Category: Preaching

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.

For the edification of the brethren, the preaching of the gospel is needed in our worship assemblies. “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2). May we all be blessed by the faithful proclamation of truth.

The churches of Christ are probably taught all they can receive about mission work already; what they need is for more preachers to ‘lead out’ by going to some needy field and practicing what has been preached. If, now, these Western opportunities are to be slighted, how are we to frame an answer to our judge for not having embraced them? They are waiting, they are calling, they are dying – unheeded!”

With John, Jesus and the apostles, communication was often a one-way street: they preached, but not everyone listened or agreed with what they had to say. I know this is also true today because we get an occasional message to “remove my name from your mailing list”, as a result of the teaching we do in our mail out bulletin at Forest Hills. Of course, we will do so. But what does it cost to read and study? The truth is needed today as much as it ever was and it is available to all who “hunger and thirst after righteousness” (Matthew 5:6).

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.

As the old saying goes, “To be forewarned is to be forearmed.” Preemptive action against error is required of elders and preachers. If they fail to take it, they fail in their duties to God and man. If the elders and/or preacher where you attend is not warning you, ask them why and make them give an answer (cf. 1 Pet. 3:15).

About three months ago I began using PowerPoint, and I am absolutely enthralled with the program. Not only is it relatively easy to use, its printing and exporting capabilities make it a tremendous teaching asset.

Yes, my young Christian friend, I will, with love and kindness, overlook your earnest and perhaps honest “youthful ramblings.” I, too, was once young. I, too, have made foolish judgments and impetuous statements. Not knowing the Scriptures, and not having the experience of seasoned and mature, battle scarred veterans of the faith, when I said things that were “off base,” I was taught and led back to the way of truth.

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.

This is written to communicate with you concerning the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ. Have you accepted Jesus by faith (Hebrews 11:6)? Have you repented of your sins (Luke 13:3)? Have you confessed your faith in Jesus (Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9-10)? Have you been baptized for the remission of your sins (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-7)? Are you following Jesus as a faithful disciple (Revelations 2:10)?

Brethren, I am truly concerned that instruction and edification are fleeting values among God’s people. Bible knowledge and conviction is being viewed as unnecessary! Churches are having less preaching by doing away with Sunday evening services all over the country – will Wednesday evening be the next fatality? What are you and I doing to turn this around? Whatever it takes, and I am persuaded that you can mark it down, that the instruction and edification which will be needed is not going to be accomplished by sweet little fifteen or twenty minute sermons!

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.

We must have the determination that we will not be a part of this so-called “neutral” generation (Matthew 12:30)! The night is far spent and the day is at hand – it is now time to wake up, stand up, and speak up for Truth (Romans 13: 11-14) (1 Thessalonians 5: 4-11)! You and I are the Lord’s messengers and servants – is He able to count on us?

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.

Seeing the manifold grace and power that God has extended to us in the gospel, let us strive to be more diligent each and every day to make our calling and election sure. Let us run the race that has been set before us, seeing that Christ has so run. And let us study to show ourselves approved unto God, a people that not only know the word but who are also not afraid to teach it.

It may not look like it, but your preacher is probably sowing the gospel seed through his modem in ways you cannot imagine. Don’t assume that he is wasting his time and your money when you find him with a keyboard and a Bible instead of knocking on doors. He may be answering one of hundreds of Internet queries that he will receive this year.