What Ever Happened to Preaching the Word?

  For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. - Heb 4:12

Whether the hearer believes it or not, the word of God is living... active... sharp... and penetrating.. This verse is equally true in religious or atheistic cultures, modern or post-modern cultures.

I fear that many preachers today have forgotten the power of simply preaching the word of God. Many have forgotten that the word of God brings conviction and change. 

This blog is not about bashing modern preaching styles. It is about the power of preaching the word.  I agree that there are many communication styles that are valid in the "pulpit". (Whether or not there is an actual pulpit used - I prefer a music stand.) But, it is disturbingly common to hear pastors/preachers today who, in their desire to be clear, cool and clever to their "post-modern" audience, have traded substance for style.

Many have learned new communication methods, but have forgotten the message. They have stage presence, but no power - elaborate props, but little passion - video clips, but no vision - humor but no humility.

No, you don't have to sweat, point your finger, pound your fist, wear a cheap suit or speak with a pentecostal accent - but you do have to preach the word of God - that is if you want God to be honored and people to be convicted and changed. But maybe that's not the point any more.

The apostles gave their attention to prayer and the ministry of the word, (Acts 6:4) even though many of the cultures they ministered in did not necessarily accept the word as final, relevant or authoritative. That didn't matter to those stubborn apostles. They preached the word anyway, unlike many modern preachers who seem to hide or downplay the word just because contemporary culture rejects and mocks it.

Consider what happened as the apostles preached the word in the pagan city of Ephesus:

Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds.
A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly...
In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power. - Acts 19:18-20

Notice the results:
- open confession of sin
- public repentance

What happened when the word was preached in the religious city of Jerusalem?

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.  - Acts 6:7

Again, notice the results:
-the word spread
-the number of disciples increase
-people become obedient

Pretty good results that I think could still happen in today's pagan or religious communities, if preachers will faithfully preach the word of God, no matter what style they choose.

More blogs on preaching later. 

Comments

[James Cane]

In your blog titled, "Leadership is Teaching: How to Make a Point," I love the principles you set forth from Ezra 8:8. But, this blog ("What Ever Happened to Preaching the Word?") really touches on the crux of the issue: exhorting the disobedient to confession and repentance.

As a disciple, I long for the truth of God's word and its pruning effect in my heart and life. But, I've noticed that many preacher's fail to appeal plainly to the consciences of those they teach. The truth of God's word gets lost in their egos and their insecurities.

But, the sheep know His voice--the voice which calls all people everywhere to respond to the conviction of His righteous judgment. Some people miss the call because the message isn't clear, and they don't know how to respond. It takes a secure and mature preacher to speak the truth without flattering himself or his audience. In fact, it takes a mature Christian to keep living a life that boldly reflects the truth while in the temptations of the limelight.

God's servants are truly those who help others understand that each one of us is responsible to accept Jesus as Lord in our hearts by trusting Him with our lives--valuing our fellowship with God above all things in order to honor Him through loyal obedience to our Creator. Therefore, I thank God for your leadership in Every Nation Ministries, and I'll keep praying that all preachers (and reluctant leaders everywhere) practice what you're promoting.

Grace and Peace,
James

[Cherlyn Cabrera]

Hi Pastor Steve,

Really appreciate this message on preaching the Word. I remember you said the best commentary on the bible was the bible. I love the final authority, clarity, and undeniable truth of God's word! Your message is a much needed reminder that preaching supports such as media clips, speaking styles, and presentation aids are just that, aids that emphasize the word. Thanks for always tweeking us into focus on the essentials!