PREACHING THAT CHANGES LIVES
Part 4
By Ralph Sutera
There certainly is no lack of preaching, but there seems to be a deficit in changed lives. Here are many professions, but one must question how much real spiritual possession. Even great pastors question how many in their congregations are genuinely a part of God's family. Could it be that we should look at modern preaching as a possible cause?
WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE ESSENTIAL IN PREACHING THAT CHANGES LIVES?
4. Preach for spiritual response, and not merely decisions.
In an age of temporary decisions, preaching needs to find ways to lead people into spiritual response. This may not always be a formal invitation after each sermon, but varied ways how people can genuinely respond to what God has said. It could be a time of silent prayer at the close of the sermon with a public confirming prayer for those who actually responded to what God said. Or it may be to encourage fathers to gather their families together at home to respond to what the sermon said and how it affects their families.
When truth is delivered it demands a godly response. Preachers of ten lose a sense of urgency about response themselves and are merely content to disseminate truths with little thought of seeking response. If that urgency is not in their spirit, they should not expect much response from the congregation. Listeners get the idea that they are merely to change a few notions about God or gain biblical insights they never had before.
Too many do not see the house of God as a place where they meet God, not only hear about Him. Is it possible that the kind of preaching being done is responsible for this?
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