Pertinent Paragraphs
Preaching the gospel of Christ is about the highest "calling" in which a man can be engaged. But remember, brethren, that in proportion to its loftiness and gravity are the responsibilities which it carries. Remember, too, that you are watched and sometimes imitated; also that sermons that are "seen" are more impressive than those that are only heard.
Not much is said these days about "soft preaching," Nevertheless, there is a lot of it being done. Not all preachers would rather have it so; for in many cases it is "soft" elders who set the pace for them. Some don't want anything said that might offend anyone of a "different faith." Gospel-wise, that is tragic! Watered-down sermons are not calculated to edify a church or convert an alien; whereas, good preaching should do both.
One "big" preacher said, and still says, that he believes in "the all-sufficiency of the church to do all the Lord requires of it." Right! But he also says that "care of dependent children is not a part of the work of the church!" Imagine a New Testament student saying that! He tells us that the sole obligation of the church is to furnish the money to outside (state chartered) institutions so that they can do that work. Is that doctrine from the Bible? Yea, very far from it! It is both unscriptural and "anti'-scriptural.
There are preachers, brethren Harper, Woods et al, who must find it a most difficult task to get their affirmatives of a dozen years ago, their present negatives on the same subjects and their conscience all tuned to the same wave-length. To maintain proper poise, balance, while trying to ride both forks or prongs of a glaring bifurcation is not easy. The fact is, it is like trying to spin a wheel in opposite directions at the same time--it can't be done! Various institutions are set up to supplant the churches individually and collectively; and those who support them are the "hobby riders."
Why is it that so many preachers (and elders) can go merrily along in support of one human institution, yet reject another of the same class? In such attitude they are most inconsistent, therefore, in error, regardless of the sincerity that may lace their writings. Preachers endorse, and the elders include in their budget, "orphans homes," but balk at church contributions to "Christian Colleges." What is the difference? Both do a part of the work of the church; one takes care of dependent children, the other teaches Bible and preaches. In this respect they are alike. Pardon the allusion, they go together just like "doughnuts and coffee."
When Jesus concluded his "sermon on the mount" (Matt. 7:28. 29) it is said, "....the multitudes were astonished at his teaching; for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes." How much preaching does one hear today in the average church that would "astonish" anyone? Well, not too much. The number of conversions (baptisms) even in protracted meetings is very few as compared with results fifty years ago. Why is this? Maybe there are more reasons, but a principal one is the quality of sermons; sometimes vapid, often flowery, yet provoke no thought or action. They are not "with authority" — Bible authority; truth and error are not boldly contrasted; principles fo The Faith are not stressed nor supported by quotations from Christ and the apostles.
If one desires a real revival of spiritual interest and more "visible results," from his work, he should forego the use of time-worn platitudes and flattering compliments to persons for ordinary group or church projects, and pattern his preaching more after the order of Bible examples. Some thirty years ago the then President of S. M. U. told brother John E. Dunn: "If Jesus were on earth today, and preached to all as he did in Palestine, he would be put in jail before the end of the week." Such preaching will, of course, incur adverse criticism from some, yet it needs to be done. And this should be noted and remembered, the hardest things that Jesus said were not to "publicans and sinners," but to and about the leaders and teachers of false religions. Let us preach first what is pleasing to the Lord, then if it pleases the brethren, too, so much the better.