At the end of his book, Dying to Preach, Steven W. Smith tells the story of a young man who through unusual circumstances developed a phenomenal voice that he then used as a tool to become a preacher. His only problem was that he did not feel as though he was making a proper connection with those to whom he spoke. Finally after discussing his concerns with his near deaf father, the young man realized how true his following words were: “You preach too loud for people to hear God” (pg. 173-175).
It’s a sad but true reality of life that as Christians we get so caught up in the latest method, tool, plan, or program that we water down the message that is supposed to be shared in the process. This is not to say that certain methods, tools, plans, or programs do not provide a conducive environment in which the message might be more easily received, but at the same time there will not be a single soul in heaven based solely on those methods, tools, plans, or programs. Paul wrote that the gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth (Romans 1:16). What neat little package that gospel is wrapped up in ultimately is of little consequence as long as at its core it is still the gospel. Keep first things first and let’s never be too loud for people to hear!
I love hearing well spoken and intellectual preachers divide The Word as much as another. But I fear that so many have become entangled in excellency of speech and heavy handed words and instead of listing to the message they listen to the way it is presented. I grow weary of the phrases ” you did a great job” or “you are a great speaker,” not because I do not appreciate the compliments but because I would rather hear “Amen”, “Thank you for preaching the truth” or “that was exactly what i needed.” Maybe I am asking for to much lol. Love the articles brother
I believe you have hit the nail right on the head Morne. I appreciate such comments as well and it encourages me to continue improving in my delivery but not because I want the praise of men but because I want to be a more capable communicator of the Gospel. In fact, the point of the book from which I quoted was primarily that to truly succeed in the pulpit we must be willing to die to ourselves in order to exalt truth. Thanks for reading brother. Good to hear from you.