The Preaching Problem

A little behind the scenes look into the preacher's study will reveal the struggle one goes through to prepare to speak on Sunday. It may seem easy to the casual observer. Perhaps the checkoff list goes:

1. Find a Bible verse.
2. Read it.
3. Tell everybody all of the really Holy things that bother about everyone else.
4. Take a collection.
5. Pray and dismiss.

It's actually much more than that I'm afraid. I hope I don't challenge anyone's worldview with that shocking realization. The preaching problem is one of discernment between what I feel people need to hear, and what God wants to say. You see there are any number of things that I could say that would be right, helpful, encouraging even without just tickling itching ears. But the question is, "What does God want to say?"

This week we launch a series called Pillow Talk. It is a relationships series, but if Jesus were to meet up with a gang of people that were unmarried teens (some sexually experienced, some not), young singles, couples who were living together not married, married couples, divorced, etc. What would he say? How would he teach them about His vision of unity? There's no doubt that Jesus would want to talk to all of these people.

See, I'm not Dr. Phil. I'm not a psychologist, I'm a pastor. Yet we live in such a different world than Jesus did. I would argue that current worldview of Post-Christian America is quite different from Jesus' listeners in Matthew 5-7 (the Sermon on the Mount). So it is the preacher's work, effort and aim to deliver on behalf of Christ the message that he would present today, here and now; using the timeless, immutable teachings of then and there.

So, I'll keep studying, writing and honing my teaching down for Sunday. But I want you to know. Jesus is going to speak to us Sunday. Bring your friends.

--Ben