by Steve Hale
"If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen" ( 1 Peter 4:11, KJV).
A number of years ago, I was asked to speak at a soul-winning workshop. Another brother, who spoke afterwards, made a comment about preachers who quote a lot of scripture as they speak. He called it "hiccup" preaching. In other words, he was saying these fellows would just speak a little while, and then "hiccup" some scriptures to authenticate the point. The young people in the audience laughed uproariously as he made light of such efforts.
My reaction now, these many years later, is the same as it was then. Brothers who use few Scriptures, yet amplify their message with faithful exegesis and pertinent illustrations have my respect. Brothers, whose style is similar to mine, and quote many scriptures while driving home their points also have my respect.
But, men that no longer consider it necessary to use the Bible, but have turned to a humanistic menagerie of emotions, do not have my respect. Peter said: "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God" ( 1 Peter 4:11). Paul said: "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season..." ( 2 Timothy 4:2). In cornbread English, preach it when they like it, and preach it when they don't like it. But, "preach the word."
Many smokescreens have been set-up to authenticate "preaching" that is biblically bankrupt. "Brethren are worshipping the Bible instead of God." We wouldn't have a clue how to worship God without the Bible! Insistence of biblical accuracy does not mean irreverence to God! It means reverence to Him! Worship is in "spirit and truth." How can we worship "in truth" without the Bible to guide us John 4:23-24; John 16:13, 14)?
"Old time preaching isn't relevant anymore. We have to make the message relevant." The message is and always will be relevant! The question is, are we relevant in respect to the message! Isaiah said:
"The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever" ( Isaiah 40:8, NASV).
Jeremiah said:
"Thus says the LORD, 'Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you shall find rest for you souls...'" Jeremiah 6:16, NASV).
The Hebrew writer said: "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intents of the heart" ( Hebrews 4:12, NASV).
How can we who preach not use this greatest of books! Brothers, preach the word!