“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God…For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumblingblock to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (I Cor.1:18, 22-24)
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)
“For I deliver to you as of first importance what I also received: that Jesus died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scripture.” (I Cor.15:3-4)
There should be no question what we should be teaching and preaching. Not politics. Not “feel good.” Not spirituality. Not health/wealth. Not NAR garbage (gold dust falling from heaven? Grave sucking? You have go to me kidding me!). Not hype. Not Miracle Spring Water (seriously?). JESUS. THE GOSPEL. THE CROSS.
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Gal.6:14)
I often wonder if some services should come with a disclaimer…or perhaps an ingredients label.
Service Contents:
20% Worship
15% Praise
25% Tradition
25% Opinion
10% Scripture
(Numbers above are not necessarily reflective of any specific service or local church. Any similarity with a local church is simply coincidental)
In all seriousness, you are right Bill, leave the fluff and stuff at home or for a book. If you are claiming to be pastor and claiming to be representing God through your teaching… You should probably stick to the living word of God when standing before a crowd that has come to to participate with that intention.
I agree Ryan. I am constantly being made aware of the time people offer to me as their pastor to teach them. I don’t want to take that for granted.
May our only boast be in the Lord Jesus – Amen!
Blessings, Bill!
AMEN Martha.
I’m with you, Bill. How others follow people that twist scripture is baffling. They want to have their “ears tickled”.
In many cases that is absolutely true Floyd. I pray I don’t ever see that as my “job.”