In this series of messages, we have seen that the authoritative proclamation of God's truth – or preaching – is God's method for not only saving those that believe (1 Cor. 1:21) but for building up the saints in the most holy faith (Eph. 4:11-16). God wants a church that is whole, mature, and fully functional, and this can only happen through the ministry of pastors and teachers that faithfully proclaim the “whole counsel of God.”
Both the content and the spirit of preaching are therefore very important. God has promised to bless only His Word – not the ideas, opinions, and speculations of men. Furthermore preaching must be done under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Along with authority and gravity, there must be compassion. These are the traits that we should look for in a man of God – not cleverness, oratory, or winsomeness.
“Speaking the truth in love” sums up the solemn responsibility of the God-called preacher. Both the matter and the manner of the communication of the “oracles of God” are important. Let us “try the spirits” accordingly and pray for faithful pastors to discharge their duty in both of these areas. In this day of superficial evangelicalism and a growing famine of hearing the Word of God, let us teach our children to make this the criteria for judging a church and ministry.
Featuring a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and is the most effective way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands including all mobile platforms + newsletter.
Text-Featuring a sermon is a less expensive way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands on the right bar with optional newsletter inclusion. As low as $30/day.
Bob Vradenburgh is the senior pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. He has spent 40 years in full-time Christian service: the first 20 years as a missionary and the past 20 years in the pastorate. Bob’s passion is the expository preaching of God’s Word,...
