CONCERNING MUCH OF TODAY'S PREACHING
The apostle Paul warned us in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, “For the time will come when they will not
endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their
own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables.” I am con-
vinced that such a time is upon us in our day. Why would I say such a thing? Because much
preaching today centers around fables--concepts of men rather than God’s Word. For example, we read and hear much preaching concerning the rapture. Where is this found
in the Bible? To tell the truth, it is not found in the inspired Word of God--at all. The whole con-
cept is a fable, a myth.
Others preach that we ought to “get religion.” This is not a scriptural concept. Should we
have faith? Certainly we should. Should we worship God every single Lord’s day? Of course.
Should we pray on a regular basis. Again the answer is yes. Should we “get religion”? We state
again: This is not found in the inspired Word of God--at all. Is getting religion kind of like
getting a cold or the flu or the chicken pox. “Getting religion” is another myth of men.
Still others preach about “joining the church.” This is not a scriptural concept. Where is this
idea found in the Bible? It is not. However, we do read, “...and the Lord added to the church
daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47). The church in the New Testament is not something
that you “join” (like the Lion’s Club or the Chamber of Commerce). The Lord adds those who
are saved to His church.
And some preach, “All you have to do to be saved is believe.” But the New Testament does
not teach that. Must we have faith? Certainly (John 8:24; Heb. 11:6). I find it strange that when
the first gospel sermon was preached on Pentecost (Acts 2) and men asked, “Brethren, what
shall we do?” (v. 37), that Peter did not answer, “All you have to do is believe.” Don’t you find
that a little strange also? Why not simply give the same answer that Peter gave on that day?
“Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of
your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). I do not believe Peter’s
answer can be improved upon, do you?
We could go on and on about these kinds of fables that some are preaching. What is the pro- per response to such? It is found in 2 Timothy 4:2: “Preach the word; be urgen in season, out of
season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” And that is our goal in
preaching. We have no other motive. We do not seek to deceive you or pull the wool over your
eyes. We just want to simply preach God’s Word.
Which kind of preaching would you rather have? The preaching of God’s Word OR preach-
ing that is based on the fables of men?
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: We can’t get anywhere unless we start. Love ya,
Jesse
endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their
own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables.” I am con-
vinced that such a time is upon us in our day. Why would I say such a thing? Because much
preaching today centers around fables--concepts of men rather than God’s Word. For example, we read and hear much preaching concerning the rapture. Where is this found
in the Bible? To tell the truth, it is not found in the inspired Word of God--at all. The whole con-
cept is a fable, a myth.
Others preach that we ought to “get religion.” This is not a scriptural concept. Should we
have faith? Certainly we should. Should we worship God every single Lord’s day? Of course.
Should we pray on a regular basis. Again the answer is yes. Should we “get religion”? We state
again: This is not found in the inspired Word of God--at all. Is getting religion kind of like
getting a cold or the flu or the chicken pox. “Getting religion” is another myth of men.
Still others preach about “joining the church.” This is not a scriptural concept. Where is this
idea found in the Bible? It is not. However, we do read, “...and the Lord added to the church
daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47). The church in the New Testament is not something
that you “join” (like the Lion’s Club or the Chamber of Commerce). The Lord adds those who
are saved to His church.
And some preach, “All you have to do to be saved is believe.” But the New Testament does
not teach that. Must we have faith? Certainly (John 8:24; Heb. 11:6). I find it strange that when
the first gospel sermon was preached on Pentecost (Acts 2) and men asked, “Brethren, what
shall we do?” (v. 37), that Peter did not answer, “All you have to do is believe.” Don’t you find
that a little strange also? Why not simply give the same answer that Peter gave on that day?
“Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of
your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). I do not believe Peter’s
answer can be improved upon, do you?
We could go on and on about these kinds of fables that some are preaching. What is the pro- per response to such? It is found in 2 Timothy 4:2: “Preach the word; be urgen in season, out of
season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” And that is our goal in
preaching. We have no other motive. We do not seek to deceive you or pull the wool over your
eyes. We just want to simply preach God’s Word.
Which kind of preaching would you rather have? The preaching of God’s Word OR preach-
ing that is based on the fables of men?
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: We can’t get anywhere unless we start. Love ya,
Jesse
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