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MORALISM OR MORAL PREACHING

Posted on Mar 17, 2021 in BLOG |

Moralism or Moral Preaching

Al Mohler labeled much evangelical preaching today as “moralistic fables” because the sermons used biblical stories as examples to teach moral truths. Christ and the cross should be the focus of every sermon because they are the focus of every biblical text.[1] G.K. Beale, in a recent article, stressed that every verse in Scripture points to Christ and must be used to preach Christ, not moralism. He asked how our preaching is different from rabbinic teaching if we fail to focus on Christ and redemption.[2]

Christocentric preachers argue that when we use examples from the lives of biblical characters to teach moral and ethical values, we are guilty of moralism – using the Bible to emphasize our efforts to please God instead of preaching what God has done for us. Exemplification, using Bible stories and characters to teach moral values, is wrong to the redemptive-historical preachers.

PASTORAL ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE LIGHT OF THE RZIM SCANDAL

Posted on Feb 16, 2021 in BLOG |

PASTORAL ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE LIGHT OF THE RZIM SCANDAL

The news about the serial sexual misconduct of Ravi Zacharias has exploded around the world in recent days. It is sordid, disturbing, and horribly destructive, first to the women who have been abused and then to the ministry that enabled the abuse. Our hearts go out to all the women he has victimized. You can read the horrifying details here and here. I am deeply saddened to learn that the witness of a man I respected, whose global ministry was powerfully effective for Christ’s kingdom, lies in tatters; his integrity shredded by his private sins.[1] The RZIM scandal should be a warning to all of us that we will stand before Christ one day to give an account for sins done in private (2 Cor. 5:10, 1 Cor. 4:5).

CAESAR AND GOD: POLITICS AND THE GOSPEL

Posted on Jan 19, 2021 in BLOG |

The images are jarring, borderline blasphemous. The mob attacking the capitol on January 6 unfurled a massive banner at the top of the steps proclaiming, “JESUS 2020,” while marchers carried flags announcing, “TRUMP 2020.” An American flag blew in the wind as the mob broke down the doors to the capitol building. On one side of the flag, the words read, “Jesus is my Savior,” and on the other side of the flag were the words, “Trump is my President.”

OLD FOSDICK AND MODERN PREACHING

Posted on Dec 10, 2020 in BLOG |

Old Fosdick and Modern Preaching Crowds pursued Him. People searched out Jesus even when He tried to get away. Thousands gathered on hillsides and shoresides overlooking the Sea of Galilee to hear Him preach. They could not get enough of His messages. Jesus talked their language – the language of the average man. His messages made spiritual ideas practical and popular … until they didn’t! Jesus dove deeper into spiritual truth. He delved into difficult theological concepts using sometimes mysterious language. The words became harder to understand and accept, so they left Him. It turned out that many disciples were not disciples. They were merely followers who were not interested in learning the words that came from God (John 6:59-66).

PASTORS AND PARTISAN POLITICS

Posted on Oct 2, 2020 in BLOG |

Pastors and Partisan Politics

The presidential debate debacle graphically illustrates how divided we are as a nation. The rancor and animosity of Democrats and Republicans are rapidly reaching destructive levels in America. Partisan politics now infect our communities and even our churches. The Body of Christ is dividing over political allegiances, and some pastors are jumping into the fight on social media. Brothers, these things should not be! How should we respond as pastors?