June 19, 2007
In our two-part interview with Haddon Robinson, "The Biggest Idea" (Part 1 and Part 2), Robinson discussed the power and necessity of doctrinal preaching. When asked what kinds of sermons we often end up with if our preaching is light on doctrine, Robinson had this to say:
They end up being nothing more than moralisms: We should, we must, we ought. Or, here are three ways in which we can be better off financially. A sermon I heard a while ago on how to deal with procrastination had as its first point to get a Day Timer. You knew you were in trouble when you heard that. I have no doubt that when people left that church, if they were procrastinators, they thought it was a helpful sermon. But it was simply something that a motivational speaker could have done.
If people are raised on cotton candy, they are not going to grow as Christians. When Paul writes to his young associate Timothy, he says that "all Scripture is inspired by God," and that all Scripture is profitable for doctrine, for teaching, for putting the fundamental truths in front of people, and for "reproof, for correction, for instruction in right living." We have ignored that first affirmation—that the Bible is given to teach doctrine. It's not the only thing it does, but doctrine is first, and out of that there is reproof and then there is correction and then instruction in right living.
Why is it so many gravitate toward "moralisms" in their preaching?
Is there ever a time and place for a "moralism" from the pulpit, discussing topics like financial strategies or time management? If so, how does the preacher steer clear of what Robinson calls "cotton candy preaching?"
And really - what is "cotton candy preaching?"
Posted by Brian Lowery at 11:59 AM on June 19, 2007
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Amen! Haddon Robinson is right on. We will not impact our cities for Jesus with self help sermons. We must preach God's Word and exalt Christ while encouraging people to decrease so Jesus can increase in their life. As we do, we will motivate and release followers of Christ to make a difference in their day.
Posted by: Greg Johnson on June 21, 2007
am pastor Kamya James from Uganda East Africa ,am ministering in the church which is coled SET FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCH ,I would request you to be my friend in Christ because i need advise from you and prayers and another i would like to minister with because i have read your testmony has touched .
am looking forward to hear from you \
may God Bless you
yours in Christ
pastor James Kamya
my adress
pastor kamya James
Set Free christian Church
P .o box 314 Lugazi Uganda
East Africa
email kamyajames2000@yahoo.co.uk
Posted by: PASTOR KAMYA JAMES on June 23, 2007