Contributors to this book argue that the preached word of God has become a diminished part of Sunday morning worship service in the United States. Pastors and their congregations want other means of worship to be more prominent. When the pastor does preach, less is spoken about what is written in the Bible, but a form of psychology and/or an alternative World view is `shared'. Seeking more bodies in the pews, God's word has been left behind.
R. Albert Mohler, one of the contributors to Feed My Sheep, agrees that Gods word cannot exist without God's people, but he completes the quote from Martin Luther "...... and conversely God's people cannot exist without God's word." Furthermore Paul argued for the word to be preached:
of which I became a minister according to the divine office which was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now made manifest to his saints. (Colossians 1:25-26 RSV)
It is the Pastor's job to proclaim God's word to inspire the listener to seek the will of God and to correct the hearers of God's word in any misimpression of God's written word and direct disobedience to God's word:
Him we proclaim, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man mature in Christ.
(Colossians 1:28 RSV)
John Montgomery Boice tells how God chooses to bring salvation into a person's life. The proclaimed word of God should tell of man's sinful state and his ultimate destination is hell. No one can avoid his just reward unless another takes the punishment for his sin. Jesus has done this for those who accept Him as Lord and Savior. God chooses man to spread the good news. Through the Holy Spirit God works upon man's heart. Boice further argues God's word is the chief means of Spiritual growth in God's church. To bring further comprehension of God for those that are already saved.
Joel R. Beeke makes the argument for experiential preaching; {...."to explain biblical matters ought to go, how they do go, and what is the goal of the Christian life." The passion for fellowship with triune God means experiential preaching; It also addresses the believers conscience, his relationship with like believers, and those in the World:
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:3-5 AV)
A sermon should be written to teach doctrine. A better comprehension of God and His will has an effect on the listening Christian. The more correctly one understands God, the better chance one will walk closely with God. One's comprehention of God will effect how one praises God through song, prayer, scripture reading, fellowship with fellow Christians, and other means to communicate thanksgiving and reverence towards God. Experience in Christ effects how one routinely prays through the day and the setting aside time for formal prayer. How one serves inside the church and serves those outside the body of Christ. Christians should not neglect fellowship with like believers. They should always be willing and able to defend their faith.
R.C. Sproul contributes with a piece on how the preacher ought to be an educator. Preaching is not to be a diversion or entertainment. Knowledge acquired will be used in one's daily walk. The preacher is not to be bashful, but bold. Freely telling his listeners the word of God, because he has the assurance of the Holy Spirit and that he is correct understanding of the bible. Likewise the Christian is to boldly to defend his faith to the world. "Luther was convinced that preachers ought to preach the law as well as the Gospel. Unless the law is set forth clearly and unambiguously, people will never have an appreciation for it." According to Sproul preaching Law and Gospel will cause conflict, because it reveals sin. When people avoid talking about the law, the heartfelt need for the Gospel grows dim. Effective preaching does cause conflict and enlightens us to God's truth.
The subject of a sermon should ultimately be about God, truths given by God, and wisdom provided by God. The preacher is to depend on Scripture and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Those called to be pastors do have a spiritual gift to speak and the ability to reason. One called to share God's word may lean away from the Holy Spirit, but instead lean upon one's own understanding.
John Piper argues preaching is an expository exultation with the aim to glory to God through Jesus Christ. Exultation of God should be a regular part of the Christian life. God is glorified when his people are content in Him. Suffering happens to Christians. Suffering is done by design through God. When a Christian suffers it endangers the individuals contement in Jesus. Through use of several scripture references, John Piper illustrates that Christians do suffer from other men because of their faith. He also illustrates through scriptural passages that the Christian will suffer injury, pain, and illness that is common to all men. God purposes suffering in the Christian life. God wants His followers to be content in Him even when suffering. Preaching involves telling the whole truth. God's sovereignty and the accompany suffering of His followers is part of the Chistian message. Jesus taught the disciples why he must suffer, why His disciples must suffer, and that commom human suffering brings glory to God. The Paster should preach so the Christian is equiped to endure suffering. This includes the message to have joy in the Lord despite and because of one's own suffering.
