Preachers

In 1828, preaching was tied to Christian scripture. Today, it has a wider application, particularly in the areas of moral truth, right conduct, etc. It is a form that we use quite often and in a variety of circumstances. We have all used it, most often without realizing it, unless someone complains that we are preaching at them. If you have kids, you know. You might calmly start out explaining something to them on an important subject and before long the emotion kicks in and it gravitates to preaching.

In the naturalness of preaching, you are presenting a narrative. Rarely do you quote anything exactly like you would in a prepared speech. You see this universally throughout the Bible, whether it is an Old Testament prophet, Jesus, the Apostles, or anyone else like Stephen who ended up stoned after his talk moved into preaching.

This does mean that most Biblical references to scripture are not word for word. They are referencing scripture within the narrative, applying it 100% accurately within that context. By providing two accurate descriptions within the narratives, we are presented with a bonus, giving us two contextual inspired references to understand the scripture being used. This does not mean our own personal narrative version of scripture is to be considered inspired. Rather, like the Bereans with Paul, if there is a question concerning our massaging of scripture, then to make sure it is being properly applied, might require going directly to the exact source.

Early in the day, during Pentecost, the believers received the Holy Ghost and there was a public cacophony of sound as they all began speaking in a myriad of languages. A large multitude wondered what was going on with some thinking all these people were drunk. Peter addressed the crowd to provide them with the answer. He started out explaining, then moved into a bit of teaching, then came a weaving of teaching and preaching, finally ending in heavy preaching that climaxed in a salvation call to “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” -Acts 2:38-

Paul on Mar’s Hill in Athens was invited to interact with a group of philosophers. When questioned by them, he started out with some cultural observations, then moved into their religious leanings that opened the door to talking about the true God. Then he went into teaching who this God was, beginning from creation. This teaching was interwoven with preaching. Then, as he called for repentance the preaching became more predominant and emotional. Nearing the crescendo, Paul mentioned the resurrection from the dead. At that point they mocked him, thereby shutting down any further discourse.

Preaching is supposed to be natural. God made it so simple. To complicate it allows it to be manipulated by the elite to further their preeminency. In a true fellowship, Jesus could call on anyone to share something, to exhort those within the fellowship, perhaps answer a question, or whatever would start the narrative. Before long, it might move a bit into teaching, then become interwoven with some preaching, and finally climaxing into some heavy-duty emotional preaching. Afterward should come some wonderful dialogue concerning what was just delivered.

Preaching should never be relegated to the ecclesiastical elite. They have made it anti-dialogical and a tool of power.