“Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set” (Proverbs 22:28).
Introduction
We live in the time predicted in Daniel when “many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased” (Daniel 12:4). Almost every day there is some new invention that would have astounded people a hundred years ago. We have mobile phones, computers and gadgets that are meant to make life easier. But with the increase of knowledge has come decay on every level. “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold” (Matthew 24:12). Our generation has everything provided for it, yet very few accept that they need God in their lives. Preachers have compromised the message of salvation instead of staying true to God’s word. John Wesley once said to a preacher who wanted to see crowds attending his meetings, "Allow God to set you on fire and the people will come to watch you burn.”
In this study we will look at three areas of preaching that the modern world rejects as being old-fashioned and outdated.
Preaching against Sin
“Behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23). The Bible records many examples of men, such as Adam, Cain, Lot, Achan, Samson, Saul and David, who thought that sin did not matter, but very soon the consequences of that sin caught up with them. People today think that they can do as they please, “Every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25).
It is time for sin to be called sin, for this generation appears to ignore or deny what sin is. Alcoholism is not an illness, it is sin. Homosexuality is not an alternative lifestyle, it is an abomination. Abortion is not a woman’s right, it is murder. Not one of the social problems in our nation today, from gun crime to drug abuse, can be solved through education, tougher laws or bribes. What is needed is a return to the only true foundation a nation can be built upon. “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein” (Jeremiah 6:16) … “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3) … “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock” (Matthew 7:24).
Preaching about Hell
“The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 13:41-42). The Lord Jesus Christ spoke more on Hell than He did about Heaven. This fact should indicate that it should be taught in our churches, Sunday School and when we witness about the Lord.
The world thinks that Hell will be a fun place because all their friends will be there, but it is not a place of parties and rest, instead it is a place of eternal torment. It is not a place of family reunions but of everlasting separation. It is a place where the unsaved will remember every moment of their godless lives for ever. Vance Havner wrote, “Jesus said that it was better to enter into life crippled than go to Hell whole. Such radical procedure is seldom preached these days and in a very low key if at all. Consequently, we have the frightful tragedy of those who lose everything rather than give up anything, losing all to keep a part.”
Preaching about Holiness“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). Holiness is not a subject Christians today want to contemplate too much, if at all. The gospel of Christ encourages us to get out of the comfort zone of nominal Christianity and live what is the true normal Christian life. A part of this includes the need of sacrifice on our part. “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
Though most believers sing about and give mental assent to holiness and self-sacrifice, few are willing to put the teaching into practice. The reason is very simple, for they do not really want Jesus to have first place in their lives. If He has first place in our salvation, then it follows that He must be first when it comes to our time (prayer and Bible study must not be neglected) and our church life (attendance, giving, and being obedient to the calling on our lives). The “whatsoever” in Colossians 3:17 includes every aspect of our lives both secular and spiritual, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
Conclusion
The world regards the Bible as an old-fashioned and outdated myth. To them only people who need a crutch for their crippled lives need Jesus as Saviour. Christians have fallen into the trap of listening to the world instead of the Creator, and now the church is suffering the consequences. The truth may be old, but it is not outdated. The word of God is as eternal as the “Ancient of Days” Himself (Daniel 7:9). God’s word is eternal and unchanging. “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89). Bible-believing Christians can have a “sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7) in a messed up and sin-sick world. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35). The world with all its theories, isms and philosophies will be destroyed when Christ returns. Truth and they who follow Him will endure throughout eternity. “His name is called The Word of God” (Revelation 19:13). To state that the truth is old-fashioned or outdated is to say that Christ is not “The Way, the Truth and the Life” (John 14:6).
© 8/1/2008