Preaching, Preacher, and People
October 26, 2008
Contemporary culture often views the preacher as a slick opportunist who takes advantage of people’s hopes and fears. Unfortunately, there are many preachers whose behavior validates this perception. But preaching is not a corrupt human endeavor. To the contrary, it is a divinely mandated responsibility (Mark 16:15; 1 Cor. 9:16; 2 Tim. 4:2) that is important for at least two reasons. First, preaching is important because it impacts the life of the preacher. Paul made it clear to Timothy that his message had internal as well as external implications (1 Tim. 4:16). The preacher is not only preaching to others; he is also preaching to himself! Secondly, preaching is important because of its impact upon people. Quite often, preachers wonder if their words have any effect at all. Well, not only does Scripture prove they do, current research does, as well. A respondent in one survey stated, “I come on Sunday hoping for inspiration from the sermon.” In fact, of individuals attending church, 75 percent listen to the sermon hoping for inspiration and life application. Friends, this is our sermon objective here at West Broad. We want to know what the word of God says and how those sayings relate to the life of the listener. Well, what can we conclude from all this? Simply that preaching impacts the man in the pulpit as well as the persons in the pews. The question is, will you allow it to impact you, today? Please think about it! - JLNJR (Resource: REV!, Sept/Oct 2008, 158).
