Dateline: 2 Timothy 4:2
An unfortunate outcome of my continued efforts to hone my preaching skills has been the discovery of bad preaching….
The bottom line is that most modern day preachers couldn't hold a candle to their predecessors. Mind you, I am not standing on a pedestal and throwing everyone else under the bus because I know I have preached some awful sermons ,too. That characteristic is not what separates me from bad preachers, what does so is my desire to improve.
The most damaging aspect of shoddy preaching is not a bored or disinterested congregation. Sadly, bad preaching leads produces false teaching. False teaching has produced a lukewarm church.
Brothers and sisters, I would never accuse any preacher of intentionally deviating from the truth. But the devil has undoubtedly slithered his way into far too many pastor's studies. I ask for your help in protecting mine. If you ever hear me stray from the one and only true Gospel, if I ever neglect to boldly proclaim God's Word, if I do not rightly divide the Bible, I implore you to hold me accountable. Let me know immediately.
Many of you reading this hear me preach at least once a week, I humbly ask you to keep this preacher on course. Also, I always post sermon audio on our church website… I am not suggesting anyone drop everything to listen but if you happen to do so, please hold me accountable to the truth.
I am not seeking self-promotion but Spirit-control. I recently asked you all for help in my prayer life and I cannot express how dramatic a difference your guidance and prayers have made. Bottom line- my prayer life has improved. I am confident my preaching will do the same.
|
