12/12/14

From Jim McGuiggan... Ladling out heartache *


Ladling out heartache *

"Because with lies you have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad…I will save My people out of your hand." So speaks God to false prophets and fortune-tellers in Ezekiel 13:22-23 (NKJV).

There's enough trouble in life that comes uncalled for without preachers and teachers ladling out heartache in the name of the Lord.

Pulpits and lecterns are dangerous places! Those that fill them face greater judgement (compare James 3:1). These are places of such power. There are earthquakes and tornados and hurricanes and tsunamis and massive volcanic eruptions and then there are words! Sensitive people, already under great pressure, melt under the words that pour from mouths breathing fire in the name of the Lord. Another sermon to preach or class to teach, fling something together, don't think too much about who's going to hear it and don't spend a lot of time worrying how well it reflects the overarching purpose of God—just pour it out and let them be dismayed who are dismayed! That's "faithful preaching"!

Don't trouble yourself that the verses you quote and ram home are addressed to apostates and the impenitent and that your hearers may well be devoted but very sensitive disciples of the Lord. If your lesson scares them witless, that's their problem; yours is only to get an introduction, three points and a conclusion, with loads of verses thrown in!