Dave Chanski
Not long ago, some dear Christians fled from their church home of many years because a mouse had replaced the lion. That is to say, conversation had replaced preaching. Their church’s new pastor had removed the pulpit from the platform. He replaced it with four bar stools upon which sat four church members who discussed religious issues with their pastor while he sat cross-legged at their feet. The fleeing Christians reported that this innovation was the crowning touch in the pastor’s bid to banish any hint of authoritative preaching from the church. He told the congregation that church growth experts believe the conversational “open-forum” approach better appeals to the appetites of modern men who don’t appreciate being “preached at.”
The Apostle foresaw this trend centuries ago. That’s why he wrote to Timothy, “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus…preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires” (2 Timothy 4:1-3). To Titus he wrote, “These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you” (Titus 2:15). To the early church which was filled with many aspiring “teachers” who burned to share their own opinions in the public worship, James wrote, “Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak…in humility receive the Word implanted, which is able to save your souls” (James 3:1; 1:19-21).
When the lion roars, the forest is silent. When the God of heaven speaks in the preaching of His Word, His creatures are to humbly listen. May the Lord grant us a fresh baptism of faithful authoritative preaching.