Preaching today has fallen upon hard times.  This is definitely a time when the true preaching of God’s Word is “out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2a),  not only for many in the church, but also for many preachers.

Several Reasons

(1)    There are churches and denominations that have abandoned the faith.  That is, they no longer believe the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16).

(2)    Churches today are substituting pragmatism for the preaching of God’s Word.  The emphasis has changed from preaching and teaching believers to talking to and conforming to “seekers.”  Our job is to equip believers to do the work of evangelism.

(3)    There are many churches today that think preaching is an archaic form of communication.  Yet, Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1:21 that even though the world considers preaching “foolish,” God uses it to save those who believe.  He also makes it clear that nobody will come to know God through human wisdom.

(4)    There are many pastor/preachers today who have either forgotten, or they don’t understand, their responsibility before God.  2 Timothy 4:2 says,

“Preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.”

 

Definition—True Preaching

True preaching is the explanation and application of Bible doctrine.  Anything else is just religious speechmaking or entertainment.  This is the pattern (explanation and application) of the Old Testament prophets (Nehemiah 8:8) and the New Testament preachers (1 Timothy 4:13).

May God give us, today, men who will be true to their calling.  The church desperately needs this kind of preacher.