Truth Magazine

By Larry Ray Hafley

As Acts 2 has been styled the hub and heart of the precious, pristine promises and panoramic prophecies of the Old Testament, so Acts 7 is the hinge of the book of Acts. Prior to Stephen’s address, the gospel generally was confined to Jerusalem, but ever afterward as the door of faith swung outward, the disciples, ignited by the fires of persecution, “went every where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4).

Stephen’s discourse was occasioned by the Jews who charged that he “ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against -1 his holy place, and the law . . . (and) that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which. Moses delivered us” (Acts 6:13,14). In response to the question, “Are these things so?”, Stephen commenced his famous speech. All who would endeavor to teach and preach Jesus Christ should imitate and emulate his method and manner, for as “they were not able to resist the wisdom and spirit by which he spake” (Acts 6: 10), so none can do today.

What Stephen Did Not Preach

Stephen was on trial, not only for his life, but also for his Lord. With oratorical skill, he could have saved his life. How? First, by condemning the idolatry of those “uncircumcised Gentiles,” and lauding the “one, true and living God of Israel,” he could have obtained favor and escaped death. However, this would have converted no one to Christ. They believed in Jehovah; they abhorred idolatry. That was not the issue. A sermon like that of Paul in Acts 17 would have enhanced his stature, perhaps, but he did not preach what they wanted to hear. Rather, he preached what they needed to hear. With personal comfort and convenience in mind, one can avoid and evade the disfavor of the masses, but he will answer to God for it (Ezek. 3:17-21).

Second, Stephen could have curried popular favor by contrasting the gross immoralities of the Roman rulers with the pure and blameless lives of “my dear brethren,” the Pharisees (cf. Lk. 18:9-14; Phil. 3:3-6). All he would have said would have been true, and it might very well have saved his life, but it was not what his audience needed. It is so easy to “preach the truth” while cautiously ignoring the real needs of lost and dying souls. Stephen did not seek this diversionary escape hatch as hirelings will do.

Third, with sincere pride. Stephen could have noted the glories of David and Solomon. With the recitation of the honor of ancient Israel, he could have swelled the hearts of his audience. He could have expressed his contempt for Caesar and Rome and told how the glory of God’s kingdom supercedes that of the kingdoms of men. Again, it would have been the truth, but it was not the issue at hand.

Fourth, he could have sought relief from his opposers by appealing to the advice of Gamaliel (Acts 5:34-40). Political .expediency was not a breach through which Stephen would flee the assaults against himself and the truth. “Testing the wind” and “feeling the pulse” are activities best left meteorologists and doctors. While exercising wisdom and judgment, faithful gospel preachers will “cry aloud and spare not.” They will not use political tactics to advance themselves when truth is at stake.

Characteristics of Stephen’s Preaching

The traits of Stephen’s sermon are needed greatly. Observe them. Study them. Apply them. Instruct a preacher of the gospel “in the way of God more perfectly” if his efforts are not patterned after those of the steadfast, stalwart Stephen.

1. Use of Scripture: The fiber and fabric of Stephen’s address is webbed and woven, laced and lined with Scripture. Note the numerous citations and quotations of Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Kings, Isaiah and Amos. He did not merely allude to a passage and then launch out on the sea of human wisdom, traditions and philosophies. He preached Scripture.

Do not allow a speaker’s charm, poise, grace, wit, wealth, wisdom and worldly attainments to blind and obscure “what” you are hearing – “Take heed what ye hear” (Mk. 4:24). While wit, eloquence and humor may ornament and decorate a discourse, one should leave “after dinner” speeches on a banquet table. They have no place in the pulpit nor in the kingdom of God’s dear Son. Does the preacher use Scripture, cite Scripture, expound and explain Scripture? Stephen did. Does he illustrate and demonstrate Scripture? Stephen did. Does he read Scripture, giving the sense and causing the understanding to be enlightened (1 Tim. 4:13; Neh. 8:8)? Stephen did. If a preacher does not, he needs to learn to do so, or seek another field of work, for he will be a hindrance and a detriment to the cause of Christ.

2. Application of Scripture: Stephen not only used Scripture, he also applied it. Stephen, “full of faith and power,” showed the Jews that as their fathers had rejected Joseph, Moses and the prophets, so they had repudiated the Just One of whom the prophets spake (Acts 7:51,52). Though at first they did not recognize the relevance, pertinence or significance of his history lesson, it was brought down with the force of a sledge hammer as ‘they perceived that he spake of them” (cf. Matt. 21:45; Acts 7:51-54). The Scriptures were applied directly and personally to their lives, to their particular situation.

Conservative Baptists will “amen” every admonition to worship God “in spirit and in truth,” and will agree that the Bible is “our only rule of faith and practice,” but when one deals directly with their particular errors, he may then be able to reach the “honest and good heart.” Institutional brethren will applaud (often quite literally!) every appeal to “make all things according to the pattern.” However, only when their specific errors are shown to be contrary to the New Testament plan, can one begin to teach them the truth and lead them from the errors of church sponsored recreation, sponsoring church arrangements, societies, etc. Christians want the virtues of “modesty and morality” to be extolled, but what of specific rebuke of bikinis, social drinking, dance halls, lottery tickets and pornography viewed in the home on cable TV?

As Stephen applied Scripture in direct confrontation, so must we (Gal. 2:11-14; 2 Tim. 2:16-18). Scripture not applied is Scripture denied.

3. Origin of Scripture: While Stephen did not argue for the veracity, integrity and authenticity of Scripture’s Divine origin, his words assumed them to be God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:16). Genesis 12 was what “God . . . said” (Acts 7:2,3). In Genesis 15, “God spake” (Acts 7:6). The “living oracles” were what “saith the Lord” (Acts 7:38,44,49,53). A preacher must ever speak so as to project the Bible as the word of God, and expect his audience to receive it as that (1 Thess. 2:13). This awesome, sublime fact should both humble and embolden all who would preach the word.

4. Authority of Scripture: The origin of Scripture inherently inscribes it with power and authority. Stephen’s authority for his declaration and proclamation of Jesus as the Just One was rooted in the authority of the Scriptures. His words and arguments beat the drum of scriptural authority which says, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isa. 8:20; Acts 7:37,44).

When one loses respect for the authority of the Scriptures, he will appeal to them less frequently. It is not the reverse. He does not make fewer references to Scripture and then lose respect for it. No, first, he loses respect for the absolute authority of the word of God and then he turns away his ears from the truth and is turned unto fables. Sound doctrine and godly living are a consequence of a deep and profound reverence for the authority of Scripture.

5. Comfort of Scripture: Help and hope are not found in the ingenious, clever reasonings of men, but in Scripture (Rom. 15:4). Stephen did not cite learned men of wealth and influence who had become “obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7), for truth is not established by who has or has not accepted it (Jn. 7:47-52; Acts 4:13; Phil. 3:3-7).

Stephen’s comfort and confidence were based on him who is the Rock, the firm foundation of God which standeth sure. He was not puffed up by his own human energy nor by a spasm of enthusiasm generated and inflated by his own mind. He knew that though one may fluff a pillow, it still will not stand under weight or pressure. Hence, his “true heart in full assurance of faith,” rested and relied on the “testimony of God” (2 Tim. 1:7,8; 1 Thess. 4:18).

6. Condemnation of Scripture: Initially, Stephen’s debating and preaching had resulted in a number of “negative” results. First, it had drawn the ire of people who formerly had been respectful of the new born faith (Acts 2:47; 5:11-16). Second, it created an outcry that resulted in public disturbance and unfavorable publicity. Third, it led to the separation of brethren who formerly had rejoiced and eaten from house to house “with one accord” (Acts 2:46; 4:32; 8:1; 11:19). Talk about giving the church a “black eye” before the public and “driving people away!

Stephen had “aired the dirty linen” of Israel’s rebellion and apostasy before the world, and then he proceeded to convict his audience of the same. He succeeded. His auditors were indeed “convicted.” With withering words of condemnation, Stephen concluded, “Ye do always resist the Holy Spirit: as your fathers did, so do ye” (Acts 7:5 1). He charged them with stubbornness and hardness of heart and with being traitors, “betrayers and murderers.” His conclusions were those drawn from the well of truth and righteousness and not from the reservoir or cistern of his own feelings and opinions.

Is it possible that a man’s preaching that results in such havoc, misery, turmoil, suffering and death can ever be termed a “success”? Yes, for it must be remembered that the word of God is a savor of life and of death (2 Cor. 2:14-17). The problem is not of the seed but of the soil (Lk. 8:11-15). Peter pointedly charged those in Acts 2 with murder and 3000 souls responded in repentance and baptism, but when Stephen did so, they killed him. The seed and the sower were not the problem. It was the soil (Mk. 4:14-20).

John the Baptist told Herod it was “not lawful” for him to have his brother’s wife. For this plain, direct application and condemnation, John was beheaded. In a similar vein, Paul told the Corinthians that they accepted so gross an immorality that even the Gentiles would not tolerate it (1 Cor. 5:1). He rebuked them for it, and it resulted in repentance and restoration (1 Cor. 5; 2 Cor. 2; 7). What was the difference? Was Paul more tactful and less abusive than John? No, the difficulty was in the soil, the heart, not in the seed, the word.

Conclusion

Stephen had not learned how to “win friends and influence people” by “accentuating the positive and eliminating the negative.” He did not seek to promote “selfesteem” and leave people “feeling good about themselves.” Peter’s success on Pentecost began with a total loss of self-esteem and good feelings (Acts 2:37). They were brought to their spiritual knees as they saw the true condition of their souls. After obedience in baptism, they could rejoice in the remission of sins (Acts 2:38,41-47; 8:39; 16:34).

Likewise, Stephen sought to show the Jews their poverty of spirit with the use, application, origin, authority, comfort, and condemnation of Scripture. Therefore, we today, with a message of peace on earth and good will toward men, must preach the truth, the whole truth and only the truth and press it upon the hearts of men. As Stephen’s example demonstrates, our duty is not to promote self-esteem or to attempt to make men feel good about themselves. Our responsibility, devoid of the fear of men, is to sound out the word of the Lord, to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery of the gospel, to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light, from the power of Satan unto the kingdom of God, that they might receive forgiveness of sins and the inheritance which is given to them that are sanctified by faith in Christ. In short, “Preach the word.”

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 3, pp. 83-85
February 6, 1992

From Parkersburg, West Virginia

See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men (1 Thess. 5:15).

I worked at a secular job from April of 1972 until August of 1990, a total of just over 18 years. My former place of employment was a factory that manufactured gypsum wallboard. They mined the raw material and processed it all under one roof. During my tenure I worked at all capacities on an hourly basis. I worked in the mine, production, quality, shipping, and maintenance, I saw it all. I am saying all this to verify my credentials. I did not push a pencil. I skinned my knuckles. I saw those who, on a daily basis, rendered evil for evil as is said in our passage.

Of course, one is sure to say, these were worldly people and you expect them to have acted in a worldly fashion. There were those who engaged in fisticuffs, pulled knives, threatened each other, lied, plotted against each other, etc. It was wearisome to always deal with “one side against the other” in everything one tried to do. Whether real or imagined a grudge was held most of the time. Those who held the grudge could scarcely wait for an opportunity to retaliate. This led to a snowball effect that would go on and on with little purpose and no profit.

I think of these things from time to time. I especially think of them when brethren exhibit the same spirit. I think of them when brethren use every opportunity to lash out with some carnal retaliation against other brethren who have harmed them in a real or imagined way. I think of those I once worked with when I come to the sad conclusion that some brethren are only surpassed in rendering evil for evil by a few who are in the world. I will grant that there are few brethren who act in this manner. However those few cause others much grief and turmoil and it ought not to be so!

I am sure someone may think that I am being soft, but hear me out. Brother or sister, if a real harm has come to you, does that give you the right to retaliate? Our passage says that it does not! Jesus, whom all Christians are to imitate (1 Cor. 11:1), taught a doctrine of non-retaliation (Matt. 5:38-44) and practiced what he preached (1 Pet. 2:21-23). The thinking that “I have a right to get even ” rests on the corruption of the world and not in the gospel of Christ. If a brother or sister does legitimately harm us in some way, we are to go to that person and correct him or her (Matt. 18:15-17). We are not to plot and plan some carnal retaliation.

To quote an old expression: “Wrong cannot right the wrongs that wrong hath done” (William Arthur Dunkerley in Dies Irae – Dies Pacis). To quote an old Scripture: “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Paul of Tarsus in Rom. 12:19-21).

Brethren, consider those things that have harmed you in the past or might come your way in the future. Remember to engage in the practice of our Lord and not in the practice of the world.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 2, p. 45
January 16, 1992

By W.R. Jones

Meditating on the preaching of the Master is a most humbling experience. All who preach the gospel or aspire to preach should give careful consideration to his divine pattern. I hope the thoughts that follow will bring a blessing your way.

Our exalted view of Christ the Savior may tend to obscure the fact that he was a preacher while he sojourned below. In Mark 1:14 we read, “Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God.” Someone remarked, “God had but one Son, and he was a preacher.” Unfortunately, preaching is not held in honor by many people, and some of those are in the Lord’s church. Their mentality toward preaching says, “A man becomes a preacher if he can’t make a living any other way.” A city garbage worker once said to me, “I’m not too good to preach and I’ve sure been thinking about it.” Of course, much of this derision has been brought about by “so-called” preachers who are charlatans in their message and hypocritical in their conduct.

However, if you have a sincere desire to preach the gospel and a reasonable degree of talent, don’t allow these despicable attitudes to discourage you. As a preacher you will be in good company. Jesus our Savior was a preacher. Noah, who built the ark, was a preacher of righteousness. Fearless John, the forerunner of Christ, was a preacher. Peter, the first to confess Christ as the Son of God, was a preacher. The logical, learned and courageous Paul was a preacher. Stephen, who became a martyr for Truth, was a dedicated young preacher. To say nothing of such men as Philip, Timothy and Titus who preached the Word of God. Jesus certainly considered preaching of supreme importance. When Jesus gave the marching orders to carry salvation to the lost, he said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mk. 16:15).

True gospel preaching is the Lord’s chosen method and that of his apostles. Anyone who would dare diminish the importance of preaching should hang his head in tearful shame. Saints of God should pray, “Lord, give us faithful, dedicated, courageous men whose only aim is to preach like Jesus.”

His Preaching Was to Seek and Save the Lost

There is no way to properly understand the preaching of Jesus without a comprehension of his mission. He lived under the Old Testament Law and he came to fulfill it. This he did upon the cross by, “blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross” (Col. 2:14). But, a far greater mission overshadows everything else. These words tell it all, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Lk. 19:10). Again, “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28). His burning desire was, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (Jn. 10:10). Jesus came to send a fire on earth. “I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will 1, if it be already kindled?” (Lk. 12:49) I am impressed with these words from the Fourfold Gospel. “He came to rouse men to spiritual conflict, to kindle a fire in the public mind. The burning of this fire would excite men and stir up their passions and cause division. The opposition of the Pharisees showed that this fire was already kindled.”

Do you want to preach like Jesus? If so, you must be motivated by a burning desire to “seek and save the lost.” Preaching the gospel is not just a job to maintain, it is a mission to fulfill.

The dedicated preacher will not say, “Let me use the Lord and his church to get what I want, ” but “Let the Lord use me to accomplish his mission. ” The first is “self-centered”; the second is not. Our preaching should be motivated by a burning desire to proclaim a message directed to the hearts of men that they may have peace with God and with themselves. With Jeremiah it was a “burning fire,” and so should it be with us (Jer. 20:9)

His Preaching Was Pointed and Certain

Not Muddled and Nebulous

The preaching of Jesus was “relevant” preaching. He dealt with the great enemy of God and man, sin. When Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life,” and “Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free,” it rang with certainty; certainty as to the attainability of truth, the absoluteness of truth and the power of truth (Jn. 14:6; 8:32). Human philosophy seeks to cast us into a sea of indecision, but not so with the preaching of the Master. His preaching was profound in truth, but simple in presentation that all might understand. This is well demonstrated by the many parables he used. His pointed messages could be strong and sharp, yet tender and compassionate. In Matthew 23, he boldly exposed the Pharisces and scribes in no uncertain terms. Words like, hypocrites, child of hell, blind guides, fools, serpents and vipers are not words of ambiguity. On another occasion we hear his tender appeal, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, (thou) that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under (her) wings, and ye would not!” (Matt. 23:37)

Do you want to preach like Jesus? If so, you must make the denouncing of sin your major theme. Preaching that spouts forth many words, but doesn’t nail anything down, is not like the Master’s. Our preaching must be kind and compassionate, but it must also be pointed. There is an old East Texas saying which sums it up very well. “You must put the salve where the sore is.” If the sore is on one’s neck and he puts the salve on his elbow, it will not help. I recently read this excerpt, “The tragedy in the church today is that the preacher has stopped meddling and started muddling.” This muddling comes, of course, from a failure to condemn sin and iniquity. Someone has said, “He who trims himself to suit everyone soon whittles himself away.” Jesus,did not preach like this you may be sure. Early into his preaching Jesus met strong opposition from the Jewish leaders. This opposition did not come because the Lord quietly quoted the Old Testament Scriptures, but because he denounced the “traditions of the fathers” which were a perversion of Divine teaching. When preachers “beat around the bush” they will draw very little opposition, but when preaching is pointed, sooner or later, the “sparks will fly.” This is no excuse to use unmerciful crudeness, but we must “put the salve where the sore is.” If we are to emulate Jesus in our preaching, we must show a sharp contrast between truth and error. In morals, we must show a marked contrast between holiness and worldliness. Let our messages be clear, not murky, our sound certain, not muffled. Let us be determined to read nothing into the Will of Christ and read nothing out of his will. I don’t believe anyone ever disturbed men and divided men with their preaching like Jesus did, yet his ultimate aim was to bring men into peace with God. Our preaching should be the same.

I believe gospel preachers should be supported well. Brethren who neglect this responsibility will be judged accordingly. In all the efforts of Jesus, he never put a price tag on his preaching. One preacher is reported to have said, “I never move unless I get a raise in salary.” Another reportedly said, when offered $750.00 per week, “I wouldn’t touch it for less than $850.00.” Does this sound like the preaching of Jesus to you? Preachers should be careful lest they become professional and mercenary.

Jesus never tolerated human doctrines and neither should preachers of our day. His answer to false ways was, “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men and . . . Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up” (Matt. 15:9,13).

Jesus, the Lamb and the Lion

Jesus is presented in the Scriptures as the “Lamb of God.” “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (Jn. 1:29). “The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth” (Acts 8:32-33). All such passages present him in the light of a sacrifice for ours sins. When personal attacks were made upon him, he did not seek vengeance nor did he retaliate. “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Pet. 2:22-23). Jesus is also pictured as the “Lion of the tribe of Judah” (Rev. 5:4-5). I can especially see the Lion in his preaching. The Lion sprang into action when there was an attack or an abuse of God’s Word. Ample examples of this may be observed in Matthew 23.

Do you want to preach like Jesus? If so, pay little attention to what men say about you, but spring forth with a healthy recoil when they pervert the Word of God. I know some preachers who will fight you to the death if you dare challenge their ideas or criticize their conduct, but false teachers can feed the Word of God to the shredder, so to speak, and they hardly raise a finger in defense. If we are to be faithful gospel preachers, we must keep our priorities straight and our perspectives clear.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 3, pp. 75-77
February 6

By Weldon E. Warnock

Over many pulpits in Kentucky several years ago were the words, “Preach the word.” It might serve as a good reminder to put these words over our pulpits today as such preachers are fastly becoming an endangered species.

N.B. Hardeman said, “The most solemn charge ever delivered to mortal man or clothed in human words was announced by Paul to Timothy when he said: ‘I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and kingdom; preach the word.’ I have attended some courts in the country where I chance to live, and have heard the charges of the judge delivered to the jury and to the gentlemen of the audience at large. Many of them were impressive and attractive; but when I think of this one, delivered by the peerless apostle, in which he called to witness both God, the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, the Judge of the living and the dead, I can but be impressed with its weight and importance. ‘I bid you preach the word.'”(1)

Preachers among us in an effort to be “cultured,” and “modern,” and “broad,” have substituted speculation, philosophy, psychology, current events, book reviews and razzle-dazzle for the word of the living God. Daniel Webster said when a preacher took his text from the Bible and preached from the newspaper, he preferred to stay at home.

Many preach a watered-down version of truth which is not truth at all. It is less than truth. Not a few preach in generalities that could be preached in most denominational churches. To the credit of a few sectarian churches they would not tolerate such indecisive and vacillating preaching we are hearing among us on such things as social drinking, gambling, risque movies, immodest dress and divorce and remarriage for every cause.

How often have some of you preachers heard brethren say after you preached a plain, simple, firm, fundamental, biblical sermon, “We are starving for that kind of preaching”? “That’s the kind of preaching I grew up on, but we don’t hear it anymore.” “All we hear is love and grace.” “There is no distinctive ring to the preaching we hear.” “There hasn’t been a sermon preached on the conversion of the eunuch, the one church, instrumental music, denominationalism, etc., since I can remember.”

Let us preach the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Quit trying to be a Billy Graham, a Charles Swindoll or a Max Lucado. Be a gospel preacher! Reprove, rebuke and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. Do the work of an evangelist. Discharge all the duties of your ministry (2 Tim. 4:2-5). We have been called through the gospel to preach the word. What a noble calling it is. The imitable apostle Paul considered preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ a favor bestowed upon him by God (Eph. 3:8). Is it any less for us?

What Is Wrong?

A question was asked, “What is wrong with today’s preaching?” “Plenty!” was the answer given. The following indictments were given against preaching in our day:

(1) Trivial, trite. (2) Humdrum sermons, vague and rambling with no clear-cut point. (3) Pretentious delivery with no feeling or an exaggeration of it. (4) Sermon length cut more and more to make it easy on the congregation. (5) Tendency to tone down the message to please the people. (6) Timidity about stressing the harder demands of religion in action.

Following the aforementioned question and answers was another question, “What is the solution?” The following answers were given: (1) A return to the brave preaching of the early church and the apostles. (2) A renewed emphasis upon biblical and expository preaching. (3) More time spent in sermon preparation. (4) Plain speech that will nourish souls of the laymen.(2)

The above comments came from a world-wide conference on Methodism about 25 years ago as to what they thought of their preachers. Except for the word “laymen,” you might think that some writer was reporting on a recent survey of churches of Christ. Indeed, in far too many cases our preaching has become: trivial, feeble, humdrum, no feeling, short talks, toned-down, no content and timid about demands. We need to return to brave preaching of the early church and apostles, more Bible in our preaching, better preparation and plain, bold speech that lets hearers know what God says about the matter. I believe the Lord is in a better position to know our needs then Barth, Bonhoffer, Freud, Fosdick, Calvin, college Bible professors, preachers, or any other uninspired men. Why not try, for example, such men as Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah, or Peter, John and Paul?

Perhaps the inspired men who wrote the Bible have become too obsolete for some of us. We can’t appear intellectual or fashionable by quoting the Bible so we resort to the wisdom of men. “I bid you preach the word.” Remember, 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 Cor. 1:21). Brother, if the Bible is too antiquated for you, then get out of the pulpit, find a secular job and earn an honest living.

George Klingman once prayed, “God forbid that the day may ever come when our boys may feel that theology, or man’s philosophy, or anything else, will make a person stronger than the word of God.” Some of our young preachers, and a few of the older ones, seem to be constantly striving to be different, to be novel, in order to attract attention to self or something else and are gradually leading people away from the love and devotion to truth. Susannah Wesley, mother of John and Charles Wesley, rightly said, “The true end of preaching is to mend men’s lives and not to fill their heads with unprofitable speculation.” Paul wrote to Timothy, “But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness” (2 Tim. 2:16).

The Message

The need of the hour is to preach the word. We have no other choice and meet God’s approbation. The Lord told Jeremiah, “whatsoever I command thee thou shall speak” (Jer. 1:7; cf. v. 17). Again, “all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word” (Jer. 26:2). Jonah was told, “Preach unto it (Nineveh) the preaching I bid thee” (Jonah 3:2). Ezekiel spoke the word of the Lord. “The word of the Lord came unto me” appears 49 times in Ezekiel. This statement and “thus saith the Lord unto me” or “thus saith the Lord” or a similar statement appears 309 times in the book of Ezekiel. He preached, as well as all of God’s prophets, revelation and not speculation.

May all who preach resolve to be like Micaiah when he said, “As the Lord liveth, what the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak” (1 Kgs. 22:14). The “what” must always coincide with the “that.” Let us be able to say with Paul, “I have fully preached the gospel of Christ” (Rom. 15:19). Little sermonic talks and “after dinner” speeches that consist of mental health suggestions and interpersonal relationships do’s and don’t’s, are not preaching the word. Only the gospel will save us and take us to heaven. “There is not a single step that man is called upon to take, from the time he leaves the world of sin and wickedness and woe until at last he sweeps through the gates that stand ajar to receive the golden crown, but that sad step is affected either directly or indirectly by the word of God.”(3)

The first-century Christians believed in the saving and transforming power of the word of God. Hence, they went everywhere preaching it. “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4; cf. 11:19-20). At Salamis on Cyprus Paul and Barnabas “preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews” (Acts 13:5). At Perga they preached the word (Acts 14:25). Everywhere they preached, the word of God (also called the gospel, the faith, the truth, Christ) was proclaimed (Acts 15:36-37; 17:13; cf. 5:42; 8:5,12,35; 9:20; 16:10; 19:13; 20:25; 28:30-31).

Needless to say we cannot preach the word unless we know what it is. Knowledge of the word of God demands much study. Our main textbook as preachers is the Bible – not these Calvinistic books that are so widely acclaimed. Many study about the Bible and preach about the Bible, but don’t preach much from the Bible. Let us fill our hearts with what God says and be like Jeremiah when he wrote, “But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay (remain quiet)” (Jer. 20:9). I am not suggesting we throw our books away (although for some of them might be a good idea), but let us never forget they are only a tool and nothing more.

What Preaching Accomplishes

Preaching the word of God accomplishes several things. Let us observe that the word:

1. Gives direction. “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jet. 10:23). Man cannot know by his own intuition. David wrote, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psa. 119:105).

2. Prevents sin. “Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psa. 119:11).

3. Cleanses from sin. “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” (Jn. 15:3).

4. Saves. Paul wrote, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation” (Rom. 1:16; cf. 1 Cor. 15:1-3).

5. Brings us to spiritual maturity. Peter wrote that we are to “desire the sincere milk of the word that we may grow thereby” (1 Pet. 2:2). The author of Hebrews states that God’s word will produce spiritual growth, discernment and maturity (Heb. 5:12-14).

6. Enables us to fight the enemies of truth. The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Eph. 6:17), helps arm us to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Tim. 6:12). You can’t be very effective in casting down strongholds of false doctrines (2 Cor. 10:3-5) by being suave and sweet-talking. You must take up the sword of the Spirit and become adept in using it.

May we fully realize that God’s word has the energy, power, capability and the effectiveness to accomplish all of these things that he has designed it to do. However, it cannot do its work if it is not allowed to. Hence, preach the word!

Preachers who try to make everyone feel good about themselves, don’t arouse guilt, don’t preach anything controversial, emphasize only positive elements, use puerile and fiddle-faddle topics, such as, “How to Kiss a Frog,” “How to Get a Turtle on a Fence Post,” “Snake Bites That Snafu Your Life,” and never preach longer than 15 to 20 minutes, are not gospel preachers. They are a new breed of preachers among us who don’t know what the gospel is. They don’t have enough power in their message to lift a feather in a vacuum, much less to change men and women and fit them for heaven.

May the Lord help us to get back to preaching the old Jerusalem gospel in its ancient simplicity and purity with conviction and certainty. Human hearts still cry out for the bread of life. Let’s not give them a stone or a serpent.

Endnotes

1. N.B. Hardeman, Hardeman’s Tabernacle Sermons, Vol. 1, p. 65.

2. Johnny Jackson, Firm Foundation, Aug. 1991. This article was written Sept. 25, 1966.

3. N.B. Hardeman, op. cit., p. 69.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 3, pp. 67-69
February 6, 1992