Are You Getting the Kind of Preaching You Need?

"Too many people today only like those ministers who preach smooth things and leave their sins alone, who flatter their pride and amuse their intellect, but who never sound an alarm or warn them of the wrath to come... They prefer a ministry that does not make them uncomfortable or stir up their conscience. How is it with you? Believe me that he is the best friend who tells you the most truth!"  

The words above were written in 1877 by a preacher named JC Ryle in his famous book called Holiness.  His words are highly relevant to our time.

You need preaching.  You cannot be a healthy Christian without it.  Just as you need Bible reading and prayer, God has ordained it so that you cannot progress in the Christian life without a regular diet of solid preaching.  This is why Paul told pastor Timothy to "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season (2 Tim 4:2)."  Paul knew that Timothy's congregation needed preaching, and so he instructed him to diligently fulfill his ministry (2 Tim 4:4).

Not any kind of preaching will do.  You need a certain kind of preaching.  You need the kind of preaching that does more than inspire, encourage, and entertain.  You need a preacher who will "correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and teaching (2 Tim 4:2)."  You need preaching that comforts the afflicted, and afflicts the comfortable.  You need a preacher who proclaims the truth, even if it offends, even if it is politically incorrect, even if it is costly, even if it is unpopular.  Preachers should be loving and encouraging, but not by watering down the truth.  

You need preaching that will help you grow -- preaching that explains the deep doctrines, answers the tough questions, tackles the hard verses, exposes the false teachings, and calls out the pet sins. You need preaching that equips you for the work of ministry.  You need a preacher, not a politician.  A prophet, not a motivational speaker.  You need a preacher who confronts, and convicts.  A preacher who steps on toes.  A preacher who will risk losing your membership to tell you the truth.  

Too many people today choose a church based on worship style, or children's programs, or even location.  But those things aren't nearly as important as the preacher.  Your family most needs a preacher who will proclaim the truth of God's word -- all of it.