What Is Moralism? Moralism is thinking that God loves good people most. Or we could say, it’s thinking that God’s love for you is primarily determined by how well you obey Him. This mindset is pervasive. Every religion other than Christianity assumes that God’s favor (or that of the gods) is given or withdrawn based … Continue reading Three Marks of Moralistic Preaching
Tag: Preaching
Identifying Doctrinal Legalism
What is Legalism? Legalism is a spiritual plague as old as the church. Actually, it’s older than the church because the Pharisees Jesus interacted with during his earthly ministry (before He established the church) were legalists. They had already turned the Mosaic law into a means of salvation. But legalism can take other forms. At … Continue reading Identifying Doctrinal Legalism
Why Every Preacher Needs Systematic Theology – Part 2
Recently I came across a definition of systematic theology as “keeping the whole Bible in view when reading any verse.” I find that definition helpful for two reasons. First, because it emphasizes how all the parts of Scripture work together to help us understand the main truths. And second, because it reminds us that the … Continue reading Why Every Preacher Needs Systematic Theology – Part 2
Why Every Preacher Needs Systematic Theology – Part 1
Much of the weakness of today’s preaching can be traced back to the individual preacher’s failure to understand God’s truths as revealed in the whole of Scripture, and particularly how those truths fit together in a cohesive system of truths. He may preach an idea boldly from his given text, not realizing that he is … Continue reading Why Every Preacher Needs Systematic Theology – Part 1
Twelve Failures of Modern Preaching – Part Two
#7 – Not linking the Gospel to the text The Gospel—salvation by grace which is made available in Christ—runs like a bloodline through Scripture. As we grasp the main themes of the Gospel, we are equipped to set individual texts within that primary framework. We need to understand how and why God is gracious toward … Continue reading Twelve Failures of Modern Preaching – Part Two
Twelve Failures of Modern Preaching – Part One
When John Stott was asked what he thought of the current state of preaching, he answered with one word. “Miserable.” I’m afraid his indictment sticks all too well in our day. I cannot visit the average conservative Anabaptist church on a Sunday morning and expect to hear a Bible-based, Gospel-centered, Christ-exalting sermon. More often I … Continue reading Twelve Failures of Modern Preaching – Part One