Cowboy Boots

To say that I like cowboy boots would not be the revelation of some long kept secret.  The look and feel of boots is great!  The sound of them on a wooden floor brings comfort to my heart.  The cowboy boot stands as a staple of western wear.  They all have a unique design and function.  Some boots get duded up pretty nice and only see special nights on the town.  Other cowboy boots are designed to get worn throughout a day’s work.  Like the boots, Christians also have a special design and function.  Christians are purchased to glorify God (I Corinthians 6:20, Ephesians 1:9-12) and serve by doing good works (Ephesians 2:10).  However, this is not the only area that there are parallels.  Consider the other areas boots and Christianity share similarities.

Have you ever warn a pair of shoes into a barnyard or area with muddy ground.  Likely, your shoes and socks ended up soaked and full of mud.  Cowboy boots don’t allow that to happen.  The leather keeps the moisture and muck out leaving your feet free from the filth.  Does the Christian life not have a parallel to this?  When a person leaves the world and becomes a Christian he first immerses himself in the waters of baptism.  This immersion is not a cleansing of dirt from the flesh, but a cleansing of sin from the soul through contacting the blood of Christ (I Peter 3:21, Romans 6).  The Christian purposely slipped himself into the boots of Christ so that he can maintain purity in his life as Christ did in His.  Thus, a Christian finds himself free from the filth of the world as long as the boots remain on.

The design of boots keeps the lower legs from being harmed.  Often when working, brush, burrs, thorns, rocks, and even rattlesnakes embody the potential hazards to the cowboy.  Yet, the tall leather shaft of the boot not only keeps out filth, but it shields from risks of a greater nature.  The boots of Christ designed by the shield of Faith, God’s Word, deflect all the fiery darts of wickedness (Ephesians 6:6).  With this protection, Christians avoid adultery, fornication, alcohol and drug use, lying, improper worship, gossip, grumbling, homosexuality, greed, and all other forms of sin.  Protection only exists with the boots on (John 8:31-32).

Why do cowboy boots have high heels?  Not only does the cowboy need to get into the saddle quickly, he needs to be able to get out of the saddle quickly.  The heel of his boot keeps him from getting hung up in the stirrup.  Consider a cowboy whose foot slips through the stirrup as he falls from his horse in rough terrain or a rough ride.  Without the proper boot, a cowboy may be dragged to his death because his foot won’t let free of the stirrup.   The heel of the boots of Christ represent a properly trained conscience (I Peter 3:16).  It is a conscience that catches the individual before he slides and gets hung up by temptation.  It enables the Christian to flee and escape danger.  The boots of Christ must be on to avoid a terrible death.

Do you know why the cowboy boot displays a narrowed forefoot?  This design enables the cowboy to easily fit his foot into the stirrups of his saddle.  When a cowboy rides he sits in his working position. Most folks ride for entertainment or leisure these days.  The cowboy’s job supports itself from the back of a horse.  It all starts with being able to fit into the saddle well. It’s not much easier to fit a camel through the eye of the needle then to fit a wide ended boot through the stirrup of a cowboy’s saddle.  A cowboy who cannot get into the saddle may find himself in the way of destruction.  People of the world try all the broad roads of human behavior to get to God. Yet, Christ makes it clear that only the narrow way takes a man to life (Matthew 7:13-14).  The narrow way succeeds because it is God’s design.  The boots of Christ must be on for the Christian to properly fit into their position in the kingdom of Christ.

Yes, Christians have similarities with Cowboy boots.  They clothe themselves in Christ (Galatians 3:28) so they can stay pure, have protection, avoid a terrible death, and fit properly into the kingdom of God.  This article states over and over the boots of Christ need to be kept on.  Let it be said of the Christian what is said of the cowboy, “Cowboys sleep with their boots on”.  Always be prepared (Ephesians 6:15), but remember this… by goofy human wisdom, in Tulsa, Oklahoma it is illegal to sleep with your boots on.

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Sons of God – “Angel Food for Thought”

Oh the joy of being called sons of God!  Man has this special title given by believing in Christ and being born by the will of God (John 1:12-13).  The Bible uses different terms both in the Hebrew and Greek for the word “son” or “sons”.  One particular Hebrew word, “bane”, designated by Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries “H1121” appears 4924 times in the Old Testament. It is translated in many ways, the majority of which are not “son or sons”.  Consider these few: children (Genesis 3:16), old (Genesis 5:32), one born (Genesis 15:3), people (Genesis 29:1), colts (Genesis 32:15), bough (Genesis 49:22), of the first (Exodus 12:5), young (Leviticus 1:14), of the breed (Deuteronomy 32:14), one (I Samuel 13:1), worthy (I Samuel 26:16), soldiers (2 Chronicles 25:13), men (Job 1:3), sparks (Job 5:7), arrow (job 41:28), branch (Psalm 80:15), corn (Isaiah 21:10), ones (Jeremiah 48:45), and robbers (Daniel 11:14).  Indeed, a great number of other translations exist and this will be central to the issue about to be examined.

Hebrews 1:5 – “For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?”

The context of the above verse is a contrast between Jesus and angels.  The text accomplishes at least two important tasks.  First, it confirms Jesus as being the Son of God.  This declaration is confirmed throughout the New Testament by men (Matthew 27:54), demons (Luke 4:41), unclean spirits (Mark 3:11), angels (Luke 1:35), John the Baptizer (John 1:34), Apostles (Mark 1:1), Jesus (John 11:4), and God the Father (Matthew 3:17).  Second, the Hebrew author eliminates the possibility that Jesus was an angel by noting no angel was ever called God’s Son.  However, many individuals declare angels have been called sons.  To get to the bottom of this concern, verses used to support the claim angels have been called “sons of God” must be examined.

Utilizing the King James Version of the Bible, forty-seven verses use the term “son of God”: Daniel 3:25; Matthew 4:3,6; 8:29; 14:33; 26:63; 27:40,43,54; Mark 1:1; 3:11; 15:39; Luke 1:35; 3:38; 4:3,9,41; 8:28; 22:70; John 1:34,49; 3:18; 5:25; 9:35; 10:36; 11:4,27; 19:7; 20:31; Acts 8:37; 9:20; Romans 1:4; 2 Corinthians 1:19; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 4:13; Hebrews 4:14; 6:6; 7:3; 10:29; 1 John 3:8; 4:15; 5:5,10,12,13,20; and Revelation 2:18.  All New Testament usages are clear references to Christ.  The single Old Testament reference (Daniel 3:25) is a statement by King Nebuchadnezzar about the appearance of a fourth entity in the fiery pit where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had been thrown.  While the observation about the image was that it appeared like “a Son of God”, it is by no means an inspired confirmation of the entity’s identity.  The term as used by the pagan king was common in identifying what he believed to be Deity.

There are nine scriptures using the term “children of God”: Matthew 5:9; Luke 20:36; John 11:52; Romans 8:16, 21; 9:8; Galatians 3:26; and 1 John 3:10; 5:2. Only one involves angels: Luke 20:36.  The verse declares Christians will be equal to angels in that they will have eternal life.  It then calls the Christians Children of God, not the angels.

There are no verses in the Bible using the terms “a son of God” or “child of God”.

There are eleven verses in scripture using the term “sons of God”.  The New Testament contains six of these and each of them represents a reference to Christians: John 1:12; Romans 8:14, 19; Philippians 2:15; and 1 John 3:1, 2.  This leaves us with five verses from the Old Testament: Genesis 6:2, 4; Job 1:6; 2:1; and 38:7.  The conflict as to whether or not angels are called sons of God lies within these verses.

 Genesis 6:2-4 – “That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.  And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.  There were nephilim in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.”

The claim that the sons of God in these verses are angels cannot be validated by scripture.  Scripture clearly refutes this as an option.  How?  Mark 12:25 – “For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.”  Angels do not marry, but the “sons of God” in Genesis 6 did so.  Rather than angels, the sons of God in this passage are followers of God who married those who were not.  The result was unrighteous people.  Thus, the context of Genesis 6 ends in God’s disgust with sinful mankind and the creation of the Ark by Noah.  Please note:  Some suggest these “sons of God” were angels who were not from heaven and therefore could marry with men.  In simple perspective and rejection of this notion, if the angels were not from heaven, they were not from God.  Rather, they would be angels of the devil (Matthew 25:41, Revelation 12:9).  However, the concern is moot for the “sons of God” here are men not angels.

 Job 1:6-7 – “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.”

 Job 2:1-2 – “Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.  And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.”

The great majority of scholars proclaim the sons of God in these verses to be angels in a gathering in heaven.  If so, the validity of Hebrews 1:5 would have to be questioned for angels would be called sons of God.  Additionally, it must be accepted that Satan, a very corrupt being opposed to the righteousness of God, would be present in heaven.  Why would scripture not be consistent and refer to man as sons of God as it did in Genesis 6 and the whole of the New Testament?  Why refer to angels as sons when it is man who was made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26)?  Why refer to angels as sons when it is man who is heir and angels ministers unto them (Hebrews 1:14).  Is it too difficult to imagine the faithful of God gathering at an appointed time to present themselves before God?  The Patriarchal age does not provide us with much information regarding the worship at that time.  However, as early as Genesis 4, Cain and Able came together to present offerings before God.  Unless, the final text of scripture mentioning “sons of God” can be determined with certainty to refer to angels, no reason can be ascertained as to why  Job 1:6-7 and 2:1-2 would do so.

The final passage of scripture to examine regarding “sons of God” is Job: 38:7.  The context of this verse is Job before God and God speaking.

Job 38:1 -12 – “Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?  Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed? Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place;…”

This passage seems to be a lockbox of hope to those who want angels to be sons of God.  The context is that of creation.  Notably, the time is before the creation of man.  Thus, man cannot be the sons of God spoken of here.  Yet, this does not certify that the sons are angels.  While certain scholars see this as a certainty, the possibility of an alternative eliminates certainty of a solution.  Recall the opening paragraph of this article.  H1121 is the term “sons” used here in Job 38.  Recall also the great number of translations for H1121.   Are there any that could be alternative to “sons” in the passage and still fit the context?  Consider that both “ones” and “first ones” can easily replace the term son, being thus: “ones of God” and “first ones of God”.   What are these “first ones of God”?  I submit to you these are other physical elements of creation. That would include planets, moons, and all the heavens.  There are a number of inanimate objects that are referred to by H1121.  Such a translation would not be out of order.  Thus, an alternative removes certainty about translating H1121 “sons” and therefore “sons of God” leading to a belief they are angels.

The text of Job 38:1-12 also stands as a refutation to angels being present.  In the above text, it will be noted there are a number of words underlined.  They are all physical elements of the creation.  All of them are inanimate, that is without life.  All of them are surrounded with figurative language.  A foundation fastened, a cornerstone laid, morning stars singing, seas needing doors, clouds being a garment, darkness a swaddling band, and dayspring personified as if to know his place fit together well.  How do literal angels literally shouting for joy fit the text?  It is like a puzzle children are given where they are to point out the one thing that does not belong with the others.  In this text, angels or “sons of God” do not belong.  Rather, the “first ones of God”, His creation which is inanimate, figuratively shouts for joy.  This is text which is sound and in accordance with Hebrews 1:5.

In regard to the thrust of Hebrews 1:5 the following question has arisen: “What if Hebrews 1:5 presents its text only to demonstrate the uniqueness of the Sonship of Jesus as compared to that of angels; not to exclude them as metaphoric sons?”  The uniqueness of Jesus can be found by the term “begotten” (monogenes) in John 3:16.  However, the term “begotten” in Hebrews 1:5 (gennao) according to Thayer’s Greek definitions is different and can have a metaphoric meaning.  It does not ask when the angels were ever considered unique sons like Christ, but rather when they were even considered metaphorically to be sons.”  The text means exactly what it says. God has never called angels (uniquely or metaphorically) sons.  The designation of son rests only with Jesus.  Consider an affirmation of this from Hebrews 2:11-16:

“For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.  And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.  For verily he took not on angels; but he took on the seed of Abraham.”

This text clearly identifies that man is considered brothers to Christ.  Here he could have called angels his brothers, but he did not (nor does he elsewhere).  He became as man, not as angels.  There is a special relationship between God and man that angels do not share.  If men are brothers to Christ, they are sons of God.  This is born out in scripture.  However, it is never seen of angels.  Both Revelation 19:10 and 22:9 identify angels as servants of the brotherhood of men, but not brothers.  Hebrews 2 strengthens Hebrews 1:5 which stands as a guideline to other scriptures where men mistakenly want to use the term “sons of God” or interpret it as “angels”.

Though scripture does not call angels sons or brothers, there is a desire to argue for them as God’s spiritual family.  They are sentient, freewill beings, who live eternally, and dwell in heaven.  Should they not be considered family?  Christians must use the Bible to determine what has authorization and what does not.  Are angel’s family?  The verse used in attempt to affirm this belief comes from Ephesians:

Ephesians 3:14-15 – “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,”

Who is this “family”?  The context does not discuss angels.  Rather, the discussion revolves around the gospel being applicable to the Gentiles as well as the Jews.  This is the family being discussed – the Church!  How can angels be under a heavenly roof with man and not be considered family?  Abraham found himself without an heir in Genesis 15:2-3.  He did not consider the steward of his house (Eliezer) family.  Did he have a bond of trust with Eleizer?  Certainly he had a bond of trust with his house steward; however, that did not make Eleizer family.  Unless, God identifies angels as family or sons, man cannot assume to bestow the title upon them with authority.  The same is true for other beings in heaven such as Cherubim and Seraphim.

What is the importance of showing “sons of God” are not angels?  First, it demonstrates that all scripture is in accordance and does not disagree.  Second, it helps bring passages which are misunderstood into the proper light.  Finally, understanding that Jesus is the only Son of God, the begotten and unique, who is Deity, enables man to properly direct his worship to the right target.  Angels are ministers to God and man and they need to be observed as such.  If God does not call them sons, brothers, or family, man should not tread upon that ground.

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A Divine If/Then Statement

Most everyone understands those if/then kinds of statements. It is a sentence which begins with the word if, then it states an action and ends with the consequence of that action. What child has not heard a parent say, “If you ever do that again, then . . .”? What dating couple has not had as part of their conversation, “If you ever treat me that way again, then . . .”? All you have to do to understand them is to look at the first part of the statement to know the consequences which will follow.

Hebrews 2:2-3 has one of these statements. “For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation . . . ?” Take a moment to reflect on what this passage says.

The first part of the sentence is tied to the mention of angels in the first chapter. Since the giving of the old law involved angels (Gal. 3:19), what was involved in the new one? The new law did not come through angels—but through His Son! The words quoted above could be paraphrased saying, “Look at the Old Testament disobedience to see how God regards the importance of obedience in the New Testament.” This is why the study of the Old Testament is so important.

Look at what is affirmed about the nature of God in the Old Testament. (1) God is concerned about every time men disobeyed His Old Testament law. (2) God is always just in dealing with every disobedience. He is the one who defines justice. Our task is not to define justice but to understand it. (3) God always brings just retribution on every transgression.

Can you think of even one single exception in the entire Old Testament where our just God did not bring justice? There is none! This is the point the writer of Hebrews is making. The “word spoken through angels” (the Old Testament) clearly shows the nature of God. This fact is the “if” part of the if/then statement.

The consequence of this truth is found in the last part of the statement. If they did not escape, how can we think we can ignore what He says to us?

This is a divine if/then statement. A child might ignore what a parent says or a dating couple might ignore what the other says, but how can anyone ignore what God says? Especially since the Old Testament recorded 4,000 years of His actions and there was not one exception.

The truth is so obvious that the question is not answered. However, later in this book, God said that if they did not escape, “much more shall we not escape” (Heb. 12:25).

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How to React to Unsettling Times

As we look around us and view world events, we realize that times are certainly unsettling. Even on one hand to be a citizen of the greatest country in the world, it does not change the fact that on the other hand, our society within America is morally and spiritually falling apart and indications show it moving further and further away from God. In spite of the best of efforts of Christians, we are facing the reality that the vast majority care not for God or the blessings associated with the church of our Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Matt. 7:13-14). Therefore, how are we to react in these unsettling times?

I recall a statement that Jesus made to His Jewish disciples in their own circumstances of unsettling times. In Mark 13, He was forewarning them of events that would take place less than forty years in the future—a horribly violent time when the Roman Empire would destroy the city of Jerusalem. He refers to this act with the term “abomination of desolation” (Mark 13:14—sounds horrible, does it not?) and points from the prophecy of Daniel to its fulfillment. Just casually read through this chapter, and you will hear many things that show an unsettling situation. In the midst of this, and in view of our own impending Judgment Day forthcoming, Jesus said, “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is” (Mark 13:33). We may see the unsettling nature of the approaching Judgment Day with the clarifying words, “…for ye know not when the time is,” just as He also mentioned in the preceding verse (Mark 13:32).

In the first place, He begins with the words, “Take ye heed….” It comes from a single Greek verb that indicates the act of beholding and taking caution. It very often renders itself with the idea of looking. Thus, it is as if Jesus is encouraging them, “Stop! Open your eyes!” Other places render it as, “Beware!” (cf. Mark 8:15; 12:38; Phil. 3:2; Col. 2:8). As a matter of fact, Mark uses this word five times in this chapter alone. Therefore, we cannot close our eyes to what is ongoing around us. This is not a time to get “tunnel vision.” We cannot afford to act as ostriches with our heads buried in the sand, completely oblivious to what is happening in the world. The very first reaction from us is to become aware of what is happening, because the very first step in falling to deception is when we close our eyes to what is happening (cf. Matt. 24:4).

Second, Jesus continues with the encouragement to watch. It was not enough to open their eyes momentarily, but they were to keep them open. The term literally means, “Do not fall asleep!” What a wonderful encouragement we gain in one of the few occasions we see this term when the Hebrew writer states of elders, “…for they watch for your souls” (Heb. 13:17). In other words, elders never fall asleep at their watch when it comes to their role of shepherding the flock, because the moment they fall asleep, this is when wolves will sneak in and devour the sheep. Pertaining to our discussion of how we are to react in unsettling times, because of the unsettling nature of these times, we cannot afford to fall asleep at the wheel! We must not only open our eyes, but keep them open and avoid falling asleep!

Third, we react in unsettling times through prayer. Mrs. MA Kidder wrote,

When you met with great temptation, did you think to pray? When sore trials came upon you, did you think to pray? When your soul was bowed in sorrow, Balm of Gideon did you borrow at the gates of day? O, how praying rests the weary! Prayer will change the night to day; so when life seems dark and dreary, don’t forget to pray.

By the encouragement of our Lord to pray, He was encouraging His disciples to stay near to God. Through His admonition to pray, He was encouraging His disciples to rely upon God and realize their need for Him! So many times in difficult and trying situations, we throw up our hands and turn our backs on God. However, whenever we face these unsettling times, we evermore need to pray!

Therefore, as we may face unsettling times, Jesus provides us with the encouragement to react in the proper way—become aware of what is happening, stay alert and focused so that proper preparations may be in order, and “pray without ceasing” (cf. 1 Thess. 5:17).

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The Need for Pulpit Preaching

We find a fascinating factor concerning preaching in Nehemiah 8. As the Israelites were involved in their own restoration, they demonstrated a hunger for the word of God that prompted them to ask Ezra to read the Law of Moses unto them (Neh. 8:1). Thus, to accommodate their request, he stood upon “a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose” (Neh. 8:4). In this manner, in proclaiming the word of God to the gathered assembly, he could stand “above all the people” to facilitate this endeavor (Neh. 8:5). The Hebrew word for “pulpit” better translates as “tower,” since all but three of the forty-five verses render it as such and this is the only passage in the Bible in which we find the term “pulpit.” Nevertheless, by purpose, it may remind us of the brazen scaffold that Solomon used in standing and leading the gathered assembly in prayer at the dedication of the temple (2 Chron. 6:13). Here in Nehemiah 8, this was no simple block of wood, but a rostrum that was large enough to accommodate thirteen other priests for a total of fourteen people, by which they would assist in causing “the people to understand the law” (Neh. 8:7) when “they read in the book of the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense” (Neh. 8:8). Hence, pulpit preaching was produced!

There is a definite need for pulpit preaching today! Statistics seem to indicate that more preachers are leaving the pulpit than are being produced each year. In fact, some statistics pointed to the fact that 25 percent of all pulpits among churches of Christ in the USA are empty. Moreover, since more and more Bible graduates shun pulpit preaching for other “specialized” forms of ministry, it seems to be robbing the pulpits from great and talented preachers. In addition, consider this quote:

The role of the pulpit minister has been somewhat de-emphasized in recent years as the church of Christ has placed more and more stress on the importance of personal evangelism. The research reported in this book, however, tends to support a view of the evangelistic process in which the preacher plays a very important role. The identification of the subject with the local congregation is a crucial part of the evangelistic process. The preacher is perhaps the most important single factor in projecting the image of the congregation. Furthermore, pulpit preaching provides the subject with exposure to a Christian personality in a more powerful way than almost any other means of evangelism. Dynamic, Christcentered pulpit preaching allows the subject to see the Christ who lives in the heart of the preacher. [Flavil R. Yeakley, Jr., “Why Churches Grow,” 3rd
ed., Christian Communications: Nashville, TN, 1986, p. 49]

According to his statistics that he presented just four years ago at Freed-Hardeman University, Yeakley showed that the church has only plateaued over the past thirty years, holding at a membership of just a bit over 1.2 million in the USA. Yet, in the same time, the population of our country grew by 30 percent. In other words, we are not keeping up! As Paul, we need pulpit preachers who are “not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believeth” (Rom. 1:16)! As Jeremiah, we are in dire need of pulpit preachers who look upon the word of God “as a burning fire shut up in my bones” (Jer. 20:9)!

Pulpit preaching is necessary because this is the method of God in declaring the good news of the kingdom of God and the church of our Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 4:23). Pulpit preaching is necessary because it is integral to the plan of redemption in heralding the news of salvation to a lost and dying world (Mark 16:15-16). Pulpit preaching is necessary because it is authorized by Jesus: “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name…” (Luke 24:47); in fact, Peter says that Jesus commanded it (cf. Acts 10:42). Pulpit preaching is necessary because our world needs “the word of faith” (Rom. 10:8). Paul summed up the necessity of preaching when he declared, “And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Rom. 10:14-15).

Thus, proper pulpit preaching honors God because it follows in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ, who also preached (Luke 4:16-21), and proper pulpit preaching honors God because it resounds with preaching that centers on none other than Christ (Acts 8:5), which is why Paul declared, “But we preach Christ crucified…For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord” (1 Cor. 1:23; 2 Cor. 4:5).

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