The Unwavering Conviction of a Faithful Preacher
A fundamental conviction that sets apart a faithful preacher is their unwavering commitment to the Bible as the inspired, inerrant, sufficient, and clear revelation of God. This conviction is the backbone of their preaching, shaping their message and approach.
Preaching the Bible: A Matter of Conviction
If a preacher doesn’t believe that every word of God is pure and profitable for making the man of God complete, their preaching will reflect this low view of Scripture. On the other hand, if they hold fast to the authority of the Bible, their preaching will be characterized by biblical truth from biblical texts.
The Golden Age of Preaching
The golden age of preaching is when preachers expound on biblical truth from biblical texts. However, when this approach is abandoned, the next step down is preaching biblical truth from non-biblical sources. This compromise may seem innocuous, but it can lead to a slippery slope where biblical truth disappears, and preachers resort to preaching what people want to hear.
The Challenge of Biblical Preaching
The challenge of biblical preaching lies not in making the Bible relevant to modern times but in taking the modern person back to the biblical era. This requires setting the context in which the text was originally revealed, rather than tampering with the text to make it fit contemporary culture.
Practical Implications for Ministry
Remaining faithful in ministry requires practical commitments to the means of grace available to every believer. This includes embracing the authority of Scripture, recognizing the privilege of ministry, and avoiding traps that can lead to ministry failure.
Leadership Insights
According to John MacArthur, pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church, the key to effective ministry is verse-by-verse expository preaching. He emphasizes the importance of taking the modern person back to the biblical era, rather than trying to make the Bible fit contemporary culture.
By embracing these principles, preachers can remain faithful to their calling and proclaim the whole counsel of God to their congregations.
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