The surrounding culture, by in large, is hostile towards the orthodox Christian faith. Preachers need to remember this every time they preach the timeless Word of God. We are living in days similar to Jude. Apostasy is ever present. The secular culture is very cynical and snarky.
Over the last 70 years Liberal Protestantism lost the "church" but won in the larger culture. Having said that, atheism has more in common with Liberal Christianity than Liberal Christianity has with the historic Christian faith. Suffice it to say, pastors need to be wise and authentic as they seek to minister the Word in season and life. The truth must have an impact on us before we have an effect on others. Our deep and true conviction must show every time we ascend the sanctuary steps! As we preach we should try and present a biblical argument.
Their is a deep suspension in our culture concerning absolute truth claims. We must never back down on this but we must also connect the importance of truth and love (1 Tim. 1:1-5). "The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith." We need to be known as the people of truth and as a loving Christians. Dr. MacArthur puts it this way, "Hard preaching creates soft hearts while soft preaching often creates hard hearts." Like Loyd-Jones we need to lions while in the pulpit and lambs outside it.
In this culture we need to try and be in the mode to persuade, not rally. Preaching to the choir is fine but even there we need to try and explain why we believe what we believe. Paul puts it this way in 2 Cor. 5:11, "Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences."
Our preaching should fit into a Word-saturated worship service. People ought to leave our service sensing that the entire worship service has been infused with Scriptures. In other words, the sermon should not be the only part of the service that is Word-centered.
In addition to this pastors need to deal seriously with the shortcomings and sins in their own life. Paul put it this way, "Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you" (1 Tim. 4:16). Before the minister preaches God's truth to his congregation he needs to let the Word wash over his own heart and soul.
In Dr. Duncan's judgment the success of our preaching is often intertwined with pastoral authenticity and pastoral care. Thus we must strive to love our people as shepherds after God's own heart (1 Pet. 5:1-4). Crisis moments often provide great opportunities to try and connect with sheep that have drifted. Funerals, hospital visits, and weddings can be help facilitate pastoral bonding. Proverbs 17:17, "A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity."
This video session took place with 70 doctoral of ministry students at the Master's Seminary on 1/12/17.
