>>> Just a thought; two kinds of sermons... I have heard thousands of sermons over the years of being a Christian. Some were high quality, rich, bursting with Gods Word and extremely Biblically enlightening, filled with the meat of the Gospel. Sermons I remember to this day that helped me grow in the Lord! Others were not so great, while others still were absolutely worthless trash stocked full of silly nonsense and outright doctrines of demons. Here is something I have noticed; almost without exception the sermons (or teachings) I have heard that have been rich and deep, were also filled with scripture after scripture after scripture after scripture, etc. That is to say the foundation, indeed, the structure of these sermons, were a solid building of Gods Word. The person delivering the sermon, and their words, were noticeably second place to scripture, and almost unnecessary, except to facilitate the delivering of Gods Word in some organized manner. John the Baptist declared He (Jesus, or the Word) must increase, but I must decrease. - John 3:30 In contrast, the sermons I would have little motivation to even line a bird cage with, were filled with silly stories to amuse and get the crowd laughing, opinions, filler, sensationalistic prophecies, poor Biblical exegesis, worldly philosophies, scripture (if even used) taken obviously out of proper context, and sermons that were based on dangerous practices of claiming Jesus said to me this or that, or I asked the Lord, and the Lord said to me, and I said to the Lord, etc. That is to say, claims of divine revelation replacing inspired scripture. VERY dangerous! The Apostle Paul once remarked... 1 Corinthians 2:4 - And my speech and my preaching were not with enticing words of mans wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should NOT stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. And remember, the Bible says of Gods power... the Word of His power. Gods Word is POWER! And by the way; did you notice that there is a faith that stands in the wisdom of men? Something to think about. Just where is your faith coming from, Gods Word or the word of your favorite preacher? Paul also tells us... Romans 10:17 - So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Notice that first; faith comes by hearing, and Paul is not talking about hearing just anything. And, second; EVEN the hearing itself (ability to hear and understand Gods Word) comes from The Word of God. BOTH come from Gods Word; the ability to hear, and as a result, authentic Bible based faith. Emphasis on the vital importance of Gods Word in all things. The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy... 2 Timothy 3:16 - All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness... I had a Pastor friend of mine once tell me that sometimes Pastors fall to the temptation of what is called pulpit exaggerations. I said you mean lies? He answered you got it, lies! So, next time you are listening to a sermon or a teacher, take note of how much you are hearing that is solid scripture, and how must is... James 3:15 - This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. And dont forget... 1 Corinthians 3:19 - For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He takes the wise in their own craftiness.
Posted on: Sun, 23 Mar 2014 08:33:16 +0000
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