1. “TRENDS” What are we allowing to influence us? Are brethren seeking to change “how we do things”?

2. THE POSITIVE PREACHING MOVEMENT

3. What is the Positive Preaching Movement? NOT simply preaching sermons with a positive message It is a philosophy – emphasize the positive, eliminate negative (sin, etc.)

4. What is the Positive Preaching Movement? Origins include: – Mary Baker Eddy – positive healing (Church of Christ Scientist) – Dale Carnegie (business) – Norman Vincent Peale – Robert Schuler, Osteen, etc.

5. What is the Positive Preaching Movement? Very successful movement Accords with direction of society Current climate in religion Appeals to demands of congregation More inclusive, less judgmental

6. What is the Positive Preaching Movement? It is often the elimination of ALL negative preaching Elimination of preaching on CERTAIN subjects! HERE is our concern! Doesn’t happen overnight!

7. Problems with ALL Positive Preaching It is unscriptural We must preach ALL of God’s word! Acts 20:27 whole counsel 2 Tim. 3:16-17 Psalm 119:160, 19:9

8. Problems with ALL Positive Preaching It seeks to please men Galatians 1:10 Matt. 5:11-12 Luke 6:24, “woe to you when men speak well of you.”

9. Problems with ALL Positive Preaching Based on selfish motives Often about health and wealth. Soothes materialistic attitudes and even immoral behavior 2 Timothy 4:3-4 Jeremiah 5:30-31 Isaiah 30:9-10

10. Problems with ALL Positive Preaching Deceives Gives a false sense of security Ezekiel 13:7-10 2 Peter 2:18-19 Ezek. 3:17-21 the responsibility of a prophet

11. Problems with ALL Positive Preaching Leads to Ignorance Part of the story left out Hosea 4:6 We need warnings about apostasy, hell-fire, sin, repentance, etc.

12. Problems with ALL Positive Preaching Can Lead to Apostasy False teachers are predators Romans 16:18 If truth is never taught on certain subjects, how can brethren prepare to combat error? 1 John 4:1

13. Problems with ALL Positive Preaching Weakens Purity of the Church We NEED lessons on morality and godly behavior!!! 1 Thess. 5:21-22 – What is a “form of evil”?

14. Problems with ALL Positive Preaching It leads to tolerance Often a result of desire for unity at any cost Rev. 2:20, 2:14-16

15. Problems with ALL Positive Preaching It leads to intolerance But only those who question their motives and movement! 1 Kings 22:8-13

16. Problems with ALL Positive Preaching It leads souls to hell! The ultimate tragedy John 5:29 2 Thess. 1:8

17. Ultimately, all Preaching is Positive Preaching 2 Tim. 4:2 Is this 2/3 negative, 1/3 positive? No! It is preaching what is needed WHEN it is needed! With goal of producing a positive result!

18. Do we truly desire to hear ALL that God wants us to hear?