The apostle Paul prophesied of a time coming when men would not "endure sound doctrine," but rather would have "itching ears," desiring to listen to "smooth things" which please the ear and conform to the practices of the carnal heart. Not many people enjoy listening to the voice of rebuke and correction—the voice that fearlessly says, "Thou art the man."
So today there is a danger that we, in an effort to please men, may prepare and present sermons that may be called "air-conditioned"--sermons which are neither hot nor cold. We are startled as we read the fearless words spoken by Martin Luther, and impressed that he spoke no lukewarm message, but rather gave "the trumpet a certain sound." And to this day we are witnessing how the Lord honored his courageous spirit, which was so ably revealed in his public discourses.
It may be that an "air-conditioned" sermon is easy to prepare, easy to present, and easy to receive, but it leaves the congregation in a satisfied, Laodicean condition and does not "feed the flock." There may be times, if we follow the public methods of Jesus, when we shall have to speak plainly, for Christ was not speaking in parables when He said, "Ye hypocrites," and, "Ye generation of vipers."
Surely the message of Isaiah 58 :1 is for us today, where the Lord says, "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." The ministers of the Lord need to "earnestly contend for" and present "the faith which was once delivered unto the saints," and thus maintain the standards and norms of this advent message.
If there were tears in the voice of Jesus when He uttered His scathing rebukes, surely minis ters today should prayerfully "preach the Word," but at the same time be always ready to "reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine." In this manner one can present a message which condemns but is immersed in so much love and baptized with such power of the Holy Spirit that the hardest hearts will be softened, and none will be offended.
May the Lord give us pentecostal wisdom and convincing power in every sermon, to awaken and transform those who listen.
