“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not
believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and
how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans
10:14)
Of politically correct humanist self-sufficiency couched in Darwinian
overtones and faith flavored promises of going to the next level regarding
profundity and wealth, I shall prove to be rather ignorant. I come not with
enticing words, three points and a poem, nor a fundraiser in the form of a theatrical
performance. No. I fear God too much to allow the world to classify me as a
preacher by today’s standards. Just call me Brother Brian if you please. For
preaching of the highest order, I would direct ones attention to the oratory of
John Chrysostom, other Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers willing to be burned at
the stake or thrown into the lion’s den rather than recant their testimony of
Christ as Lord, and Jonathan Edwards.
Concerning modern expository preaching, I would also caution
us that it is possible to go completely overboard with exposition for the sake
of exposition even when based upon thorough and defensible exegesis. Reason,
even when doctrinally sound and theologically relevant, cannot save, heal,
deliver, or set any captive free from sin. Personally, I will always tend to reject
an argument that is mean spirited or made by an individual or group claiming absolute
moral and intellectual superiority. In this regard, I cannot imagine that I am
altogether different from most people. The question then arises, “Is it Christ
or the preacher that is being lifted up?”
We are not angels, saints. Therefore, the mechanics of our communication
can easily become more important to us than the power, love, and sound mind (2
Timothy 1:7) meant to be conveyed by our singular message of hope, the kernel of
which is Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). We can therefore,
much like the Pharisees, “err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of
God.” (Matthew 22:29) Has God made us to be ministers of the New Testament; not
of the letter, but of the spirit? Yes! For the letter killeth, but the spirit
giveth life (2 Corinthians 3:6). Shame on us,
if, by way of arrogance and pride, we work against the abundance of life that
is the inheritance of all those who are in Christ. Let faith and not
condemnation come when we have spoken.
