Pensees: Mutterings on Preaching

Mutterings on Preaching

From the Journal years ago

“Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophecy. . . one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation” (1 Corinthians 14:1,3).

I think this speaks of more than preaching, but preaching — Spirit-filled preaching — also speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation.

There is something spiritual (mystical?) about powerful preaching. Anyone can sermonize. But the gift of the Spirit to edify, exhort, and comfort is what I desire. I hear so many preachers who are saying the right things, who are very articulate, organized. But I desire to speak effectively every time. This is not academic. It is a gift of the Spirit.

“In minor matters as well as more important concerns I have spoken my mind fearlessly, and brought down objurgations and anathemas innumerable, but I in nowise regret it, and shall not swerve from the use of outspoken speech in the future any more than in the past. I would scorn to retain a single adherent by such silence as would leave him under misapprehension. After all, men love plain speech. ~ Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Today’s musing

I have refined over the years. I don’t think I would tell people to “get off their spiritual butts” as I have in the past. But I’ve gotten real close to it — even recently. But I still have no taste for passionless preaching. Jesse Boyd is said to have said that there are two things that really get him fired up:

1. Good preaching.
2. Bad preaching.

I think I agree. And, in my opinion, bad preaching is, among other things, preaching without passion.
When will preachers start preaching as if they actually believe what they are saying?

Some do. That’s what made the Shepherds Conference preaching so good this past year. Exceptionally good. I’m still enjoying it.