Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

handlers of this kind in Corinth, and there are many of them still in the
garb of Christian ministers; persons who disguise that part of their creed
which, though they believe it is of God, would make them unpopular;
affecting moderation in order to procure a larger audience and more
extensive support; not attacking prevalent and popular vices; calling
dissipation of mind relaxation; and worldly and carnal pleasures innocent
amusements, &c.: in a word, turning with the tide, and shifting with the
wind, of popular opinion, prejudice, fashion, &c.
The truth of God should be so preached to all the members of the
church of God, that they may all receive an increase of grace and life; so
that each, in whatever state he may be, may get forward in the way of
truth and holiness. In the church of Christ there are persons in various
states: the careless, the penitent, the lukewarm, the tempted, the diffident,
the little child, the young man, and the father. He who has got a talent for
the edification of only one of these classes should not stay long in a place,
else the whole body cannot grow up in all things under his ministry.
A preacher whose mind is well stored with divine truths, and who has
a sound judgment, will suit his discourses to the circumstances and states
of his hearers. He who preaches the same sermon to every congregation
gives the fullest proof that, however well he may speak, he is not a scribe
who is instructed in the kingdom of heaven.
In preaching on parables and similitudes, great care should be taken to
discover their object and design, and those grand and leading
circumstances by which the author illustrates his subjects.
Every preacher of God's word should take heed that it is God's
message that he delivers to the people. Let him not suppose, because it is
according to his own creed or confession of faith, that therefore it is God's
word. False doctrines and fallacies without end are foisted on the world
in this way. Bring the creed first to the word of God, and scrupulously try
whether it be right; and when this is done, leave it where you please; take
the Bible, and warn them from God's word recorded there.