 The pulpit has an unparalleled opportunity to reach the minds of men today (approx. 5 million sermons preached each year in America alone)  Yet, the world would be better off if many of the sermons were never preached!  The purpose of preaching is not: to amuse or entertain, to discuss world matters, to get money, to promote self, etc.

 Visitors will pick a particular church based upon the positive, entertaining, “feel good”, “pc” preaching style (Isa. 30:9-10)  Members/elders looking for a new preacher want the same positive approach  Some preachers in churches of Christ are changing their style to fit the modern world  When godly men stand up to preach they need to know what true preaching is

 God uses preaching to save souls (1 Cor. 1:18, 21)  Our model for preaching is found in men like John the B., Jesus, Peter, Stephen, Paul (Phil. 4:9; 2 Tim. 3:10); not the world  What’s he (the preacher) doing up there?

When Paul preached (1 Cor. 2:1-5)…  He proclaimed God’s word, not man’s word (Gal. 1:11-12)  He focused others Christ, not on self (1 Cor. 1:29-30; 3:4-9; 2 Cor. 4:5-7)  He was serious, not a dynamic entertainer (1 Cor. 9:16; 1 Thess. 2:3ff)  He produced faith, not “feel good” (Rom. 10:8, 15, 17)

 To cause repentance and conversion in the lost (Mt. 3:1-2; 4:17; 12:41; Acts 2:37-38; 3:19)  To reprove, rebuke, and exhort the saved (2 Tim. 4:1-5)  To defend the truth and condemn the error of the false teacher (Gal. 1:8; 2:5)  Men, please remember what you are doing up there?