Preaching: Then and Now

In 2006 I published a book titled The Kind of Preaching Needed Today.  In the opening chapter I emphasized that we need preaching that: 1) Informs, 2) Convicts, 3) Converts, 4) Confirms, 5) Comforts, and 6) is Relevant.  I have not changed my mind about the kind of preaching that is needed today.  I still believe all of the preceding points are essential to the kind of preaching that will result in the salvation of souls (see I Corinthians 1:21).

Pursuant to the above thoughts and as a sequel to last week's "News and Views" titled "Book, Chapter and Verse," I would like to draw a contrast between the kind preaching that was heard in the churches of Christ in an earlier time with the kind of preaching that is frequently heard today.

Things we used to preach:

The authority in religion

Rightly dividing the word of truth

The facts, commands, and promises of the gospel

The identity of the church of the New Testament

The difference between New Testament Christianity and modern-day denominationalism

A way that is right and cannot be wrong

The cases of conversion in the Book of Acts

Acceptable worship

Why we observe the Lord's Supper every Sunday

Why we do not use instrumental music in worship

God's law on marriage, divorce and re-marriage

Be thou faithful unto death

The day of judgment

Heaven

Hell

Things preached today:

How to stay positive in a negative world

How to be a good husband and wife

How to raise good kids

How to be a good neighbor

Random acts of kindness

Principles of business and financial success

I'm okay, you're okay

How to be authentic

Kindness is the word

How to be tolerant and accepting of others

Maintaining good physical and mental health

Let's not be so dogmatic

Judge not

There are many right answers to a question

Doctrine divides, love unites

Some (though certainly not all) of the matters we now hear are good.  I am not suggesting that the Bible does not address any of them, because clearly it does. My concern is that too often today we hear messages that address only our earthly, temporal needs (the popular terminology is our "felt" needs), and fail to address those matters that have to do with the salvation of our souls. There needs to be a sense of Biblical balance in our preaching.  One should not hear only the latter kinds of sermons to the neglect of the former.  We need to be concerned about preaching "all the counsel of God" (Acts 20:27).

And in addressing matters relating to the salvation of souls, we need to make sure the message does not come across as: "Unless you believe to some degree, repent to a certain extent, and are baptized by some mode, you may be in danger of being somewhat condemned."  That is a far cry from the clarion call to faith, repentance, and obedience that rang from the lips of Christ and His inspired apostles and prophets, and it stands in stark contrast to the clear and distinct message set forth in the New Testament.    

Speaking Schedule:

September 5: Bethlehem Church of Christ, Lebanon, TN

September 30: Cottontown Church of Christ,Cottontown, TN

Hugh Fulford

September 4, 2012