ISSUE 11.2 - AUTUMN 2004 1 Has Expository Preach Contents ing had its day? Editorial Preachinghasseldomhad agood My purpose here is not to defend press.'Don't preach at me'sug 'bad' expository preaching. By 'bad' I 6 The Faith onceEntrustedto gests that what is being said is mean sermons which are simply ex the Saints heavy,dull and overtly moralising.But egetical lectures without application; IanWatson what has become an increasing trend sermons which are insensitive to the in recentyearsisthe numberofvoices varied literary genres of Scripture; 9 Preaching to Pagans in evangelical circleswhich raisesseri platitudes, albeit Biblically-based, DickLucas ous questions about the efficacy of strungtogetherwith anecdotes;ortho expository preaching and see it as an dox sermons which are delivered asif 13 Shaping Church Structures anachronism.The most sustained ex they were announcements of train Jared Ha}' pression ofthis view is probably To times; sermons where the preacher's Preach orNot to Preach (Paternoster theological grid dictates to the text; 18 Salt without Savour 1996) by David Norrington. Similar sermons which rush to application A Sermon byAlexander views have been expressed by David without responsible work on the text. Maclaren Hilborn in Picking up the Pieces: Can Nor am I concerned to defend a EvangelicalsAdapt toContemporary Cul particular style ofservice or length of 23 Kept and Keeping ture? (Hodderand Stoughton 1997). In sermon. Rather I want to try to en BobFyall Church Next: Qua1'ltu111 Changes i11 gage with criticisms which are made Christian Ministry (IVP 2001) by Eddie even ofthe best examples ofexpository 26Training for Ministry Gibbs and lan Coffey there are only preaching. Here I want to deal with Robin Sydseiff two passingreferences to preaching.At faithfulness to the Bible and sound conference after conference expository theological principles;in later editori 31 Ann AlIen meets preachingissaidto belongto the mod als we shall look at more pragmatic Willie Philip ern, rationalistic mindset and fails to issues.Yet good practice flows from engage with post-modern culture. In good theology and we shallsoon cease 34 Book reviews this editorial I want to take issue with to preach effectivelyunless we are sure that view and to demonstrate asfar as ofour foundations. Ican that there isastrongBiblical and The fundamental question is theological foundation for expository whether expository preachingisactu preaching. ally faithful to the Bible? The writers 2 THE RUTHERFORDJOURNAL OF CHURCH & MINISTRY mentioned,and others,are committed Paul did notgo round the Mediterranean to the authority ofScripture and its supreme importance in the church's world handing out copies ofthe Septuagint life;what they do not believe is that expositorypreachingisthe best or in deed the biblical way to show that commitment. It is argued that such preaching is a product ofEnlighten Secondly, in the words ofRomans ment rationalism.There arefivethings 10: 14'How can they hear without a Iwant to say. preacher?'TheWord ofGod needs to The shape ofthe Bible itselfseems be taught, expounded and applied. deliberately designed to emphasise a Paul did not go round the Mediterra high theology ofthe Word.The Pen nean world handing out copies ofthe tateuch begins with God's speaking Septuagint.He taught, he reasoned, he which creates the universe, and ends proclaimed and preached. Even in with sermons by Moses expounding Athens (Acts17) he drawsfrom Bibli the Covenant.The 'Former Prophets' caltheologyalthough withoutspecific begin with instructions to Joshua to references to the OldTestament.The obey the Torah and in 2 Kings 24: 2 experience ofthe Ethiopian inActs 8 end with the Exile seen asthe conse isaperpetual reminder ofthe need for quence ofdisobeying the prophetic teachers. Good preaching will open word. The writing prophets begin the Word ofGod so that we hear our with Isaiah1:1- avisionwhichisem Master'svoice and areled to the living bodied in a word - and end with Word, ChristJesus. Malachi urging obedience to the Law This leadsto the secondmain prin and the Prophets.TheWritings begin ciple that expository preaching ofthe in Psalm1:1withalltrue worship and written Word leads to the Living godly living arising from obedience t~ Word.Without Scripture Christ soon theTorah, and end in 2 Chronicles 36 becomes a projection ofour fantasies with the propheticWord fulfilled. and desires. The New Testament The New Testament opens with firmly setstrue understandingand ex each ofthe Gospels establishing their position ofthe OldTestament at the continuity with the Old Testament heart of knowing Christ. In the revelation.Actsbegins with the teach Emmaus Road story the Risen Lord ing ofthe Gospel and ends with Paul doesnotsay,'Youdon'tneed the Bible, preaching.The Letters allbear witness you've got me'. Rather, 'beginning to the supremacy ofthe Word (eg. 1 with Moses and all the Prophets, he Corinthians 15:1-11; 2Timothy 3:10 explained to them what wassaidin all - 4:5;Hebrews 1:1-2: 4).Revelation the Scriptures concerning himself' begins with the 'WordofGodand the (Luke 24: 27).An even more striking Testimony ofJesus Christ' and ends passageis2 Peter 1:16ff.where Peter with a warning not to add to or sub remembers the Transfiguration where tract from that Word. the hidden glory ofthe Son ofGod Itmaybe instantly objectedthat this was revealed. Peter writes, 'a voice isan argument for the primacy ofthe came to himfrom the Majestic Glory' Word ofGod rather than expository and that voice isspeaking in the words preaching.Two points can be made. ofPsalm 2 and Isaiah42.Peterfurther The first is that this Word of God emphasisesthat itisthesewords which comes right into the heart ofcommu will lead us to Christ, 'until the day nities when prophets and apostles dawns and the morning star rises' (2 speak it.TheWord ofGod in Crea Pet. 1:19).The taskofthe expositoris tion, History,Experience and finallyin the glorious one ofpointingto the liv Christ himselfremains inaccessible to ing Christ.'I offered Christ to them' us without revelation and for that we saidJohnWesley;that isagood model need the written word. to follow. ISSUE 11.2- AUTUMN 2004 3 carries on in the great Resurrection ... the oldjingle 'So shut your Bibles up, and eventwhich isalsodateable -'on the third day'.Butthese events have theo tell us how, the Christ you speak about is logical meaning - 'for our sins' taking in the wholestory from Genesis living now', is so wide ofthe mark 3 and its theological commentary in Romans 5.Moreover these events are Whenwe openourBiblesto preach embedded in Scripture and to under we arenotsimply unfoldingatext,we stand them we need to read, mark, are bringing people face to face with inwardly digest and outwardly pro the living Christ.That iswhy the old claim.Topreach awhole Christand to jingle'So sh~tyourBibles up,and tell create whole Christians we need a us how, the Christ you speak about is whole Bible. living now', is so wide ofthe mark. Sinful people,even forgiven sinners, Only by opening our Bibles and un do notthinkexactlyasGodthinks and folding the great story ofwhich Christ thus our minds must continually be is the beginning, the centre and the brought under the authority ofGod's goal will we introduce others to him. Word. Ouremotions must be stirred as One further observation on our well; all good preaching will do this. Lord's own teaching isrelevant here. Paul, in 1Thessalonians 5: 21, speaks It isoften allegedthat hisownpractice of'your whole spirit, soul and body is not like that of the expository kept blameless at the coming ofour preacher. He told stories, rather than LordJesus Christ'.Expositorypreach gave theological discourses. But the ing which ranges through the whole parablesaremore than stories:they are Bible and presents the gospel in allits deeply saturatedin the OldTestament rich variety, comprehensiveness and aswell asechoing contemporary life. massivesimplicity will be akey factor Often (asin Matthew 13)theirmean in that processbecause it isaliveto the ing isexpounded,and even ifnot, they realitiesofGodand ofthe humancon relate to the big picture ofthe Bible's dition. story ofsalvation. Afourth main reason for expository A third main principle is that ex preaching is that Scripture is life pository preaching demands a full changing. Paul urges Timothy to conunitmentbothto the coherence of 'preach the word' (2Timothy 4: 21) the Bible and the diverse library gen because that wordis'able to make you res it contains. Preaching through a wise for salvation through faith in Gospel, for example, will give a real ChristJesus'.Notice the careful lan insight into the livingWord in his guage here: it is grace which savesas earthlylifeand how this relates to the we respond to God's offer ofsalvation earlier story and that yet to come. It throughfaith in Christ.Loyaltyto that will also give,in varying degrees, op word and its faithful preaching is the portunities to preach on narrative, way the church will remain apostolic discourse, doctrine and various kinds and passon the message to each new ofdidactic material.Similarly,amajor generation. The aim ofgood exposi OldTestament book such asDeuter tory preaching is to send people back onomyor 1& 2Samuel will be major to the Bible.Ifexposition isdone well opportunities to build up people's en peoplewill be sent back with renewed gagement with the big picture. enthusiasm to the Biblical text. Paul in 1Corinthians 15:3 givesus Thepreacher'swords arehumanand guidance on how to preach as we they arefallible.Yetthere isanintimate range through the Biblical terrain.We connection between human words deal with a historical reality - 'Christ faithful to the writtenwordand under died' and that, like the other great the guidanceofthe Spirit whichispart Biblical events, is a bedrock ofthe ofthe process by which the work of faith. The factuality ofthat event is God is done in the human heart.A underlined by 'he was buried'.This particularly strikingillustration ofthis 4 THE RUTHERFORDJOURNAL OF CHURCH & MINISTRY is Acts 10: 44 'while Peter was still None ofus ever arrive and to the end ofour speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the word days we will still be labouring to express the (logos)'. Notice that Peter's words and the divineWordare not collapsedinto truth ever more clearly and powerfully each otherbutyet the Spiritusesboth. Two elements are vital here: faithful ness to Scripture and openness to the sonal responsibility for the nature of ence, repentance and faith and with Spirit. Faithfulness to Scripture will that learning. All preachers of any great realities which must be engaged involve detailed and meticulous study experience know the huge difference with. This is not the only way in of the text, using the original lan ofpreaching to a congregation with a which the faith can be putin the pub guages if possible, but certainly majority of'Bereans'and to acongre lic arena,butit isindispensable and we different translations. It will mean hard gation of complacent believers and need not apologise for it. work with the commentaries, wres hardened unbelievers. Calvin says Preaching is a great and humbling tling with how we can illustrate the 'there isnothingmore notable or glo task.None ofusever arrive and to the truth,and arealeffort to structure our rious in the church than the ministry endofourdayswe will stillbe labour sermons in an interesting and striking ofthe gospel, since itisthe administra ing to express the truth ever more manner. Openness to the Spirit will tion ofthe Spiritand ofrighteousness clearly and powerfully. But it is a task meanasense ofuttervulnerabilityand and ofeternal life'.(Institutes 4:3: 3) in which we have the assurance ofthe weakness of the preacher, well ex A fifth area ofimportance isthat of presenceand powerofthe Holy Spirit. pressed in the words of George the form ofpreaching and whether a Keep on preachingand never give up. Herbert,the poet/preacherofthe 17th monologue form is true to Scripture. century: Sometimes we have not made the case very well and laid ourselves open to 'Lord, how can man preach thy readinginto the text whatwe want to. eternal word, For example,early generations in par He is abrittle, crazy glass'. ticular argued on that preaching Was the uniquely God-appointed way for It will mean that we prepare thor the conversion ofpeople.A text much oughly but also leave room for the used was 1Corinthians 1:21 whichin Spiritboth to preventussaying things the AuthorisedVersion reads: '... it we intended to sayand adding others pleased God by the foolishness of we did not. It means an expectation preaching to save them that believe'. that when the Word is preached, the NIV and other modern translations, Lord who is the Spirit will glorify and most contemporary commentaries Christ, often in gentle and barely vis point out that kerygn1a used here refers ible ways but sometimes with great not to the act ofpreaching but to the power. content ofwhat is preached. So it is It means that the same Spirit who often now argued that preaching, asa inspiredimperfect humans so to write way ofcommunicatingthe gospel, has that,without theirwords ceasing to be no advantage over others. human,theywere alsothe verywords Boththe old use ofthisverse and its ofGod,inspires, in a secondary sense, modern critics miss the point.The those whose imperfectwords serve to work kerygn1a firmly places preaching expound the words ofGod.Nor does atthe heart ofwhatthe apparentfool this mean a passive and unthinking ishness of the gospel is about. It is congregation.The commendation of through preaching, the act ofprocla the Christians at Berea in Acts 17: 11 mation, that the Word ofGod brings issurely agood model for allwho lis about the salvation ofthose who be ten to expository preaching: 'they lieve.This plainly saysnothing about received the messagewith great eager the style ofpreaching but it certainly nessand examinedthe Scripturesevery does mean proclamation and not dis day to see ifwhat Paul said was true'. cussion.There isaplace for discussion Here are the two elements ofjoyful and debate but that isnot our current and hungry desire to read and learn concern.Theissueisthat proclamation more and the soberrealisation ofper- faces people with the need for obedi- ISSUE 11.2 - AUTUMN 2004 5 9{ptefrom the t£ditor ThisJournal isnow ten years old and it appears to fulfil a need,judging by the number ofcopies sold. However, we are anxious to be asuseful aspos sible,and that wouldbe greatly helped ifmore peoplewould make comments on whatwe offer aswell assubmitting articles to be considered for publica tion. TheEditorial setsoutaBiblical and theological casefor expositorypreach ing.We need to reflect on why we do what we are doingand in particular,to have answers to those who question the centrality ofpreaching. In later editorials I shall return to the subject but would welcome comnlents and discussion. A major issue for our times is the nature oftrainingfor the ministry and Robin Sydserff's thoughtful and pen etrating article helps us to think through many of the issues. Dick Lucas' article on 'Preachingto Pagans' originally appearedasaletterin Proc lamation Trust mailing and is a thought-provoking reflection on Acts 17 and its relevance for today. lanWatson strikes a timely note on the need to recognise false teaching and to contend for the faith. His vig orous article shouldprovoke comment and discussion. I have included the substance of two sermons on Jude which Ipreached recently, which bear on the same subject.Once again Ihave included asermon from apu:lpitmas ter ofthe past. Alexander Maclareri's stirring sermon will provide much food for thought.As always,such ser mons are not included asstylistic and homiletic models but aseloquent tes timony to the preaching and teaching ofthe 'great cloud ofwitnesses' who ran the race before us. Readers always look forward to 'AnnAlien meets...'.It hasbeen agreat joy to welcomeWilliamPhilips return to Scotlandand to the strategic minis try at St George's Tron-Church, Glasgow. Our prayers are with him, Rebecca,Joanna and juliet, and we look forward to partnership in the work ofthe gospel. 6 THE RUTHERFORDJOURNAL OF CHURCH & MINISTRY onre lan Watson, Kirkmuirhill I suppose Ialwaysknewit.Itrained orthodox in their core beliefs. At I'm more interested in discovering for the ministry at one ofour an Christmas they preach the incarnation; something ofthe man's faith. In criti cient universities.Some ofmy fel- atEaster they preach the resurrection. cising, no, mocking, a previous low candidates and I were light years I'm not talking about them. contributor, he says: apart in ourunderstandingofthe faith. I'm talkingaboutministers who are What are we to make ofaperson I was supervised by ministers whose not Christians.Whatever religion it is for whom sexual activity can be statements sometimes shockedme (for that they follow it isnot Christianity. regarded as'mere recreation'asif example, I was once told that the Bi By no stretch ofthe imagination could that issome kind ofproblem?As ble is not God's only bestseller). But it be called Christianity.There is no long asChristians equate homo still the truth didn't really sink in.Af historic creed to which they can point sexuality with sin all the ter allwe're abroad church.That's our that articulates the faith for them. patronisingmumbojumbo in the strength. Isn't it? What they believe, what they teach world will leave gay men and Deep down I suppose I alwayshad and preach isnot merely unbiblical,it women as alienated from the my suspicions. But in the interests of is anti-biblical. It is another religion Church asever..,and guesswhat, the peace ofthe church I never actu altogether. they'll be severalstepsnearer their ally came out and said it. I'm a polite I've been forced to this conclusion God asa result! It's called having boy.My mother alwaystold me that if by reading Minister's FOYlH11, the alife. I couldn'tsayanythingnice,then don't Church ofScotlandin-house newslet say it. And telling a colleague that I ter for ministers.In particular,recently Recreational sex not aproblem;being don't thinkhe or sheisaChristianisn't there havebeen two long-runningde nearer to God outside the Church. Is nice. batesthat haveopenedmy eyesto what this man a Christian? There- Isaidit.There areministers some ofour colleagues really believe. Another example ofridicule came in the Church ofScotland who aren't These have been the homosexuality in the form ofan openletterposted on Christians. Now,let me clarify what I debate, and the debate about doubt. the internet to Dr. Laura Schlessinger, mean.Those ofus who are ecumeni Let's take homosexuality first.This an OrthodoxJew and radio agony aunt cal enough to mix with Baptists and has been the no-holds barred debate, in the US. She had said that homo Brethren and other Independent the bare-knuckle boxingdebate. It has sexuality isan abomination according brothers get tired ofbeing asked ifa been characterised by ridicule, mock to Lev.18:22 and therefore could not certain colleague is born again. And ery, venom, sentimentality and, most in any circumstances be condoned. being loyal to the denomination we ofall,anonymity (fear ofreprisals, ap The openlettertrotted out the now might give some non-committal an parently). predictable sarcastic questions regard swer ('Well, we wouldn't see The most extreme article sympa ing everything contained in the Old eye-to-eye on everything', or,'I don't thetic to the homosexual cause Testament Law.For example: think he'd ever ask me to preach for appeared in March 2004,written by a him- but...he's a good man.') retired school chaplain (why are alarm I would like to sell my daughter I'm not talking about men and bellsringingin my ears?).I'llignore his into slaveryassanctionedin Exo womenin ourpulpits who can't rhyme dismissalofclaimsthat homosexualbe dus 21:7; how much should I offthe Doctrines ofGrace (even with haviourcanbe taught viathe seduction charge? 1 have a neighbour who the help ofaTULIP), or who tend to ofyouths by older men - claims ably insists on working on the Sab shy away from using the term 'born supportedby DavidSearle the follow bath.Am Imorally obligedto kill again' but who by and large are quite ing month. him myself?My uncle hasafarm. ISSUE 11.2 - AUTUMN 2004 7 He violates Lev.19.19 byplanting Long before Ior anyotherChris Surely,however,ifour Church is two different crops in the same tian had hit on the idea of to be truly Christianourfinalau field. welcoming [gays] God had done thority can only be Jesus Christ so.Ormaybe Iam very remiss in himselfalong with the abiding The same arguments were made in an never ever having asked parents presence of hisHolySpirit in the episode of The lIVest Wing, an Ameri whether their child about to be world. It is from them that the canTV programme about a good but baptised might possibly turn out Bible receives whateverauthority liberal president. So they are passing one day to be gay. it has. into common currency.What is dis turbingisthat they arebeingaccepted I have to ask myself,what Bible isshe And just where do read aboutJesus? by the theological literate. reading? What hermeneutics does she Where do we get this idea that the OurownBob Fyallwrote an excel employ? Holy Spirit isChrist's abidingpresence lent piece spelling out quite clearlythe On the same page,Erik Cramb,the in the world? Readers ofthisJournal do classic Christian interpretation ofthe national co-ordinator of Scottish not need me to cite passagesillustrat OldTestament,taking ashis authority, Churches' Industrial Mission, com ing the Lord's view ofscripture.To be I suppose, the book ofHebrews. pareshisdisability (he contractedpolio Christian isto be Biblical. asa child) and his realization that it is 'God is love' has replaced 'Jesus is Foodlaws,clean and unclean ani a gift from God,with homosexuality. Lord'asthe most basic credal formula, mals and the like are acted Yet how does anyone know that God parables ofthe holiness ofGod It ismissing the possibility ofsee islove?Notfrom nature. Certainlynot and his concern for alllife.They ing what has been seen as 'the from observing human nature. Only are given to the nation in its affliction'as'gift'or perhaps even the Bible tells us'God islove'. youth and reflect the time of being deliberately blind to the In a refreshing display ofnaivety a childhoodwith objectlessonsand whole ofthat person asprecious young Dundonian minister wrote to visual aidspointingto and super to God. And it is not attacking Ministers'Fonl111 aboutvacancy adverts: seded by Christ. On the other the authority ofscripture to chal hand, the prohibition ofhomo lenge the traditional My own personal pet-hate isthe sexual acts is related to the right interpretations ofscripture about phrase 'Bible-based ministry'. ordering offamily relationships peoplewho arelesbian or homo Whether a minister comes from and reflects the teachingofGen sexual. the liberal or conservative wingof esisI and 2. the Church- what on earth else So, it's not scripture that is being at can they base their ministry on? Ifonly Bob had been my professor of tacked, but 'traditional interpretations Old Testament. How helpful. How ofscripture'. Four thousand years of Good question. But remember - the uncontroversial. Not! In comes the consistent Biblical interpretation Bible isn't God's only bestseller.The feisty Lindsay Schluter ofLarkhall. In thrown out the window by the least presentingissuenlaybe homosexuality; aclassicexample ofhearingwhat you biblically literate generation ever. but the heart ofthe matter is the au want to hear she lambasts our mild But there's more. How about this thority of scripture. Can you be a mannered editor for accusingJews of approach to scripture from a retired Christian and not accept scripture as having a childish faith, and for being minister: your rule offaith? condescending to gays. 8 THE RUTHERFORDJOURNAL OF CHURCH & MINISTRY If that is not clear cut enough for views are not Christians.Whatever you, let's move to the second debate, God isbeyond definition. their religion,it's not Christianity. the debate about doubt. Ifthe homo Later, however, he contradicts himself Iknow that Iwillbe accused ofbe sexual debate was bare-knuckle by insisting on - ing judgmental. I hear the Lord's boxing,this discussion ismore akin to admonition: Do notjudge,and Paul's the mind-games ofchess and poker. aGodwhose nature atitsdeepest sharp rebuke: The debate began inJune '03 whenan depth islove. article from the DailyTelegraph about With typical generosity he assuresus: Who are you to judge someone the beliefsofChurchofEnglandclergy else's servant.To his own master was reprinted.According to that arti I have no problem in accepting he stands or falls.(Rom.14:4). cle about a third ofAnglican clergy that many Christians including doubt or disbelieve the physical resur some among the clergy hold to However, may I suggest that here it's rection of Christ and only half are the literal truth aswe commonly the liberals who are the literalists.The convinced ofthe truth ofthe virgin understand that term ofthe Res Lord isn't telling usto throwaway our birth.Again only halfstated that they urrection andVirginBirth.Ihave critical faculties. Almost within the believe salvation is found in Christ no problemin acceptingalsothat same breath asDo notjl,dgecomes his alone. many Christiansbelieve thatJesus warning to watch outfor falseproph A couple ofminnows responded to is the only route to salvation. ets. And he has spent most of the this. One asserted that no one who These are not views that I share. Sermon on the Mountlambastingthe professes certainty is ever fully to be So what does he believe? hypocritical Pharisees. trusted. So good-bye Peter, good-bye Paul himselfwasperfectly prepared Paul.The LordJesus,when challenged Tome,the Resurrection andVir to expose those who preachedanother by the Sadducees about marriage in gin Birth accounts are myths in gospel and calldown anathemas upon heaven, didn't concede that they had a the same sense as those of the them.When the gospel isat stake,the good point,or that they were entitled creation accounts.We can read core ofwhat we believe, and conse to their opinion: these texts allegorically without quently the eternal destiny of our ever departing from the truth of people,surely we cannot be silent? 'Are you notin errorbecause you the text. What's to be done?Afriend ofmine do notknow the Scriptures or the from abroad vehementlypressedme to power ofGod?' (Mk. 12: 24) They are myths, but they .are true. pray that the Lord would remove lib How? eral ministers from church,by death if Anotherclaimed that those who ques needs be! Make ofthat whatyou will! tion the virgin birth are not Ifthey inspire faith in the Christ AllI'll sayisthat Ido believe the situ unbelieving.They do believe: God in those who read the ation is one that needs concerted accounts as they do in me, then prayer. Theybelieve that God isconsist indeedthey aretrue and God has Ideally the ministers I have cited ent and does not occasionally spoken through themwithout the should be disciplined. I honestly do suspend the normal working of accounts ever beingliterally true. not think they are Christians, and the world. therefore they should be dismissed The resurrection, sorry, Resurrection from their charges. Now back to real That alone tells me that this fellow ofChrist is a myth on the same level ity.That's not going to happen. does notbelieve in the God ofthe Bi as,say,the Prometheanmyth.That's an Should Iseparatemyselffrom them? ble.What God he believes in I do not inspiring story too. The man who know.ButasIread it the whole point steals fire from the gods. Myths are Do not be yoked together with ofthe Biblical revelation is that God powerful.But myths are not history. unbelievers. (2 Cor. 6: 14) does occasionally suspend the normal ScottbelievesJesusisstilldead.God working ofthe world. didn'tvindicate him.Thenhow can he Yesand no.Yes,Iseparate myselffrom These were the minnows.The giant be the Christ-God? How can anyone them in that asfarasI am able to Ido ofdoubt camein the form ofthe Revd be inspired byafailure?And whathap not have fellowship with them. I dis Scott McKenna, minister of Edin pens to me when I die? suade my congregationfrom attending burgh's affluent Mayfield Salisbury Canyou be aChristian and believe services at which they preach. More ParishKirk.Scott isthe epitome ofthe thatJesus isdead? Or that it'salljust a than that, I write articles like this one Moderate churchman, a man who made-up story? demonstratingthat Ido notwantto be would have been perfectly at home in That's what I meant when I said at associated with their thinking. the post-Disruption church. He be the start that I have come to the con gins: clusion that colleagues who hold such CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 12 THE RUTHERFORDJOURNAL OF CHURCH & MINISTRY CONTINUED FROM PAGE8 But no, I do not leave the Church of Scotland.Notyet anyway.Such hereti cal views are not in the majority.And Iam notgoingto abandon myflock to these wolves. And one lastpoint,in my preaching Itry to teach my congregation to rec ognize false doctrine as well as appreciate Biblical truth.They need to know what a particular passage does notmeanaswell aswhatit does mean. They need to know that certain impli cations and conclusions are invalid. When this isnot done acongregation will be easilydeceivedby anyone who can preach persuasively. ISSUE 11.2 - AUTUMN 2004 9 Dick Lucas, London For many years, Dick Lucas given) as rightly a model for today's proclamation ofJesus asthe Christthat was Rector ofSt Helen's Christian evangelist.Assuch some ex some Jews were 'persuaded', and Bishopgate in the heart of cellent studies ofit are now in print. joinedPaul and Silas,alongwith nlany the City ofLondon. One of However, there comes a time when Godfearers as well as 'not a few' his ministries was Tuesday every preacherwants to make his own prominent women. lunchtime services to the investigation ofPaul's method, and In Acts the Christian converts are business community, and in draw outsome conclusionsfor himself. often described asthe'persuaded';this this article he draws on his This I have tried to do. So, idiosyn ishardly COlTInlOn parlance today. many years ofexperience to cratic or not, here is the outcome of OnleavingAthens, there isno sug those outside the Christian recent cogitation in which I have at gestion that the great missionary church. tempted to pin-point the apostle changed his normal practice. characteristics ofpreaching that will 18:1-4 tellshow Paul lodged withfel tell for God in an idolatrous world. If low tent-makers, plying his trade and there turns out to be something presumablypayinghisway,while regu W hat does it take to be a slightly disconcertingin such astudy,it lar visits to the synagogue were made, Preacher to Pagans, is the resultant conviction that in this in which once again he 'reasoned'with whether ofthe religious marvellous calling to preach theTruth the people, seeking to 'persuade'jews or irreligious variety? My answer is asitinJesus oneisstillonly abeginner. and Greeks. Chapter 19: 8 continues that the ancient patterns are still the the same story, which extends right best for the modern preacher, aslong 1. Powers ofReasoning through to the end, with Paul in a asthey come from the Bible.A prime rented house, still 'explaining' and example is to be found in Paul's 'convincing'allbutthose whose minds 'speech' (I prefer'sermon' in asmuch Note the verbs Luke uses to describe were closed, and who would never as,after preaching,only small children his hero's preaching. For instance, ar believe (28:23-31). have ever thankedme for my'speech') riving in Thessalonica (Acts 17: 1-4), The old suggestion that 'failure' in to the men ofAthens. One of the Paul'reasoned' ='argued'with mem Athens (how thankful I would have happy changes to occurin my lifetime bers of the synagogue on three been for similar lasting faith among a hasbeen the rehabilitation ofthis great Sabbaths,'explainingandproving'that few hearers, as a result of addresses discourse in Acts 17 (where, self-evi Christ (Messiah) had to suffer,and rise given in SeniorConunon Rooms dur dently, only the sermon 'skeleton' is from the dead. So convincing was his ing University Missions!) caused Paul