PREACH, PREACHER!!

In our world today, it seems to be a downward spiral in the quality of preaching and the desire for preaching amongst the pews. There seems to be an uprising of a generation of Churches and preacher's concerning themselves with entertainment over evangelism and "playing" over preaching. If a preacher preaches today in a traditional manner, traditionally as in biblical times or even just a few years back, they will be labeled with many criticizing words.

Preacher, I know there is a desire in you to have everyone like you and not to "stir the pot" while preaching. HOWEVER, we are not out to be a comedy show for the audience. If people come to your Church because your "cool", then hear me out, "they will at some point leave you, to find the next "coolest" dude in town".  I am aware that the personality of the preacher will be manifested in his preaching, and rightly so, for we must be who we are in and out of the pulpit. However, if you gotta try to be something that you are not, to gain a crowd, then it's just a show!

Church, there is nothing more refreshing to a pastor than to stand and preach week in and week out with the liberty of the spirit. Church, your faithfulness and attentiveness to the preaching of the Bible plays a role into the spirit's liberty during the preaching services. If you are reluctant to listen or dissatisfied in some area, it can and will quench the spirit of God during services. Church, Don't be a spirit quencher from the preacher. Preaching & pastoring is a precious method in which God uses for the Gospel to be spread. Let the freedom of preaching be in our congregations! (I am thankful to the Lord today, that I stand week in and week out at Faith Baptist Church, with the liberty of the spirit of God to preach!)

Preacher I want to encourage you today, to preach the WORD! (1st Timothy 4:1-5) Preaching is to be the method in which God has called & equipped you to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
To Churches and their members across America, I want to challenge you to be hungry for the preaching of the unadulterated, nor watered down, Word of God.   

E.M Bounds says it best, “God’s method is men, Church is looking for better methods, God is looking for better men.”

I find how Solomon used the methods of His words to allow the sufficiency of Christ and the Word of God to be the center of His preaching/teaching/writing. Solomon sought to be precise in his words, for he was handling a precise word for the world. I Challenge each preacher and member to see the passage below, followed by some explanation and application on the passage.

Ecclesiastes 12:9-12 (KJV)
9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.
11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd
12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh

#1 – (V10) – THE STRATEGY IS SANCTIFIED

Solomon organized His words in order to be most effective to the hearers and readers. Notice these words, where words of truth. Our words as preacher's and as member's of the Church must always come in words of truth. In 1st & 2nd Timothy, Paul warned young timothy not to get caught in the use of vain words, arguments, or myths leading to ungodliness.

God has ordained the method of preaching, a strategy sanctified for the proclamation of the Gospel. (Romans 10:13-18) Preacher your handling a very precise truth, handle it with highest quality. The Gospel must be preached correctly as pleasing to the Lord. (Galatians 1:6-10)

In a world of methods, strategies, programs, events, and fellowships, PREACHER JUST PREACH!!

#2 – (V.11) – THE SAVIOR IS SECURE

Solomon's instruction to the people came from "one shepherd". Solomon spoke about His words are like goad's and well driven nails. Goad's were to move reluctant animal's and nails to secure in place. The saviors instructions ought to be the driving force behind prompting preacher's to preach and Church member's to heed the instructions of the Word of God. Only the savior's words are powerful enough to move and secure people.  Preacher, Preach, making sure the savior is secured in the Words of your messages.

In a world of motivational speeches, pep talks, and polished presentations, PREACHER GET TO THE SACRED PLACE OF GOD, RECEIVING A WORD FROM THE "ONE SHEPPERD", JESUS CHRIST, AND PREACH IT PREACHER! 

#3 – (V.12) – THE SCRIPTURE IS SUFFICIENT

Solomon realized that young men can get wrapped up into all the readings and studying of books and all it does is lead to weariness and "vanity".  In all we do, especially in preaching, preacher the scripture should be sufficient in your message. We can use books and different reading material, however, when it comes down to it, the scripture should be the sole authority of our preaching.

In a world of self help and how to books, library's overflowing with shelves of books, and with Internet sites full of sermons, PREACHER, PUT IT ALL BEHIND AND OPEN THE BIBLE, THE BREATH OF GOD, AND PREACH, PREACHER!!

IN CONCLUSION, CHURCH, LOOK FORWARD TO THE LIBERTY OF YOUR PASTOR TO PREACH THE WORD FOR YOUR INSTRUCTION.
PREACHER PREACH, THE BOOK, BLOOD, AND BLESSED HOPE!!

Keeping in the "ole path"
Bro. Trey