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PEACOCK PREACHERS

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THE PREACHER OF TITLE

preacherBy Ken Blue

“Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; all is vanity.”

I have observed some repulsive and disgusting behavior in my time, but none is as revolting as the preacher who fancies himself important because of station or position. Some men are intoxicated with their title. They think themselves infallible because they hold an infallible Book. I have witnessed these men as they prance back and forth across the platform like trained show-horses.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]There is no behavior more disgusting and revolting than the preacher who fancies himself important because of station, position or title.[/perfectpullquote]

These preachers are the same when out of the pulpit. They must tell all in the group just where to sit. They seek the chief seat at the table, and they cannot be ignored because of their domineering demeanor and voice. Their vanity and insecurity drives them to dominate every conversation and to answer every discussion before it has left the lips of another. A show of true wisdom would be for them to sit still and be quiet.

The great preacher, Charles G. Finney could identify these pretenders, and he gave advice that preaches and evangelist would do well to heed. Don’t kid yourself; people with discernment can see the vanity.

Finney said, “Take heed that you be not vain. Vanity is a besetting sin of many persons. And scarcely any thing is more disgusting or wicked than vanity in a minister. And it is wonderful to witness the extent to which even ministers sometimes indulge vanity. Their affected pronunciation–their mincing–their gestures–their attitudes–and the whole costume of their services and pulpit address, as well as their manners and habits out of the pulpit, testify to their insufferable vanity. Their egotism and constant efforts in seeking adulation and flattery, in angling for compliments upon their services and talents, all conspire to render them odious and ridiculous in the estimation of thinking men, and of God.” Charles G. Finney.

THE WATER BOTTLE

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water bottle
By Ken Blue

It is human to adopt the actions and habits of others; especially when we hold these people in admiration. Not that these practices are wrong, but they are amusing to say the least. Dr. Jack Hyles was plagued with a constant cough when he preached. Preacher boys who followed him unconsciously adopted the same cough. Dr. Tom Malone walked with drooped shoulders. Some saw this as a mark of humility, and his followers added it to their posture. Thus there were many young preachers with stooped shoulders and a nagging cough. Most of us remember the breath fresheners of the Binaca era.

Not a few young men have imitated pastors and evangelist in the manner in which they hold their Bible in public. Some stand with it over their heart. Others roll its pages while holding it in one hand and gesturing with the other. They walked across the stage with an open Bible as they preached the Word.

Lately, however, a new prop has been added to the pulpit arsenal. This new device is the plastic water bottle. We acknowledge that there are times when the speaker has a dry throat and a drink is justified. But, the need to carry a water bottle while preaching may be more of a yuppie symbol and a need for security than for a drink. Why not carry it in a Styrofoam cup?

It is just my opinion, but carrying a water bottle while preaching is a poor habit to adopt and it is poor pulpit manners. It might serve the cause of Christ better to parade across the platform with an open Bible instead of an open bottle. (I am aware that I may not have any bridges left to burn, but should I be invited to preach, just for the record, I prefer Sprite.)

FLUFF IS NOT ENOUGH

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FLUFF DOES NOT EDIFY

FLUFFBy Ken Blue

“Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” Titus 1:9.

The man who knows the least, usually, talks the most and the loudest. This is a cover-up for his insecurity and lack of knowledge about biblical truth. The preacher who quips is generally ill equipped for ministry.

The pastoral epistles resound with the need for pure motives and pure doctrine. The idea of “holding fast the faithful Word” is not instruction on how to grasp or hold the Bible. Many, who hold the Book in their hands, do not hold it fast in their heart. It means, you must know what you have been taught and who taught you. It is important that the preacher have a strategic grasp of the Book; but it is imperative that the Book have its grasp on him.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The pulpit is not a place to ramble on and say nothing.[/perfectpullquote]

The pulpit is not a place to ramble on and say nothing. Jesus said, they think they will be heard for their much speaking. The only one deceived is the one speaking. If you know what you are talking about, you should be able to make it clear, keep it concise, and bring it to a conclusion.

Fluff is not enough. You must be able, by sound doctrine, to encourage and edify God’s people. The proof will not be in your verbosity, but in lives that are changed. Also, you must, like Stephen, be able to silence the naysayers. Your preaching and teaching will be challenged and contradicted. Fluff will not edify the Saints or silence your critics. Sound doctrine, for this dispensation, is the preachers answer to the needs of all men and women.

WHY SOME PEOPLE WILL NEVER LIVE FOR GOD

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THE REACTION OF PEOPLE TO THE GOSPEL

PeopleBy Ken Blue

“And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; 4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: 5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: 6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: 8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. 9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Matthew 13:3-9.

The pastor must not get discouraged, but he must face the fact that the majority who hear his messages will never evidence the fruits of salvation. This should not deter him from faithfulness to his calling. There is no way to be sure who is saved or not. We must leave that decision with the Lord.

The above text, gives three reasons why some will not live for Christ.

A lack of spiritual understanding:

V 3-4; 19. “When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.” Matthew 13:19.

Paul lists ignorance as one of the reasons Israel was not saved.  They were ignorant of God’s righteousness and attempting to work their way to heaven. The major reason people are not saved today is their failure to understanding the plan of salvation for this dispensation. Much of this ignorance must be laid at the feet of pastors and teachers. All a person must to do is listen to radio and television preachers and evangelist to witness this mass confusion. If that is not enough, just watch Oprah Winfrey, and her new age religion. Millions listen to her every day and embrace her teachings. The text makes it clear that the Truth had been sown, but the soil was not receptive because of a lack of understanding.

A lack of Christian character:

5-6; 20-21. “But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.” Matthew 13:20-21.

This second group showed evidence of real interest at first. They appeared to be eager to follow the Lord wherever He leads. These dear people will respond to any invitation. They may get baptized and join the church. But, within a few weeks or months they disappear. No matter how many calls or letters you send, all is to no avail.

Something they heard or an unpleasant experienced caused their apparent spiritual interest to dry up and die. The reason may have been criticism from a family member, a coworker, or a friend. Perhaps the call to service or to give up some pet sin was all that was needed to cause them to wither and die. The real reason, according to the Lord, is a heart problem. They simply lack the moral character to do the right thing. There is no depth of commitment to their profession.

A lack of Self control:

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Credit cards will choke the life out of you if you don’t get your spending under control.[/perfectpullquote]

V. 7; 22. “He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.” Matthew 13:22.

Materialism is the number one problem in America: The lust for things we don’t need has caused more divorces and self-centeredness than anything else. Many Americans are very unhappy. They believe they have a right to be happy; and the more things they possess, the happier they will be. This spending trap creates all kinds of emotional, moral, and spiritual problems.

The quest for the latest and the best is the killer. Young couples believe they should have two new cars in the driveway, own a brand new home, have it fully furnished with the most modern furniture, and then be able to eat out in restaurants each night. This is a picture of the average young family, and it is the road to sure disaster. Your credit cards will choke the life out of you if you don’t get your spending under control. Once people begin to have the above problem, they cannot stay focused on church, the Bible, or spiritual things. The cares of this life choke out all that is valuable and important.

Thankfully, some will live for the Lord and serve Him. V.23. “But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” Matthew 13:23.

Pastor, there are those who will hear the Word, receive Christ, and become productive believers! You will notice that people differ in abilities and productivity. So preach the Word to everyone you can. Expect God to bless and give souls for your work. But, you must remember that many, who make professions, will never live for Christ. The real problem is not the seed. It’s the soil. If you want more like those in verse 23, you must have more professions. That’s how you do it.

THE SONG AND THE SERMON

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THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SONG SERVICE

confused business manBy Ken Blue

Perhaps the best example of “the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing,” is in the lack of coordination between the Pastor’s sermon and the music director’s selection of songs. Seldom do these two connect the music with the message. I have watched song leaders pick songs for the service five minutes before a service begins.

Pastor, if you perform a wedding, the party selects wedding songs and music to match the occasion. If you serve at a funeral, the songs match the event. At a birthday party, they sing “Happy Birthday.” So, why is it that most song services in church have no connection to the sermon? The reason, no doubt, is ignorance of its importance or a lack of planning by the pastor. Many pastors have no idea what their sermon subject will be a week from Sunday. That may be the real cause of the problem.

Everything that happens in the service should reinforce and support the purpose of the sermon. This includes all the services. That means that the Pastor must plan all sermons or subjects weeks before they are preached. He must then meet with the music director and see that the songs support the sermon.

How is it at your church? Do the songs have any real purpose or are they just filler? Are the songs selected because they are familiar and old favorites, or do they promote the theme of your message? Think about it, and see how next Sunday’s selection matches the goal of your message.

One way to correct this problem is for the pastor to fill out the order of service and see that all involved in the music ministry receive it. Include in it the song selection. If you are doing a theme for a month, ensure that everyone, who needs to know, is informed of what you expect. The more people you have supporting your objective, the more likely you are to achieve it, and the more you communicate, the more they will be able to help you.