertained.
Preachers are not psychologists charged with building self-esteem and making people feel good (though preaching may have that effect on some). Our text calls for reproving, rebuking and exhorting! Someone has observed that preaching should be comforting to the afflicted and afflicting to the comfortable!
Preachers are not political revolutionaries out to change the world through social and political dissent. The gospel does bring about social and political change, but that is a secondary effect as people are individually transformed by God’s Word, not the primary purpose of preaching!
Preachers are not corporate CEO’s running roughshod over the congregation and using the bully pulpit to whip the board (elders) and shareholders (members) into subjection.
Preaching is important! “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” (1 Corinthians 1:21). If preaching is important, then it is important to understand the purpose of preaching.
Preaching should accomplish four specific goals:
- First, God should be glorified. Preaching should acknowledge Him as the one true and eternal God, Father of all in whom we live, move and have our being (Acts 17:22-31).
- Second, Christ should be exalted. “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5).
- Third, the lost should be taught what they must do to be saved (Mark 16:15-16).
- Finally, the church should be strengthened (Ephesians 4:15-16).
Preaching that satisfies these goals will be preaching which meets with the approval of the Almighty. Anything less than this will be unacceptable to Him, and should be unacceptable to those who seek to follow His Son! Has acceptable preaching of God’s Word brought you to Jesus and His salvation?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Galatians 01:06-12 – One Gospel, Many Preachers – Audio
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Text: Galatians 1:6-12
One Gospel, Many Preachers
Over the course of time, there have been many preachers. At the beginning of the church, there was only one gospel! As time went on, some people began to turn to a different gospel; however, there is not really another gospel, but some wanted to pervert the one gospel and preach a false gospel! That still happens today, yet it should not be so!
I. There is one gospel.
A. Paul received the gospel through revelation of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:11-12).
B. The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
C. The gospel is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16)!
D. There is not another gospel, but some pervert it (Galatians 1:6-7).
II. There are many preachers.
A. Peter preached the first gospel sermon on Pentecost (Acts 2:29-36).
B. Philip preached Jesus to the Ethiopian (Acts 8:30-37).
C. Paul simply preached Christ and Him crucified (Romans 6:1-6; 1 Corinthians 2:2; Galatians 6:14; 1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:9).
III. Many preachers must preach the same gospel!
A. Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned (Mark 16:15-16).”
B. Preachers must preach so people can hear, believe, and call upon the LORD (Romans 10:13-16; Isaiah 52:7).
C. Preachers should say the same thing, and let there be no division among them (1 Corinthians 1:10).
D. If a preacher preaches a different gospel, he is to be accursed (Galatians 1:8-9).
It was thrilling to hear many gospel preachers last week at Polishing The Pulpit. They all spoke the same thing! The one gospel that was preached in the first century can still be preached today. The one gospel that saved men’s souls then is the one gospel that saves men’s souls today. Though there may be many preachers must preach the one gospel of Christ from the Word of God!
Have you heard the one gospel and responded to accept salvation in Christ?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
A Christ Centered Religion
Christ Centered Religion – No creed but Christ, no head but Him, and no law but His!
We can never overemphasize the importance of being obedient students of the Bible. In God’s great scheme for the salvation of man, He provided for the preservation of His divine will through the written word. The Bible is no ordinary book. It is the word of the Almighty. It should be studied, learned, obeyed, and lived.
He who rejects the Bible and the Christ centered religion that results makes a terrible mistake. Paul wrote: “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to the wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself” (1 Timothy 6:3-5).
The fact is that our eternal well-being depends upon our devotion to the sacred text. It is through the Scriptures that we learn of the Savior. We cannot know God’s will apart from His word. Therefore, we must be careful students of the Bible. All that we believe, teach, and practice must originate in the Bible, which will cause us to have a Christ centered religion. Peter wrote, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11).
The churches of Christ make a concerted effort to be governed by the Bible, and the Bible alone. We have no creed but Christ, no head but Him, and no law but His! If you are interested in a Christ-centered religion, then give us a try. With Paul we say, “We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5).
Rivers of Waters Run Down Mine Eyes
Thanks to Al Parr, working with the Saline Church of Christ, for the content of this post.Psalm 119:136 KJV – “Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.”
Psalm 119 is about the Bible: the origin, nature and authority of it, and the attitude toward it – of believers, of unbelievers and of God Himself. When the penman looked at the people of the world, he was “grieved, because they kept not thy word” (Psalm 119:158 KJV).
When you and I consider the lost condition of the multitudes among whom we live, our reaction can take one of three courses. We can:
[1] ignore the situation as something we cannot change
[2] judge them guilty of ignoring their Maker and His love
[3] fear for their souls, and try to teach them eternal truth
Probably most of us take the first course. Sadly, some take the second. Our God-inspired example is to feel the “rivers of waters” and the third course.
The apostle Paul had “great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh” (Romans 9:1-3 KJV). When he thought of those who had set themselves as enemies of Christ and opponents of the gospel, he wept (Philippians 3:18).
What makes you weep and moves you to rivers of waters? Personal injury and loss? The suffering of a loved one? These things should bring upon us throes of compassion, but the Christian’s love should be broader than to include only those of his own company.
“For God so loved that He gave…” (John 3:16 KJV) “For the love of Christ constraineth us…” (2 Corinthians 5:14 KJV) How will the lost be saved if the saved don’t care?
Al Parr works Confirming the Churches and preaches at the Saline Church of Christ
7300 East Michigan Avenue
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-4319
Moved with Compassion
Thanks to Al Parr, working with the Saline Church of Christ, for the content of this post.God motivated saints are moved with compassion to care for the needy and help when they can. Every contact with the lost is an opportunity for evangelism.
Mark 6:34 KJV – “And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.”
A world in need comes to the church for help in paying bills and buying groceries. Not always, but often, people need help from others because they are experiencing the result of their previous poor decisions. Usually our poor decisions result from not having an established plan for life that guides us to success.
Regardless of the cause of the need, God-motivated saints are moved with compassion to care for the needy and help when they can. Jesus, when He came out to the people and saw their lack of direction in life, “was moved with compassion toward them … and he began to teach them many things.”
Let us not forget the true purpose of the church. While the stomach is growling, the ears may not hear anything else, but in every contact with the lost there is an opportunity for evangelism. We may not find it, but as servants of the Master we should certainly be looking for it.
Al Parr works Confirming the Churches and preaches at the Saline Church of Christ
7300 East Michigan Avenue
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-4319
An Effective Preacher
Thanks to Al Parr, working with the Saline Church of Christ, for the content of this post.What makes an effective preacher?
Acts 18:24-28 – “And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus…”
In describing Apollos and his work, Luke, by the inspiration of God, lists six qualifications of an effective preacher:
[1] an eloquent man;
[2] mighty in the scriptures;
[3] instructed in the way of the Lord;
[4] fervent in the spirit;
[5] he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord;
[6] (is easily taught when in error, as) they took him unto them and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
The effect of such work by such an effective preacher: He helped them much which had believed through grace, and this he did publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
Considering that all Christians are to be effective preachers with their lives, could all of the same be said of you?
Al Parr works Confirming the Churches and preaches at the Saline Church of Christ
7300 East Michigan Avenue
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-4319
Prophet Without Honor – audio
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Many times people get discouraged when no one listens or responds to the gospel.
They think they are the ones who could do a better job. I can remember preaching my first sermon; I expected someone to walk down the aisle to the front during the invitation song. You can imagine my disappointment when no one did.
Even Jesus had a difficult time when in Nazareth.
When Jesus came to Nazareth (where He grew up), he marveled at the people’s unbelief! In fact, He could not do much except lay hands on a few sick people and heal them (Mark 6:1-6).
Imagine even the Son of God teaching, and many were offended at Him!
They knew who Jesus was because He grew up there. They knew His family, work, and education. Therefore, they had their doubts about Him. Jesus finally moved on to other mission fields.
Saul of Tarsus had problems at Jerusalem.
Ananias had just baptized him, and immediately he went to Jerusalem to join the disciples. However, they knew of his efforts to destroy the church and were wary. Barnabas went with him and declared what all the Lord had done for him (Acts 9:26-31). When all were comforted, the churches began to grow.
Sometimes the gospel is preached but not heard or obeyed.
However, it remains our responsibility and duty to preach it (1Timothy 4:2-5)! Sometimes we may be more effective outside our own territory, as were Jesus and Paul!
Let us not become discouraged, but seek a way to be effective in the Lord’s kingdom!
Preaching with Consistency
Faithful preachers of the gospel are charged with preaching a consistent message to those who will listen to them. With so many preachers preaching so many different things in the “religious world,” consistency is something that is sorely lacking. But, the kind of consistency that Bible challenges us to present in sermons is not so difficult to understand.
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” – 1 Timothy 4:1-2
In 1 Timothy 4, the apostle Paul issued a solemn charge to the young minister: “Preach the word.” In order to present a consistent message, it is necessary for preachers to routinely base their preaching upon the Word of God.
In Philippians 2:5, Paul wrote: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” The implication of this command is that, it is possible for us to know the mind of Christ, and if it is possible to know the mind of Christ, then it is possible to communicate His will to others.
If preaching is based solely upon the Bible, then it will be consistent. One of the hallmarks of man-made religion is inconsistency. Man-made religion tends to be inconsistent with itself and with the Bible. For example, in the case of churches which teach the doctrine of the impossibility of apostasy, this doctrine contradicts other doctrines that they teach. If it is true, that once a person is saved he can never be lost again, why do these churches also teach that one must attend worship services and do benevolent works for others? If what they teach about the impossibility of apostasy is true, then what compelling reason would anyone have to try to reform themselves and live a faithful Christian life?
Of course, the doctrine of the impossibility of apostasy also contradicts the Bible. Warnings against falling from the grace of God abound in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 10:12; Galatians 5:4; Jude 24). Not only are Christians warned against the loss of their salvation, but they are also instructed as to how they can fortify themselves against such a loss (Acts 20:32).
The Bible presents a consistent message, and it is the job of gospel preachers to convey it accurately.
Preaching with Honesty
“Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” – Acts 20:26-27
Preachers must be honest with the people to whom they preach. One might think that much is obvious, but most preachers are under constant pressure to tell people what they want to hear, rather than what they need to hear. The apostle Paul felt this pressure acutely, and indicated as much, when he wrote to his brethren in the churches of Galatia: “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16).
Many preachers dare not to say anything that might be perceived as controversial, lest they cause someone in the congregation to be offended. The result of this policy is sermons that are only loosely based on the Scriptures, and that are designed to make the hearers feel better about themselves as they are, rather than challenging them to improve. As a result, ecclesiastical cowardice rules the day – and many people will be lost because of it.
Preachers do not need to preach only on controversial subjects, but they need to do as Paul did, when he was in Ephesus: preach all the counsel of God (Acts 20:26-27). The fact of the matter is that every soul needs to hear everything that God has to say. Preachers who will not be honest with their hearers about God’s will for them are only guaranteeing that the people to whom they preach will be lost eternally.
Preachers who are honest with themselves know that when they preach the Word of God to any group of people, there will be those who will not accept it. But they must not allow this fact to cause them to “water down” the message. It is their task to boldly stand and speak the truth, with love in their hearts (Ephesians 4:15).
Preaching with Authority
“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God…” -1 Peter 4:11
Jesus captivated multitudes of thousands of people at a time because, when He preached, “he taught them as one having authority, and not as the Scribes” (Mark 7:29). People were hungry and thirsty for righteousness, and Christ gave them food for their souls (Matthew 5:6; John 6:35). Biblical preaching is supposed to do the same thing for people in the modern world: it is supposed to feed their souls (1 Peter 5:1-3).
That is why Biblical preaching must be authoritative. If it is not, then it will not provide the spiritual sustenance that people need so very much. The vast majority of souls walking the Earth are withered and emaciated – starving for what only authoritative Biblical preaching can provide. Paul described the condition of those whose souls are lost as being “dead” while they “liveth” (1 Timothy 5:6). Only the message of God’s Word can bring these dead souls back to life (Ephesians 2:1).
The problem with most preaching that is done in churches today is that it lacks authority from the Word of God to back it up. In most churches, sermons consist of one or two quotations from the Scriptures and then a series of illustrations, jokes and inspirational stories. In 2 Timothy 4:1-2, preachers are charged to “preach the word.” God does not want preachers to entertain people with anecdotes, but to “persuade men” to obey the will of the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:11). To accomplish this lofty goal, preaching must be authoritative.
As indicated earlier, it is the Word of God, which is the source of all religious authority. Colossians 3:17 reads, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” To speak or to act in someone’s name is to do so by their authority. Therefore, preachers are required to preach and to teach in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ-having the authority of His Word to verify everything that is said.
Beware of preachers who overuse the phrase, “I think.” Frankly, it does not matter what any preacher thinks about anything. It only matters what the Bible says. Preaching that is not reinforced with multiple references in Scripture is not authoritative preaching. When I was learning to be a preacher, my teachers would say, “Always include lots of Scripture in every sermon. Then, you can be sure that at least that much of your sermon is correct.” That admonition still rings true today.
Revelation of Christ
Perhaps upon reading the title of this article, you may think that this idea is taken from the book of Revelation. Instead, it comes from Paul’s letter to the Galatians.
He told them that through the grace of God, He revealed His Son (Galatians 1:16). Thus, as Paul went to many places, he preached that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Acts 9:20). He tried to live a life that was in complete submission to Christ; when people saw Paul, they saw Jesus through him (Galatians 2:20). The life Jesus lived was an example to all, and we must strive to live as He did (1 Peter 2:21-22).
Paul then went on to make reference to the apostles who were before him in Jerusalem (Galatians 1:17). In Acts 2, the apostles were assembled together there at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. They received the Holy Spirit, and began to preach to all nations whereby everyone could hear and understand. Peter said to them, “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36).” Again, Jesus was revealed through the apostles!
Jesus first revealed Himself to His apostles; His apostles then revealed Him to others. Now, it is up to you and me to reveal Christ in us. Surely, together we can bring many lost souls to Christ. Let the revelation of Jesus continue!
Why are they quitting?
Forty years ago I accepted my first full time position with a congregation, and I have been at it ever since. Many of those I graduated with are no longer involved in full time ministry. Some have even left the church. Over the years I’ve seen many others enter the ministry, either after finishing a college education or completing studies at a School of Preaching, preach for a short time and then return to secular employment. I’ve heard it said that every year more men leave the ministry than enter it. I appreciate anyone who preaches the truth, even for a short time, so I’m not interested in belittling those who no longer preach. I am, however, interested in why so many men leave full time ministry, and what steps we might take to stem the tide.
Some leave for financial reasons. No one with any real understanding of the church and a preachers’ life, enters ministry believing that it is the path to financial independence. Entering ministry thinking that preaching is an easy job with a good salary and benefits is an open door to disappointment, discouragement, and eventual desertion. One must not preach for monetary rewards. That having been said, the fact is that many congregations do not provide adequate support, not because they can’t but because they choose not to.
Preachers are willing to make the kinds of sacrifices preaching entails, but it is hard to stand by and watch one’s family suffer because brethren are unwilling to provide a decent wage. It is hard to fault a man for seeking secular employment which will enable him to meet his responsibilities to his wife and children. Continuing to preach, in spite of the financial hardship, takes a tremendous toll on the preacher’s family. This is a problem easily remedied if congregations would show their preachers how much they value their efforts in the same way that companies demonstrate appreciation to trusted employees with fair raises, decent benefits, adequate time off, and help with retirement. Preachers don’t expect to be the best paid members of the congregation, but they deserve adequate compensation. Clearly the church has a responsibility to provide for those who labor in the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:3-3; 1 Timothy 5:17, 18).
We could retain many of our young men in ministry if we simply provided better financial support for them.
A preacher’s family has the same needs, desires, and expectations as other families in the congregation. Because the financial rewards of preaching are often inadequate, many young men have been drawn back into secular employment in order to meet those needs. The Bible is clear regarding the financial obligations a man has as a husband and father (1 Timothy 5:8). The church’s responsibility toward preachers is also clear (1 Corinthians 9:7-11; 1 Timothy 5:17, 18).
Others have abandoned the pulpit because of discouragement. A young preacher has many critics. Satan does some of his most effective work through the words and deeds of well-intentioned saints. Preachers, regardless of their age, are imperfect creatures just like the people to whom they preach. Preaching is an especially difficult job for a young man, and nothing will discourage a preacher more quickly than constant criticism.
Preachers almost never receive credit when the congregation is doing well, and are the first to be blamed when it is not. The typical response to church problems is to fire the preacher, and young men are particularly susceptible to this knee-jerk response. Yes, there are times, because of false doctrine, immoral conduct, or a complete disconnect with the congregation, when a change may be in order. But, to assume that any problem can be addressed by changing preachers is good for no one but the moving companies.
God does not judge success or failure by human standards. If a young man is living an upright life, faithfully preaching the WORD, and standing firm for truth, God will judge him successful (Isaiah 6:9-12). Attendance and contributions are the standards of the world, not those of the Lord. There are many ways to boost attendance and increase contributions, but only one way to win souls and that is by faithfully living and proclaiming truth. The preacher’s job is to “preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:1-5).
We would make great strides in producing and keeping preachers if we adequately supported them, and lovingly encouraged them. That doesn’t mean that we never offer constructive criticism, but it does mean that we will compliment them when they do well, forgive them when they fail, encourage them when they are discouraged, pick them up when they are down, let them know that they are appreciated, and love them for their works sake.
Young men sometimes leave the ministry because of financial restraints. For others it is because of discouragement. Nothing discourages more quickly than constant subjection to criticism. A young man soon begins to doubt himself and to wonder if he can do anything right. At that point it is easy to turn to secular employment and leave the preaching to others.
For some the expectations of brethren are overwhelming. Although it is seldom stated, it is generally implied that when the congregation acquires the services of a young man, his wife is part of the package. She is expected to be involved in the Bible school program, often teach a ladies’ class, take the lead in fellowship activities, visit with the preacher, and a dozen other things. In what other position would a young man find an employer with similar demands on his mate? A preacher’s wife is no more an employee of the church than any other member’s wife. Yet, she often feels the pressure to do it all, to be at every shower, prepare food for every sick member, dress immaculately, entertain constantly, and do it all on a limited budget.
In addition, the preacher’s kids are held to a higher standard. Children of preachers are under special scrutiny. They are expected to be well-behaved, set a good example, be good students, relate well to all ages, and in a sense, be different from the brethren’s kids. The reality is that we ought to all be held to a higher standard because we are children of God. It can be especially frustrating when the preacher’s kids are not allowed to do many of the things that the elders’ and deacons’ children do. It can place a terrible strain on the family and has caused some to abandon the pulpit altogether. It is unfair to hold the preacher and his family to a standard of conduct that others are not held to, and often is unattainable.
Further, when problems arise in the congregation it is the preacher who will be blamed. Marriages fail, immorality raises its ugly head, people fall away and the preacher becomes the scapegoat. He didn’t preach enough on the home, didn’t take a strong enough stand against sin, wasn’t active enough with the young people, or was just too negative. Frankly, we have blamed the failures of the home on elders and preachers for far too long. A seasoned preacher knows that these things are going to happen, but for a young man doing his best it can be devastating to discover that it is not enough to preach the truth and live an upright life, he will also be held responsible for the failures of others.
We could retain more of our young preachers if we had more realistic expectations for them and the work they do.
We are losing preachers, especially young ones, for a variety of reasons. It may be the lack of adequate support, constant subjection to criticism, or unrealistic expectations, but clearly men are leaving the pulpit in record numbers. The problem does not lie solely with the church. Preachers must share part of the blame. They often enter the ministry with unrealistic expectations and a lack of proper training.
Some young men do not understand the nature of the work. They may have grown up seeing the preacher in front of the congregation on Sunday and Wednesday, and at the center of fellowship activities, but they were never exposed to the day to day work of a gospel preacher. “Everyone knows that preachers only work one day a week.” We have all heard it, and sadly some believe it. A young man who views the work of the preacher as a glamorous position involving minimal time and effort will soon find himself frustrated and overwhelmed. Rather than knuckle down and do the work, it is easier to walk away. As a rule of thumb, the young preacher, at a minimum should work as many hours each week as the average member, plus an additional amount of time equal to what elders, deacons, Bible school teachers put into the work, After all, these folks are all working forty hour weeks, and then often doing many hours of additional work in the Lord’s church. Young preachers need to understand that ministry requires long hours and hard work. The preacher is “on call” twenty-four/seven.
It is not necessary to have a college degree or a diploma from a school of preaching to be an effective evangelist, but proper training is absolutely essential. Ezra “set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel” (Ezra 7:10 ESV). Preachers must prepare themselves. They must know the truth and live the truth before they can effectively preach it. That can be accomplished through personal study, or through formal training (a school of preaching or college education), but it must be done. Entering ministry unprepared will inevitably lead to a bad outcome.
Congregations could make a positive impact on the training of preachers if more of them would have their own training programs. If we allowed young men to work along side seasoned preachers for a year or two, it would prove immensely beneficial both to the young man and the congregation. It is hard to beat on the job training. Didn’t Jesus do that with the Twelve? Wasn’t that the approach of Paul with Timothy and Titus?
We need to do all we can to encourage, train and keep young men in ministry. Individually and collectively, we can make a positive contribution to the Lord’s church by encouraging and supporting those who want to preach and are willing to prepare themselves to do the work of an evangelist and fulfill their ministry (2 Timothy 4:5).
— Roger
The Challenge of Evangelism
Introduction
- The church faces many challenges. There is the challenge of restoring New Testament Christianity in a religiously pluralistic society – John 14:6. There is the challenge of making our homes what God wants them to be – Psalm 127:1. There is the challenge to remain holy – 1 Peter 15-16. But the supreme challenge we have as Christians is to take Jesus Christ to the world – Mark 16:15-16.
- To meet the challenge of evangelism every Christian must be serious about doing their part to assure everybody hears the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We must have the zeal to teach the world the Word of God as the first century church did – Acts 19:8-10; Acts 8:3-4.
- If you had a medical emergency, your loved ones would feel a great urgency to get medical attention immediately to help. The world today has a great spiritual emergency and needs Christians to respond to keep them from spiritual death through the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
All Accountable Men and Women are Lost and Need Forgiveness
- Christians must see the urgency and the need to save lost souls that are dying everyday. Every soul that has transgressed God’s commandment is lost and separated from God – Isaiah 59:1-2. And anyone separated from God needs forgiveness – Romans 3:23; 6:23. Your soul and everyone else’s soul is valuable and worth all the effort to save!
- At the Day of Judgment, all accountable men & women that do not know God or have not obeyed the gospel of Christ will be eternally punished night & day forever – 2 Thessalonians 1:-7-9. In 2 Peter 3:9, you learn that God does not want us to perish, but wants all to come to repentance. Which should encourage each of us to reach out to lost soul and plant the seed of the Word of God that they might obey Jesus to be saved?
- If you are not committed to the teaching and preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and feel you are not accountable to do your part to teach Christ to the lost, it is not likely you will be evangelistic. May we all have the spirit of the Apostle Paul, “…woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!”– 1 Corinthians 9:16
God Has Only One Plan of Redemption to Save Man
- God has a plan for the redemption of man; God has one plan, one way, and one church to save men & women from their sins – Matthew 7:13-14. That one way is Jesus Christ, and His church that was purchased with His own blood – John 14:6. Salvation is only in Jesus Christ and not through other men or churches – Acts 4:12.
- It is important for all the world to know the truth because error and false doctrine fills the world, and the only thing that can liberated those in the bondage of sin is the truth – John 8:31-32. Did you know many people’s worship to God is in vain because they do not have a proper relationship with God and they’re practicing false doctrines of men – Matthew 15:8-9.
- If you have neglected your Christian responsibility of teach the Word of God, why not come today and rededicate yourself to His service – James 5:19-20. If you’re lost, Christ died for yours sins, and God raised Him from the Dead. Why not come today.
Biblical Preaching
“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading” (Nehemiah 8:8).
There were three characteristics of preaching involved in the work of Ezra (Nehemiah 8:8). Those same elements need to be present in our preaching today.
First, preaching must be biblical.
Just as Ezra began by reading the law of God distinctly, so must today’s preacher begin with God’s book. Much of the religious turmoil of our day would be eliminated if those who filled the pulpit preached the word.
We need to be reminded again and again that when God has spoken men should be silent. Preaching, if it is biblical preaching, begins with the BOOK!
Second, preaching involves giving the sense of what has been written.
Paul wrote, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, that we must “rightly divide the word” (2 Timothy 2:15). A verse out of its context can be made to teach anything. Giving the sense, or rightly dividing the word, involves a study of the passage within its context.
- When was it written?
- To whom was it written?
- What else has been written in conjunction with the thoughts expressed in the passage?
One cannot give the sense of any passage until he has studied it in light of its context and with respect to all that God has revealed on the subject.
Third, preaching is an effort to cause men to understand.
Biblical preaching must be clear and concise. The average word in the Bible contains fewer than five letters (KJV translation). One need not be a “sesquipedalian” (a user of big words) to express great biblical truths. Preaching is to aid the understanding, therefore thoughts must be expressed clearly and concisely.
We should demand that preachers be biblical.
Anything less is unacceptable to God and should be to us.
Preaching The Same Thing – audio
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- Preachers and Bible teachers do not normally like to speak on the same subject, or teach the same lesson or sermon continuously.
- However, the theme of each sermon, or lesson, should always remain the same
– Jesus Christ and Him Crucified – 1 Corinthians 1:10, 23-24; 2:1-2
Peter and the Apostles Preached The Same Message
- On the Day of Pentecost, in Acts 2:36-38, Peter and the Apostles were all preaching the same thing: The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus and how to be reconciled with God through repentance and baptism.
- Peter and John were blessed with two opportunities to preach the same thing in Acts chapter 3 and chapter 4, when the lame man at the gate called Beautiful was healed.
– The first opportunity was with the crowd at the temple – Acts 3:12-21
– The second opportunity was with the rulers of the people and the elders – Acts 4:5-12
You and I should preach the same thing whenever an opportunity arises for us.
We need to teach and preach about Jesus and how he can reconcile us to God through His death, burial and resurrection – Mark 16:15-16
What is Worship?
All of life is not worship.
In the modern era of religious pluralism, when anything that is offered to God with a modicum of sincerity is considered worship, many are left scratching their heads and wondering what worship really is. Some have come to the conclusion that all of life is worship and that we reverence God every time we put on our socks, or wash the dishes, or feed the cat. If people would just read the Bible, they could tell that all of life is not worship. Abraham understood this to be the case and expressed his understanding in Genesis 22:5. Worship is something that human beings do purposefully and deliberately. But, even this realization still begs the question: “What is worship?”
“Worship” in the Christian Age.
Gospel preachers of the Restoration Movement have long preached about the so-called “five acts” of worship. Like the “five steps” in the gospel plan of salvation, the five acts of worship are entirely derived from the New Testament. While they may not appear in any one passage, as a neatly compiled list, they are no less detectable, when Scripture is compared with Scripture. There is no particular order in which five acts must be done, but they all must be done, in order to constitute “worship” in the Christian Age (John 4:23-24).
The church is commanded to sing
We know that singing, for example, is one of the five acts of worship. We know this, because the church is commanded to sing in passages like Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16. We know that this singing is part of our worship because of passages like 1 Corinthians 14:15 and Hebrews 2:12. Furthermore, we know that this singing is to be done without accompaniment of mechanical instruments of music, because none of the passages that mention singing in the New Testament authorize us to do anything more or less than sing.
Prayer is mentioned as part of worship.
Also, we know that prayer is one of the five acts of worship. Christians are commanded to “pray without ceasing,” in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Prayer is mentioned as part of worship in passages like 1 Corinthians 14:15. Passages like Matthew 6:5-15 teach how we ought to pray, both in public and in private.
Disciples came together and partook of the Lord’s Supper.
Additionally, we know that observance of the Lord’s Supper is one of the five acts of worship. When Jesus instituted this memorial feast, He said, “this do, in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19b). In 1 Corinthians 11:26, Paul wrote, “For as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come.” Acts 20:7 shows us that, on the first day of every week, the disciples came together and partook of the Lord’s Supper, as they worshipped (Cf. 1 Corinthians 11:20-21).
Giving of our means is worship.
Furthermore, we know that giving of our means is one of the five acts of worship. Ancient Christians were taught to give of their means on the first day of every week, when the church was assembled for worship (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Ancient Christians did not give “tithes” of their income, but rather they were taught to give an offering of their own free will, which might even exceed ten percent (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
Preaching was part of the worship services of the ancient church.
Finally, we know that preaching is one of the five acts of worship. Preaching was part of the worship services of the ancient church (Acts 20:7). Preaching is the method that God has chosen to disseminate His message to the whole world (1 Corinthians 1:21). Whether one simply reads the Scriptures aloud, or expounds upon their meaning, it is essential that the Word of the Lord be heard in the congregation of His people.
The “Five Acts” of Worship:
1. Singing (Ephesians 5:19)
2. Prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
3. Communion (Acts 20:7)
4. Giving (1 Corinthians 16:1,2)
5. Preaching (1 Corinthians 1:21)
On the first day of the week (Sunday).
Apart from the five acts of worship, it is equally important for us to understand that we may worship God only on the first day of the week (Sunday). According to Acts 20:7, this was the day when the ancient church came together for just that purpose. The Bible does not authorize us to worship God on any other day. The Bible does authorize us to sing (James 5:13), pray (1 Thessalonians 5:17), give (Galalatians 6:10) and preach (2 Timothy 4:2) on other days of the week, but the only day in which we may rightly do all of the five acts of worship together is the “Lord’s day” (Revelation 1:10).
God sets the standard.
Let there be no confusion about worship in anyone’s mind. Worship is a special event, in the lives of all of God’s children. Worship is not whatever we might imagine it to be. It is what God demands of us, and it is only right that He should set the standard of what is and is not Scriptural worship.
Hebrews 04:12-13 Worship: Hearing from God
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Text: Hebrews 4:12-13
Introduction
1. Worship is such an important event! I have spent the past month preaching about worship. I hope it has been of benefit to everyone. As I come to the end of this series I want to take a moment to review.
2. I’ve talked about its importance; how that worship helps us put God first, reminds us who we are and what we must do with ourselves.
3. Worship must be done in spirit and in truth from our hearts with all our mind, soul and strength.
4. Worship is not something to watch but in which we participate, is something we do to please God not others, and not out of tradition.
5. Worship must be done decently and orderly according to the pattern of the apostles.
6. When we come together, it is to sing praises to God and admonish each other. Worship includes praying and giving and participating in the Lord’s body and blood.
7. So, we come to the last part of worship, which is about the sermon or preaching.
Body
I. All of the previous teaching on worship applies to this as well! The sermon must put God first and remind us who we are or should be.
A. The sermon must be preached and heard in spirit and in truth.
1. It must not be a performance, but something to please God. It must not be based on the traditions of men.
2. It must be clear and decisively the word of God!
3. There is much misunderstanding about the presence of sermons each time Christians get together.
a. Some people think it is all about money! Like the little girl who became more and more restless as the preacher’s sermon continued. Finally, she leaned over to her mother and whispered, “Mommy, if we give him the money now, will he let us go?”
b. Some think it is a nice place to take a nap!
A woman embarrassed about her husband told the preacher,
“I hope you didn’t take it personally, preacher, when my husband walked out during your sermon.”
“I did find it rather disconcerting,” the preacher replied.
“It’s not a reflection on you,” she insisted.
“My husband has been walking in his sleep ever since he was a child.”
B. This lesson is not a defense for my job. If having a full-time located preacher were the subject, I would spoken about that specifically.
1. This lesson is not about the work of a preacher.
a. That is an important topic as well.
2. This lesson is about the part of worship where we hear from God and how important it is for all (including the preacher) to listen.
II. Examples of Preaching in Worship
A. The First Church – Acts 2:41-42 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
B. The Church in Ephesus –
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus – Ephesians 1:1
how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) – Ephesians 3:3-4
C. The Church at Troas
Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. – Acts 20:7
III. The Key To Preaching In Worship
A. Our Obligation To Each Other
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. – Hebrews 10:23-25
B. Heavenly Goal
For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. – 1 Corinthians 1:21
C. Participating in Preaching in Worship – Everyone Worships Through Listening
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. – Romans 10:17
D. Only By Hearing God’s Word Can We Know His Will.
Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. – John 17:17
E. Only By Hearing God’s Word Can We Know Christian Maturity
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. – Hebrews 5:12
F. Only By Hearing God’s Word Can We Prepare For The Judgement
He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him— the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. – John 12:48
Conclusion:
1. So, how do we worship effectively during a sermon?
a. Pray about it.
b. Take notes.
c. Look up verses.
d. Question everything presented
e. Rely on and trust the Word!
f. Seek God first.