Sometimes it is hard when the shoe is not on the other foot, but squarely on your own. Such is the case with this particular chapter in Matt Chandler’s book Creature of the Word, which I have been discussing the past few weeks.  Charles Spurgeon once wrote:

You do not really preach the gospel if you leave Christ out-if He is omitted, it is not the gospel! You may invite men to listen to your message, but you are only inviting them to gaze upon an empty table unless Christ is the very center and substance of all that you set before them!

It is very common these days to spend a lot of time on “How To” sermons. I confess I did it. Way too many Sundays telling people “How To Handle…” or “How to Have…” or “The Secret To…” Wrong approach.

I have spent 2014 in what I called “The Great Adventure”-a year long look into the Gospels. Currently I finished preaching from Matthew for the third time. I’m not too sure what has happened to the people, but I do know what has happened to me. I have become “richer” in my faith. My relationship with Jesus has become more solid. I think the preaching has become more consistent-in content-not in “good vs. bad.” 🙂  They know what is coming.

It has been because of the focus on Jesus.

I realize that is not every pastor’s cup of tea. Some prefer the topical approach…that’s fine. However, I have come to the conclusion I am not a counselor and have no business spouting off “help yourself” advice while standing before the church. Jesus once said, “If I be lifted up I will draw all men to myself.” If I lift up Jesus, lives will be changed…a lot sooner and a lot more effectively than preaching man-made schemes.

Do you hear gospel preaching?