Many of the people in our churches have one thing in common with the Athenians whom Paul encountered on his second missionary trek: they love to hear new things. If a sermon does not present some new idea, enabling them to walk out with a ‘I never thought of that before,’ the message just doesn’t work. To many, the harshest criticism of a sermon is “I’ve heard that before.”
Now, being a preacher with a strong desire to please–to have people walk out of church feeling they’ve received something really special that day–I’ve sometimes fallen into that trap. I have found myself reading Scripture in search of exotic texts, those that surprise me with stories I’d never noticed, insights I’d never found, principles which I knew would excite my members. But, as I say, it’s a trap.
There is a reason ‘Amazing Grace’ is the most popular hymn in America. And reason aplenty why subjects like ‘Salvation by Grace’ (Ephesians 2:8-9), ‘The Inspiration of the Scriptures’ (II Timothy 3:14-17), and ‘Heaven’ (John 14:1-6) are such familiar subjects most of us could preach at a moment’s notice with no preparation at all. They connect with the deepest needs and hungers of people.
I cannot speak for other pastors–I know only my own situation–but I cannot count the times when in my study I have come across these and other well-known (i.e., much-loved and oft-preached) texts and considered adding them to the preaching schedule, only to back away. They just weren’t exciting enough.
My reaction might not have been so obvious but it feels like the worshipers in Malachi’s day who turned up their noses at the Lord’s offerings, saying, ‘What a weariness.’ In the old days, the Lord took that as an insult.
The grand themes of Scripture are grand for a reason: they have ministered best to God’s people over the centuries. As someone has said, ‘Cliches came to be cliches for good reason–they carry great truth.’
I sat across the table at a fast food restaurant chatting with a young pastor who was struggling to find his way. I had seen enough of his work to feel he was getting off course, that his preaching was too negative, and his people were becoming restless and discouraged. I said to him, “My friend, preach the great old truths. The love of God. Grace and mercy. Forgiveness. The joy of the Lord is your strength. The incarnation of Jesus.”
I said, “Now, I can just hear the enemy whispering in your ear that these are boring subjects. But he’s lying. These are the diamonds in the field. These are the sermons that will minister best and accomplish most for your hurting people.”
It took years, but I finally came to take my own advice.