What You DON'T Need to Be an Effective Preacher

This is for my fellow preachers.  I was reading about John the Baptist this evening.  Obviously he is one of the greatest preachers who ever lived.  How did he become so effective?  Well, let's start with what he did NOT have:

1. A good location.  John came preaching in the wilderness of Judea.  Mt 3:1
2. A positive and encouraging message.  John preached repentance and judgment.  Mt 3:2, 7-10
3. A trendy look.  John wore a camel-hair garment with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.  Mt 3:4
4. A nice church building.  John preached in the open air and baptized people in the Jordan River.  Mt 3:6

Instead, here's what you do need:

1. You must preach Jesus – faith and obedience to Him.  Mt 3:11
2. You must have a high view of Christ (devotion to Him).  Mt 3:11
3. You must preach hell.  Mt 3:12
4. You must be fearless, not caring if people are offended, or if they reject you.  Mt 3:7-10