Tag Archives: preaching

PRACTICES THAT HARM THE LORD’S CHURCH: Preachers Who Do Not Use Their Time Wisely in the Work of the Lord by Willie A. Alvarenga

Posted on by
Reply

Another harmful practice that we can add to the list, and one that has seriously affected the Lord’s church, is that of preachers who do not use their time wisely in the work of the Lord.

Several years ago, I heard a preacher say the following: “It is a matter of conscience for a preacher not to get up early to work in the Lord’s work.” I have tried to find the original source of this statement, but up to this point I have not been able to identify with certainty who originally said it. For this reason, I do not wish to attribute it to any preacher without sufficient evidence. Nevertheless, the principle that this statement attempts to communicate deserves our serious consideration.

I am not saying that the Bible establishes a specific time at which every preacher must get up each morning. Nor am I saying that resting is sinful. Rest is necessary, and there are legitimate times to rest. Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself took time to rest (Mark 6:31). Therefore, the problem is not simply getting up late; the problem is negligence, laziness, lack of discipline, and the wasting of the time that God has given us to serve Him.

A preacher who receives financial support from the church to devote his time to the ministry must remember that this privilege comes with a great responsibility. If the congregation trusts him to devote his time to the study of the Word, the preaching of the Gospel, teaching, evangelism, visitation, counseling, and the edification of the saints, then he must strive to fulfill these responsibilities with diligence, integrity, and excellence.

The Danger of a Lack of Supervision

In some congregations, preachers work without close supervision from the elders. This does not mean that elders should become supervisors of every minute of the preacher’s day. Rather, it means that there should be a healthy relationship of trust, accountability, and communication between the elders and the preacher.

When there is no good supervision, sadly, some may take advantage of that freedom to reduce their level of work. There are preachers who get up very late, not because they have been working diligently until late at night, but simply because they have not developed proper discipline in managing their time.

Others allow a large portion of their day to be consumed by activities that have nothing to do with the responsibilities they accepted when they began working with a congregation as full-time preachers.

Some spend too much time on social media. Others devote excessive hours to entertainment, sports, video games, or other personal activities. Some spend more time at the gym than studying the Word of God. Others spend a large portion of the day taking care of personal matters that could be handled at another time. And, sadly, there are those who come to the pulpit constantly using sermons prepared by other people because they themselves have not devoted the necessary time to study and preparation.

This is especially concerning because a preacher was not called simply to occupy a pulpit, but to be a diligent student of the Word and a devoted servant of Christ.

Paul told Timothy:

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).

The word “worker” reminds us that ministry requires work. And the command to “be diligent” demands effort, discipline, and dedication.

When Time Is Not Managed Properly

When a preacher does not use his time wisely, eventually there will not be enough time to fulfill important ministry responsibilities.

There will not be enough time to:

  • deeply study the Word of God;
  • prepare good sermons;
  • prepare Biblical classes;
  • evangelize;
  • visit members;
  • study the Bible with non-Christians;
  • encourage the weak;
  • counsel families;
  • train other brethren to serve;
  • plan spiritual activities;
  • develop special classes for the spiritual growth of the congregation;
  • write Biblical material;
  • prepare studies for young people;
  • visit the sick;
  • work with new converts;
  • strengthen weak members;
  • and fulfill the many other responsibilities that are part of the work of an evangelist.

The problem is that lost time cannot be recovered.

Therefore, Paul exhorted the Christians in Ephesus:

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15–16).

Although this text was not addressed exclusively to preachers, it certainly contains a principle that every servant of God should take seriously. The Christian must learn to use wisely the time that God has given him.

Paul: An Excellent Example of Diligence

The New Testament gives us example after example of men who took their service to the Lord very seriously. One of the greatest examples is the apostle Paul.

In 1 Corinthians 15:10, Paul wrote:

“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”

Paul did not use the grace of God as an excuse to work less. The grace of God produced in him a greater desire to work for the Lord.

In 1 Corinthians 15:58, he exhorted:

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

Notice some important words:

“Steadfast.”
“Immovable.”
“Abounding.”
“Always.”
“Labor.”

These words hardly describe a person who is lazy or negligent in the service of the Lord.

Paul also told the elders of Ephesus:

“Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears” (Acts 20:31).

What an example of diligence!

Paul did not merely preach from a pulpit. He taught publicly and from house to house (Acts 20:20). He preached, taught, visited, exhorted, evangelized, and strengthened the brethren.

In Acts 20:24, we find one of the most powerful statements concerning his priorities:

“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

Paul had a goal: to faithfully finish the ministry that Christ had entrusted to him.

At the end of his life, he was able to say:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7).

Paul did not merely begin well; he finished well.

Paul Took Advantage of Opportunities

Colossians 4:5 contains another important principle:

“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.”

Paul understood that opportunities to teach and evangelize were precious. Therefore, he exhorted Christians to take advantage of them.

In 2 Timothy 4:2, he gave Timothy a solemn responsibility:

“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”

The faithful preacher does not work only when he feels like working. His commitment is to Christ, not simply to his mood or feelings.

Of course, this does not mean that a preacher can never rest, spend time with his family, exercise, or take care of personal matters. All of these things can have a proper place. The point is that none of these activities should become an excuse for neglecting the spiritual responsibilities that God has placed before us.

Jesus: Our Supreme Example of Diligence

Above Paul, we find our Lord Jesus Christ, who is our Supreme example of diligent service.

Jesus said:

“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4).

What a powerful perspective concerning time!

Jesus understood that there was a work He needed to accomplish and that opportunities would not last forever.

On another occasion, His disciples encouraged Him to eat, but Jesus responded:

“My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work” (John 4:34).

Jesus had a deep conviction concerning the mission He had received from the Father.

Mark 3:20 shows us just how demanding His ministry could become:

“Then the multitude came together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.”

Nevertheless, Jesus also understood the need for rest and to withdraw at times to rest (Mark 6:31). This teaches us something important: diligence does not mean irresponsibility toward our bodies or our families; it means wisely managing our time in order to fulfill the work God has entrusted to us.

The Preacher Must Be a Diligent Student

One of the greatest tragedies occurs when a preacher stops studying because he thinks he already knows enough.

Experience is valuable, but experience never replaces study.

Paul told Timothy:

“Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them…” (1 Tim. 4:15–16).

The preacher must continue to grow.

He must study the Biblical text.
He must study its context.
He must carefully examine the words.
He must understand the historical and cultural context.
He must compare Scripture with Scripture.
He must carefully prepare his lessons.
He must make sure that what he preaches is truly the Word of God.

It is not right for a preacher to spend hours in entertainment and then, at the last minute, hurriedly prepare the sermon he will present before the church.

The pulpit deserves our preparation. Souls deserve our preparation. The Word of God deserves our preparation. And God deserves our best effort.

It Is Not Simply About Working More, but About Working Wisely

We must also maintain balance. A preacher can be busy all day and yet not be doing the things he truly needs to do.

Therefore, it is not simply a matter of saying:

“I need to work more hours.”

Rather, we should ask ourselves:

Am I using wisely the hours God has given me?

Am I studying?
Am I evangelizing?
Am I visiting?
Am I preparing sermons?
Am I strengthening the members?
Am I training others?
Am I looking for opportunities to teach?
Am I helping the congregation grow spiritually?
Am I responsibly fulfilling that for which I was hired?

These are questions every preacher should ask himself periodically.

The Danger of Becoming a Lazy Preacher

Laziness is repeatedly condemned in Scripture (Prov. 6:6–11; 13:4; 24:30–34). Although these passages do not specifically address preachers, the principles concerning diligence and work certainly apply.

The preacher must be careful not to develop a mentality of comfort.

When the church financially supports a man so that he can devote his time to the ministry, it is not simply paying him to preach two or three sermons each week. The ministry involves much more.

The preacher must be a worker of the Lord.

He must remember Paul’s words:

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Col. 3:23).

If we preach, we should preach as unto the Lord.
If we study, we should study as unto the Lord.
If we evangelize, we should evangelize as unto the Lord.
If we visit, we should visit as unto the Lord.
If we teach, we should teach as unto the Lord.

Brethren preachers, our time is a gift from God, and our opportunity to serve Him will not last forever.

We do not know how many years we will have to preach. We do not know how many more opportunities we will have to teach someone the Gospel. We do not know how many more souls we will be able to reach. Therefore, we must take advantage of every opportunity God places before us.

Paul said:

“For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Cor. 9:16).

That should be the spirit of every faithful preacher.

Let us not waste our time.

Let us not waste our opportunities.

Let us not waste the privilege of preaching the Gospel.

Let us not allow entertainment, comfort, laziness, or personal interests to occupy the place that belongs to the work of the Lord.

Let us imitate Paul, who labored abundantly (1 Cor. 15:10), redeemed the time (Eph. 5:16), taught night and day (Acts 20:31), and considered it a privilege to finish the ministry he had received from the Lord (Acts 20:24).

Above all, let us imitate our Lord Jesus Christ, who said:

“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day” (John 9:4).

May we never reach the end of our ministry regretting the time we wasted, the opportunities we allowed to pass, or the souls we could have reached.

Rather, may we one day be able to say with Paul:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7).

God and His church deserve our best and greatest effort.

PRACTICES THAT HARM THE LORD’S CHURCH: The Preaching of False Doctrine by Willie A. Alvarenga

Posted on by
Reply

Another harmful practice that we can add to the list, and one that has seriously affected the Lord’s church throughout the centuries, is the preaching of false doctrine. Since the days of the New Testament, congregations have suffered greatly because of men who have shown no respect for the sound teaching revealed by God. The apostle Paul repeatedly warned about the danger of those who would introduce strange doctrines and lead disciples away from the truth (Acts 20:28–30).

When we speak of false doctrine, we are referring to any teaching that conflicts with God’s will as revealed in the Scriptures. Any doctrine that contradicts the divine message, alters the plan of salvation, or disregards the authority of God’s Word must be considered false doctrine (Galatians 1:6–9).

False doctrine will always harm the church because it prevents believers from being nourished by the pure message of the gospel. Instead of edifying the soul and strengthening faith, it produces confusion, division, and separation from God. Paul taught that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Whenever men replace divine truth with human opinions, the church suffers serious spiritual consequences.

There are people who teach error because they have not properly studied the Scriptures. They have not learned the fundamental principles of Biblical interpretation and, therefore, teach what they do not fully understand. Paul exhorted Timothy: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Sadly, there are also those who teach false doctrine even while knowing that it contradicts God’s Word. Some simply repeat the teachings of favorite preachers, relatives, or friends, placing human loyalty above divine authority. Jesus condemned this attitude when He said, “In vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9).

Therefore, an important question arises: How does false doctrine harm the Lord’s church? Let us consider several answers.

1. False doctrine contradicts the command to teach only sound doctrine.

Paul commanded, “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). He also exhorted Timothy to hold fast “the pattern of sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13). God has never authorized the teaching of error.

2. False doctrine leads people down the wrong path.

Jesus declared, “And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch” (Matthew 15:14). False teachers lead souls away from the path of salvation.

3. False doctrine deceives sincere and unsuspecting people.

Romans 16:17–18 teaches that false teachers deceive others “by smooth words and flattering speech.” Peter also warned that many would follow their destructive ways (2 Peter 2:1–2).

4. False doctrine replaces the preaching of truth.

Peter wrote, “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11). When error occupies the pulpit, the church ceases to hear the message that saves.

5. False doctrine draws believers away from faithfulness to God.

Paul rebuked the Galatians because they were abandoning the true gospel (Galatians 1:6–9). Likewise, Hymenaeus and Philetus overthrew the faith of some through their false teachings (2 Timothy 2:16–18).

6. False doctrine hinders spiritual growth.

God established spiritual leaders to equip the saints and bring them to maturity (Ephesians 4:11–16). False doctrine produces spiritual immaturity and causes Christians to be “tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine.”

7. False doctrine produces confusion and division.

“For God is not the author of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). False teachings generate disputes, divisions, and conflicts within the congregation (Romans 16:17).

8. False doctrine separates man from God.

John wrote, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God” (2 John 9). Doctrinal error breaks fellowship with the Father and the Son.

9. False doctrine brings condemnation upon those who teach it.

Peter affirmed that false teachers would introduce destructive heresies and bring swift destruction upon themselves (2 Peter 2:1–3). James also warned that teachers will receive a stricter judgment (James 3:1).

10. False doctrine contaminates the entire congregation.

Paul declared, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump” (Galatians 5:9). Doctrinal error rarely remains isolated; in time, it affects the entire church.

11. False doctrine encourages apostasy.

The Holy Spirit announced that “in latter times some will depart from the faith” (1 Timothy 4:1). Apostasy always begins when people abandon the revealed truth.

12. False doctrine hardens the heart and produces resistance to the truth.

Paul spoke of those who “will not endure sound doctrine” and will seek teachers according to their own desires (2 Timothy 4:3–4). Error leads people to reject the will of God.

13. False doctrine destroys the spiritual unity of the church.

Christ prayed that His disciples might be one (John 17:20–21). True unity can exist only when all remain in the same doctrine (Ephesians 4:4–6).

14. False doctrine dishonors the name of Christ.

Peter taught that because of false teachers, “the way of truth will be blasphemed” (2 Peter 2:2). The world observes religious divisions and errors and comes to despise the gospel.

Churches that tolerate false doctrine are in serious spiritual danger. Numerical growth alone does not constitute evidence of divine approval. A congregation may grow in numbers while simultaneously drifting away from the revealed truth. Faithfulness to God must always take precedence over popularity and apparent success.

The only way to maintain a pure and obedient church is through the faithful and consistent exposition of God’s Word. Christians must develop a deep respect for the authority of Scripture and carefully examine every teaching in the light of the Bible (Acts 17:11).

Elders have the responsibility to watch over the spiritual well-being of the flock and to protect it from false teachers (Acts 20:28–31; Titus 1:9). Likewise, the congregation must insist that only the whole counsel of God be preached from the pulpit (Acts 20:27).

May each one of us imitate the attitude of the psalmist who declared, “The entirety of Your word is truth” (Psalm 119:160). May our heavenly Father help us always to love, respect, and defend the sound doctrine revealed in His holy Word.

PRACTICES THAT HARM THE LORD’S CHURCH: Preachers Who Do Not Preach the Word of God by Willie A. Alvarenga

Posted on by
Reply

Another harmful practice that can be added to the list, and one that has seriously affected the Lord’s church, is that ofpreachers who do not faithfully proclaim the Word of God. This problem has hindered the Lord’s work for many years. In many places, the church suffers because of preachers who fail to present God’s divine message. They are experts in telling stories, sharing anecdotes, discussing politics, sports, and jokes, but not in expounding the Holy Scriptures. Some have forgotten that the power to transform and edify people’s lives is found only in the preaching of God’s message, not in entertainment or human wisdom.

Time and again, we find clear exhortations in Scripture to preach the Word of God. For example, the apostle Paul commanded the evangelist Timothy to hold fast the pattern of sound doctrine (2 Tim. 1:13) and to “preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2). Likewise, he exhorted Titus to teach the things that are consistent with sound doctrine (Tit. 2:1). The apostle Peter, who left us an outstanding example of Scripture-filled preaching on the Day of Pentecost, wrote, “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Pet. 4:11). Only in this way will God be glorified, as Peter affirms in the latter part of this same verse.

The Son of God, Jesus Christ, also emphasized that one of the primary reasons He traveled from place to place was to preach the Word of God (Mark 1:38). In the Old Testament, we clearly observe how the prophets understood the necessity and importance of proclaiming only God’s message (1 Kings 22:14). God commanded them to preach exclusively the Words He gave them (Jonah 3:2; Jer. 26:1-2). The expression, “Thus says the Lord,” appears repeatedly throughout the writings of the prophets and reminds us of our responsibility to proclaim only what God has revealed in His Word. These and many other passages should be memorized by those preachers who are failing to edify the church through the faithful proclamation of the Scriptures. One preacher once said, “Jokes, long illustrations, and stories should occupy an important place in preaching because people enjoy them and they make them laugh.” Such a statement clearly contradicts what God’s Word teaches concerning the kind of preaching He requires from His servants (cf. 2 Tim. 4:1-2; 1 Pet. 4:11).

How is the Lord’s church harmed when the Word of God is not preached? Consider the following consequences:

  1. The Lord’s church is not edified when the Word of God is not preached (Acts 20:32).
  2. Preachers disobey God’s command to faithfully proclaim His Word (2 Tim. 4:2; Jonah 3:2; 1 Pet. 4:11; Tit. 2:1).
  3. The church is deprived of the knowledge of God’s Word (Hos. 4:6).
  4. The church remains in Biblical ignorance, making it vulnerable to spiritual captivity and false doctrine (Isa. 5:13; Eph. 4:14).
  5. The members are not equipped for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:11-16).
  6. The church may lose its respect for the authority of the Holy Scriptures (Col. 3:17).
  7. The church ceases to grow in the knowledge of God’s Word (2 Pet. 3:18; Col. 3:16; 1 Pet. 2:2).

The Lord’s church has both the right and the responsibility to expect that the Word of God be faithfully preached from the pulpit. The elders, who watch over the spiritual welfare of the flock (Heb. 13:17), must ensure that the preacher proclaims the Word of God rather than his own personal opinions. Now more than ever, it is imperative that we return to the thoroughly Biblical preaching found in the pages of the Holy Scriptures.

PRACTICES THAT HARM THE LORD’S CHURCH: Preachers Who Do Not Practice What They Preach by Willie A. Alvarenga

Posted on by
Reply

Another harmful practice that can be added to the list, and one that has seriously affected the Lord’s church, is that of preachers who do not practice what they preach. Throughout the centuries, this inconsistency between teaching and conduct has caused stumbling, discouragement, and a loss of credibility both within and outside the church. God has always expected those who proclaim His Word to be examples worthy of imitation.

The Bible clearly exhorts preachers and teachers to live in harmony with the message they proclaim. The apostle Paul urged Timothy to be “an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12, NKJV). He later added, “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Tim. 4:16, NKJV). Notice that Paul first mentions the preacher’s life (“take heed to yourself”) and then his teaching (“and to the doctrine”), indicating that the two are inseparable.

Likewise, Titus was exhorted to present himself “in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned” (Titus 2:6–8, NKJV). A preacher must not only communicate sound doctrine correctly but also adorn it with a holy life (Titus 2:10). His actions should confirm the truthfulness of the message he proclaims.

Someone once said, “I would rather see a sermon than hear one.” Although this statement is not inspired, it conveys a profound truth: people carefully observe the preacher’s life before accepting his message. Personal example is one of the most powerful sermons a servant of God can preach.

Our supreme example is Jesus Christ. Luke wrote concerning “all that Jesus began both to do and teach” (Acts 1:1, NKJV). The order of those words is not accidental. Jesus first did and then taught. There was never any contradiction between His words and His conduct. He could challenge His opponents by asking, “Which of you convicts Me of sin?” (John 8:46, NKJV). His life perfectly supported His teaching.

In the Old Testament we find another outstanding example in Ezra. Scripture declares that “Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10, NKJV). Here again, the order is significant: first he studied God’s Word, then he practiced it, and finally he taught it to the people. This continues to be the divine model for every preacher of the gospel.

Sadly, some preachers focus on exhorting others while failing to practice what they preach themselves. Such an attitude should never characterize a servant of God. Jesus strongly condemned the scribes and Pharisees because “they say, and do not do” (Matt. 23:3, NKJV). Religious hypocrisy has always been offensive to God because it discredits the truth and drives people away from the gospel.

The church can clearly recognize when a preacher contradicts himself by failing to live according to God’s will. Although the truth remains true regardless of the character of the messenger, a preacher’s lack of integrity produces unfortunate consequences for the Lord’s work. How can the church be affected?

(1) The church may become discouraged. Although Christians are to fix their eyes on Christ (Heb. 12:1–2), the poor example of a preacher can discourage believers, especially those who are weak in the faith. Instead of strengthening the members, he may become a stumbling block (Rom. 14:13).

(2) Non-Christians may reject the gospel. Many people evaluate Christianity by observing the conduct of those who preach it. When they encounter hypocrisy, they wrongly conclude that the gospel lacks transforming power. As a result, the name of God is blasphemed among unbelievers (Rom. 2:21–24).

(3) The preacher’s credibility is seriously damaged. When there is an obvious contradiction between the preacher’s message and his life, his exhortations lose moral authority. The congregation’s trust diminishes, and his spiritual influence is weakened (Titus 2:7–8).

(4) There is the danger of unfair generalization. Some people conclude that all preachers are the same, thereby discrediting faithful men who sincerely and honorably serve the Lord.

(5) A bad example may become an excuse for sin. Some justify their own disobedience by saying, “If the preacher does it, why shouldn’t I?” Although each person will give an account of himself before God (Rom. 14:12), bad examples can negatively influence others (Matt. 18:6–7).

(6) The reputation of the church is harmed. A preacher’s conduct is often associated with the entire congregation. Therefore, an inconsistent life can damage the church’s good reputation in the community and diminish its influence for good (2 Cor. 6:3).

(7) Evangelistic efforts are weakened. It is much more difficult to convince others of the truth when the one proclaiming it does not live according to it. Effective evangelism requires both faithful proclamation and an honorable testimony (Matt. 5:16; Phil. 2:15).

(8) Weaker Christians may fall away from the Lord. Some immature believers place too much confidence in men. When a preacher experiences moral failure, their faith may be shaken, and in some cases they may abandon the congregation. This highlights the tremendous responsibility borne by those who teach God’s Word (James 3:1).

(9) The name of Christ is dishonored. A preacher publicly represents the cause of Christ. When he lives in contradiction to the gospel, the Lord’s name is disgraced, and the glory that belongs to God is diminished (Col. 3:17; Titus 2:10).

Every preacher should strive to be an example of integrity, faithfulness, humility, purity, consistency, and perseverance before all who observe his life. He should be able to say, as the apostle Paul did, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1, NKJV). The goal is not to attain absolute perfection but to live a life characterized by repentance, obedience, and a sincere determination to please God in all things.

The preacher’s light must shine before men so that, seeing his good works, they may glorify the Father who is in heaven (Matt. 5:16). The church needs men who not only know how to preach sermons but who also live them every day. When the message proclaimed and the preacher’s life are in perfect harmony, the church is strengthened, believers are edified, unbelievers are impacted, and God receives all the glory.

CHALLENGES FACING YOUNG PEOPLE: Paying Close Attention to the Preaching in the Church by Willie A. Alvarenga

Posted on by
Reply

Another important challenge facing young people today is paying close attention to the preaching in the church. Every week, sermons are presented with the purpose of helping us grow spiritually and presenting us mature in Christ Jesus (Col. 1:28). The faithful preaching of God’s Word strengthens our faith, increases our knowledge of God, and equips us to live according to His will (Rom. 10:17; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 3:18). God has established preaching as one of the primary means of instructing, exhorting, correcting, and edifying His people.

Nevertheless, although this is the purpose of preaching, many young people do not give proper attention to the lessons presented from the pulpit. This lack of attention is evident when some become distracted by their cell phones, send messages to those sitting beside them, read material unrelated to the sermon, carry on conversations during the preaching, or simply allow their minds to wander while God’s message is being proclaimed. These distractions prevent them from benefiting from the spiritual nourishment that God has prepared for them.

I mention these things because I have observed them repeatedly while preaching my own sermons, and also because I personally made these same mistakes when I was young. As the years passed, I came to realize how much I had missed by not listening more carefully to the teaching of God’s Word. Many young people reach adulthood regretting that they did not take full advantage of the opportunities they had to learn the Scriptures from an early age.

The Bible provides excellent examples of people who listened attentively to the Word of God. In the days of Nehemiah, the people remained attentive while Ezra read and explained the Scriptures (Neh. 8:3, 8). In Troas, the disciples assembled to hear the apostle Paul preach (Acts 20:7). Jesus Himself repeatedly taught, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Matt. 11:15), emphasizing the importance of listening with a heart that is willing to obey.

For this reason, we encourage all young people not to open the door to distractions. Before the worship service begins, pray that God will give you a receptive heart. Keep your Bible open, carefully follow the passages the preacher presents, take notes whenever possible, and seek to identify practical lessons that you can apply to your daily life. These simple habits will help you concentrate more effectively and remember the truths you have learned.

It is also important to remember that listening alone is not enough; we must obey what we have learned. James wrote, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). The true blessing is found not merely in attending the worship services, but in allowing God’s Word to transform the way we think, speak, and live.

God’s Word has the power to save our souls (James 1:21), strengthen our faith (Rom. 10:17), make us wise for salvation (2 Tim. 3:15), and guide us in the path of righteousness (Ps. 119:105). However, if we fail to pay attention to the message, we will not fully enjoy these great blessings. Every sermon provides an opportunity to learn something new, correct an error, strengthen our faith, or receive the encouragement we so desperately need.

Young person, remember that the preaching of God’s Word is not a time for distractions, but a sacred moment in which God instructs us through the Scriptures. Listen with respect, attentiveness, and reverence. Make the sermon a priority rather than an opportunity to check your phone or think about other things. If you develop the habit of listening carefully to God’s Word during your youth, you will be building a solid spiritual foundation that will remain with you throughout your life and help you stay faithful to the Lord. When we listen with hearts that are willing to obey, we grow spiritually and God is glorified.

PRACTICES THAT HARM THE LORD’S CHURCH: Preachers Who Do Not Adequately Prepare to Preach the Word of God by Willie A. Alvarenga

Posted on by
Reply

Another harmful practice that can be added to the list, and one that has seriously affected the Lord’s church, is that of preachers who do not adequately prepare themselves to preach the Word of God. This deficiency is not a recent problem but a reality that has hindered the Lord’s work throughout the centuries. When a preacher neglects his spiritual and Biblical preparation, the church is deprived of the spiritual nourishment that God desires to communicate through His Word.

The Bible establishes a high standard for those who bear the responsibility of teaching. Paul exhorted Timothy, saying, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15, NKJV). The preacher must study diligently in order to interpret the Scriptures correctly and faithfully communicate God’s inspired message. It is not enough merely to speak about the Bible; it is essential to preach the Bible.

Furthermore, the evangelist must give careful attention both to his life and to the doctrine he teaches. Paul wrote, “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Tim. 4:16). The preacher’s life and the purity of his teaching have a direct influence upon the church. Sound preaching supported by a godly life strengthens the congregation, whereas careless teaching or an inconsistent life produces confusion and discouragement.

The apostle Paul also reminded Timothy that preaching is a responsibility carried out before God and Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead (2 Tim. 4:1-5). This solemn charge reminds us that the pulpit is not a place for expressing personal opinions, entertaining an audience, or promoting human ideas, but for faithfully proclaiming the will of God. The command is clear: “Preach the Word.”

Preaching the Word of God requires great diligence, preparation, and care because we are dealing with the souls of men. The goal of preaching is to present every person complete in Christ Jesus (Col. 1:28). Therefore, the preacher who regularly proclaims the Word of God must devote sufficient time to study, prayer, and meditation. Ezra provides an excellent example, for he “had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10). The order is significant: first he studied, then he obeyed, and finally he taught.

Such diligent preparation requires the preacher to do, among other things, the following:

  1. He must continually pray for wisdom and divine guidance before preparing and delivering his message (James 1:5; Col. 4:2-4).
  2. He must strive to preach only the Word of God and not his personal opinions (1 Pet. 4:11).
  3. He must ensure that every sermon is in complete harmony with sound doctrine (2 Tim. 1:13; Titus 2:1).
  4. He must carefully examine the Biblical text, meditating upon it day and night (Ps. 1:2; Josh. 1:8).
  5. He must pursue sound exegesis, explaining the true meaning of the text according to its historical, grammatical, and literary context (Neh. 8:8; 2 Tim. 2:15).
  6. He must avoid imposing preconceived ideas or personal preferences upon the text, allowing God’s Word to speak for itself (2 Pet. 1:20-21).
  7. He must declare the whole counsel of God rather than limiting himself to subjects that are comfortable or popular (Acts 20:27).
  8. He must prepare relevant messages that edify, exhort, comfort, and spiritually strengthen the church (Rom. 15:4; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).
  9. He must preach with conviction, love, humility, and profound respect for the authority of the Scriptures (1 Thess. 2:13).
  10. He must cultivate a deep love for the Word of God (Ps. 119:97).

In what ways is the Lord’s church harmed when a preacher fails to prepare adequately for preaching? Consider some of the consequences:

  1. The church may fail to receive the message God intended because the Biblical text was not properly studied.
  2. Poor preparation can lead to incorrect interpretations and, consequently, the spread of doctrinal error (2 Pet. 3:15-16).
  3. The congregation may remain spiritually immature because it is deprived of the solid food of God’s Word (Heb. 5:12-14).
  4. The preacher may fail to declare the whole counsel of God, depriving the church of essential Biblical instruction (Acts 20:27).
  5. Christians will be less prepared to identify and refute false doctrine (Eph. 4:11-14; Titus 1:9).
  6. The faith of some may be weakened by sermons that are superficial, poorly organized, or lacking a solid Biblical foundation (Rom. 10:17).
  7. The preacher wastes valuable opportunities to exhort, convict, and restore those who need spiritual correction (2 Tim. 4:2).
  8. The church may lose its enthusiasm for serious Bible study when it observes a lack of diligence in the pulpit.
  9. The evangelistic work and the spiritual growth of the congregation may be seriously hindered, for a well-instructed church is a stronger church, better equipped to serve the Lord.

Like the elders, the preacher bears the responsibility of caring for the spiritual well-being of the Lord’s church. Although the elders serve as shepherds of the flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1-4), the evangelist fulfills an indispensable role by feeding God’s people through the preaching and teaching of His Word. Therefore, he must never take lightly the preparation of his lessons.

May every preacher always remember that the pulpit demands reverence, diligence, and faithfulness. Time invested in prayer, study, and preparation is never wasted. On the contrary, it is an eternal investment in the edification of the church, the salvation of souls, and the glory of God. As Paul wrote, “Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all” (1 Tim. 4:15). May God grant us diligent preachers who are deeply committed to the truth and determined to proclaim faithfully “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27).