Category: Preacher

King Ahaz was described as one encouraging moral decline in Judah. We need to make sure we are not guilty of the same. This article offers some things which encourage moral decline, which we need to steer clear of as children of God.

To look into the life of Jeremiah is to gain a greater understanding of our Lord’s character.  Jesus once asked his disciples who men say…

Gospel preachers are in the public spotlight and that is exactly where God wants his faithful ministers.  Sermons are delivered in the most public manner. …

Paul was perhaps the greatest evangelist of all time, but his success is not a secret. He was busy taking advantage of every opportunity to declare the whole counsel of God to everyone, calling upon them to obey the gospel. His care for the souls of men is shown in the fact that he was willing to suffer personally for their salvation. We must do the same.

In 2 Timothy 4:5, the Apostle Paul exhorted young Timothy, “But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist,…

He said, “Well, Brother Hedge was asking you if you were on the Lord’s side.” Dad, a lover of words his whole life also added that guerdon was a very old Germanic/French word that probably refers to the reward a knight received from his lord for his military service. The spiritual application of this was to learn if I was the Lord’s man or not.

Our preaching must be clear, easily understood, and authoritative. So, out go the references to the latest research in psychology and any trendy information as proof or authority of what we teach. And out goes any references to Max Lucado and any others of his scattering breed, and out goes the self-inflated, the hireling, the self-promoting preachers from among us. Our preaching must be clear, easily understood, and authoritative. So, out go the references to the latest research in psychology and any trendy information as proof or authority of what we teach. And out goes any references to Max Lucado and any others of his scattering breed, and out goes the self-inflated, the hireling, the self-promoting preachers from among us.

It is simply insufficient to announce that any church is sound because its preaching is sound; soundness is also a matter of practice. Insisting on that Old Jerusalem Gospel does little good if it is heard, but ignored.

The gospel is yet sufficient today in meeting all the needs of all who seek the Lord (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3). As preachers of the gospel let us cast all our cares upon the Lord and make his ways our ways (1 Timothy 4:16). The examples reviewed in this article of first-century preachers helping Christians to both overcome mistaken ideas and repent of error are lessons for us today. May they encourage us as we seek to serve God no matter where we may find ourselves today.

A Satire, taking issue with Paul’s preaching methods. Letters written to Paul and Alexander the Coppersmith by a fictional character, Asthenes

Faithful churches of Christ are actively preaching the Great Commission and are reaching out to the community around them with its saving message. We are attempting to communicate the “good news” (gospel) of Christ today, just as it was delivered in the first century.

Whether it be a bowl of beans, a large endowment, or a dear and beloved friend, nothing is worth the loss of our souls. “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:36-38) (NASB) It does not depend on whose ox is being gored, it all depends on how much we love the Lord who shed His precious blood for the salvation of my soul and your soul. He who has an ear, let him hear.

Go to your preacher, ask him how much he makes, and compare his gross salary with the gross salary of the other members. Compare the shoddiness of his clothing and house to the luxuries of others. Ask him how he is criticized and gossiped about, by hypocrites who do the very same things. You may be surprised what you learn.

The church of Christ has always endured false doctrines and evil influences, and today is no different. There are particular heresies which are affecting and influencing the church today, and they cannot be ignored. While not every problem mentioned in this sermon series is affecting every local church, and while our first duty is to our local church, still we cannot simply ignore them.

Unfortunately, many who say we are “too negative” never get around to addressing certain sins and errors in the “better way,” but they are very critical of those who are doing so in the best way we know to do it.

An email respondent takes issue with Ron Halbrook’s and Tom Robert’s negative approach to the Christian faith

Each preacher has a commitment to God to preach so as to please God whether it pleases the brethren or not (cf: the life of the prophets) and this is not negotiable. However, it is possible to abuse this prerogative and take advantage of brethren who agree in principle with this commitment but disagree with the application of it by an unwise preacher. The life of many a faithful preacher has been made hard by foolish ones who abuse the patience of good brethren by not using discretion toward responsibilities. Preachers should show good judgment in their work.

Too many preachers have chosen to go into preaching for the wrong reasons. Ease of work, popularity, and riches are all things that are foreign to a true minister of the Word. Paul labored tirelessly (2 Corinthians 11:23-33; Acts 13-28). He was unpopular on the whole (Acts 14:1-5, 19; 16:16-24; etc.). He certainly was not rich (1 Corinthians 4:9-11). If these are the reasons a man decides to preach, he will be worthless to the cause—a hindrance and enemy (Philippians 3:17-19)!

The work of evangelism can be a lonely task. Just as prophets of old had to stand alone and aloof from every obstacle to his work, so evangelists must be ready to “be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5). Yes, one must “study (give diligence) to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

One of the best uses of the internet is as a resource to preachers and teachers. One caveat, however. It is important that the reader be discerning. Error is present on the web as well as truth. In fact, it has a greater presence. If you wish to share such resources with a young aspiring preacher, be careful where you point him. Might I suggest the above sites as a good place to start.