The Foolishness of Preaching

Title: The Foolishness of Preaching

Text: – I Corinthians 1:18-25

Fixing the illustration:

The nail = Evangelism

The hammer = Accurate gospel preaching

The screwdriver = worldly wisdom/modern church growth methods

Don Green's Guide to Church Planting: "Preach the gospel and deal with the consequences."

Two possible meanings of 1 Cor. 1:21

1. The Method - The act of preaching as opposed to TED talks with Bible verses.

2. The Message - The message of the gospel as opposed to watered down preaching that doesn't convict

Look for a church where:

1. There is a high view of God and where Christ is followed as the Head of the church.

a. Christ will be spoken of regularly and not merely admired as a beloved figurehead.

b. Worship will be God-focused not human-focused.

2. The gospel and the Bible are central and are preached and taught accurately and regularly.

a. A high view of Scripture and an emphasis on application

b. Everyone in the church is a learner.

3. Discipleship & sanctification are pursued passionately.

a. Bible study and spiritual growth are emphasized for all ages.

b. The battle against personal sin is ongoing.

4. The Great Commandment and Great Commission are embraced and carried out

a. Authentic, active and loving fellowship.

b. Evangelism is carried out regularly

c. Membership is taken seriously

d. The ministry is shared by everyone

If you ever find a church that does all those things perfectly, what ever you do DON'T JOIN IT! (Because you're human you will mess it up.) 

The point: There are no perfect churches where imperfect people are involved but that doesn't mean we shouldn't strive to make our churches places where these things are true.