EXAMPLES OF COWARDLY PREACHING

The following post is my response to Richard's question as comment to my November 9th post.

"Anonymous said...

Give me some examples of cowardly preaching in your opinion coming from the pulpits today...Richard"

Examples of cowardly preaching are not always found in the pulpit. The pulpit may preach and teach from the Bible and correctly exegete the selected verse(s) but fail in creating courageous practical application. In other words right facts are presented but the leaven of cowardice is exposed by Jesus' disciples not living the life and light of the Word among the death and darkness of the world. These tares of traditions of men sown among the seeds of truth spoken by the God of all creation may sound godly but are really nothing more than men making God a creation of their own imagination, contained and confined according to human understanding. This becomes evident in the "excuse theology" of those having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof, constructing excuses and obscuring truth which declares the God of the Bible as the one true Never Changing God of Power and Might.

 Most often cowardly preaching is observed in believers failing to live as doers of the Word, choosing instead to live as hearers only. "We can never know what God will do", "If it is His will, God will heal you", "That passed away with the last apostle, no longer for today","We have the Bible today. We no longer need the gifts of the Spirit" and other religious cons intended to rob the saints of the victorious lifestyle of being more than conquerors through faith in Jesus Christ.

Again, the preaching in and of itself may not be viewed as cowardly at all. In fact, depending upon the personality of the preacher it may come across as very bold and authoritative. However, the actual authority of the preaching will be in the word being confirmed by Jesus with signs and wonders...or not. Cowardly preaching will be most evident in a point of view being taken from a small portion of Scripture, not having a "whole Bible, wholly God" basis. Most people listening to preaching today do not "rightly divide the Word" due to lack of study for themselves, lacking sufficient interest and discipline to "search the Scriptures to see if these things be so." Choosing the much easier regurgitated "spiritual" food digesting of the preacher spoon feeding them his own vomit. Yes, this is sick. Not my stating such graphic words but the truth of them. Listening contentedly as timid theologians explain away the very signs which Jesus said would follow the preaching of the gospel. By doing so, these false prophets create a schizophrenic identity crisis in the Church which Jesus has identified as His own Body and declared would do even greater works than He did.

This is too obvious on a national level in the United States by the electing as President a man who openly announced points of view in solid contradiction and opposing of scriptural principles. Yet many "Christians" cast their vote of support for such anti-Christ beliefs for the sake of change, his color or civil rights, in solid denial of the Name of Jesus Christ, His Church and His Kingdom. Many of these defectors sat for years under "loud, long and lively" supposed uncompromised and authoritative preachers. However their clear support of those who admit opposing Scriptural morals and principles illustrate the fruit of cowardly preachers. Choosing to identify themselves and those they are called to shepherd with the President and his programs while denying the Christ and His Church. Infecting the Church rather than influencing the culture these hirelings neglect the higher call of God and pander to produce cowards rather than prophesy to convict with courage.

Having said the above, I will close with this thought directed toward those full of the Holy Ghost and courage to unashamedly preach the solid Word of God regardless of sinful society and it's perversity as well as satisfied sitters in their pews.

In Luke 18:18-24 we read the account of Jesus and the rich young ruler. In their exchange this young man states he has learned and obeyed certain Scriptures from his youth. However, when called upon by Jesus to demonstrate a heart of trust in God and not his riches, his cowardice was exposed. Certainly there was no cowardice in the Preacher or His words. Jesus called this man to choose and he did. He chose not to change. From that moment on, this young man could no longer declare his obedience, for in that moment he became disobedient to the word of God. However, Jesus did not chase him down or change His challenge. Nor did Jesus fuss and fume. Instead, He became very sorrowful that this man chose less than the Kingdom offered to him. Then in verse 27, He picks right back up with His purpose and continues preaching the power of God to change lives.

No crying because of rejection. No compromise to religion and tradition. No change to His preaching. Sorrow. Not for Himself but for the one who chose to stay slave to the seen and walk away from the King.

Men will continue to walk away from Him until His return.

But not all. (verse 28)

Reader...which one are YOU?

Richard, hope this answers your question.

Thanks for asking it.