Discovering the Depth of God's Word Through Relevant Preaching

Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son s name, if thou canst tell? Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. (Proverbs 30:4 5 KJV) As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. (Psalm 18:30 KJV) This God his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. (Psalm 18:30 ESV)

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16 17 KJV) Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. (Acts 20:26 27 KJV)

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (2 Timothy 4:2 3 KJV)

Relevant- closely connected or appropriate to what is being done or considered Relevant- appropriate to the current time, period, or circumstances; of contemporary interest

Relevant Preaching Life Application Preaching

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: (2 Peter 1:2 3 KJV)

The Bible Is the Word of God The Bible Contains the Word of God The Bible Becomes the Word of God Becomes relevant to me and my circumstances when I going through difficulties in life

Relevant Preaching There is a difference in applying preaching to ones life and only preaching about ones life Solomon in Ecclesiastes tells us God s word is more than just an instruction manual about how to deal or cope with life. The emphasis is how to view in respect to life eternal. Solomon states that this life is vanity and vexation of spirit I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. (Ecclesiastes 1:14 KJV)

? Relevant Preaching Life Application Preaching

Relevant Preaching Is Man Centered Instead Of Christ Centered Many of its advocates promote self esteem as the way to spiritual maturity...

This master plan of God is designed around the deepest needs of human beings- self dignity, self- respect, self-worth, self-esteem." "Success is to be defined as the gift of self-esteem that God gives us as a reward for our sacrificial service in building self- esteem in others. Win or lose: If we follow God's plan as faithfully as we can, we will feel good about ourselves. This is success!" "Once a person believes he is an "unworthy sinner", it is doubtful if he can really honestly accept the saving grace God offers in Jesus Christ. Robert Schuller Self-Esteem: The New Reformation"

Relevant Preaching Is Man Centered Instead Of Christ Centered This is not what the Scriptures teach O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: (Psalm 8:1 6 KJV) Does this Psalm teach the importance of man or the majesty and glory of God? Is it true that God has made man the most important of His creation, however it is more important to realize that man was created by that same God...

Relevant Preaching Is Man Centered Instead Of Christ Centered There is a burning question out there among Calvinist and Soteriologist [soteriology-the doctrine of salvation] as to whether God s main concern is man s salvation or His own self- glorification

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:30 31 KJV) Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23 24 KJV)

Relevant Preaching Is Man Centered Instead Of Christ Centered There is a burning question out there among Calvinist and Soteriologist [soteriology-the doctrine of salvation] as to whether God s main concern is man s salvation or His own self- glorification This type of preaching or approach to the Scriptures takes something as sacred as prayer and just makes it a means to an end It teaches that prayer is just a way to improve ones relationship to God, perhaps through the forgiveness of sin to be more successful and prosperous, or even to improve ones relationship with others through God s help Even giving is just an investment not a act of thanksgiving...

Relevant Preaching Relevant or Life Application Preaching Ignores The Most Important Message of The Scriptures... Eternal Life Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13 14 KJV) What is the purpose of the Church? Life Application or Relevant Preaching says it s purpose is that which is tangible and applicable to this life Companionship, Networking, Benefits, eradication, hunger, homelessness, promote civil and social justice, etc

Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, (Ephesians 3:7 10 KJV)

Relevant Preaching It Ignores The Omniscient-Perfect Insight of God Life Application Preaching ignores for the most part, context and purpose Life application preaching forces mis-application and thus promotes a misunderstanding as to God s will The Book Of Ruth The Book of Ruth s purpose is to reveal, introduce and connect David to the genealogy of Christ (Ruth 4:17,22). Not to teach us how to treat our in-laws although points could be made to that effect, that s not it s purpose Relevant or life application preaching, has to make something relevant to us, our culture, or our present condition. However, the Scriptures refute that concept and approach!

Relevant Preaching Life Application Preaching

Relevant Preaching LIFE APPLICATION PREACHING SHOULD BE PREACHING THAT LEADS TO ETERNAL LIFE Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13 14) Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. (John 6:68)