"What Do We Preach?"

  One of the greatest needs among the church is preaching, solid, sound and truthful preaching. In order to accomplish that there has to be a decision made in the heart of the preacher: "Preach the word" or "Preach the feel good." To "preach the word" is a charge from Jesus, in the presence of God what is expected. When you "preach the word" it will upset some. They will attack, accuse and try to find ways to get you to stop it! When you "preach the feel good" all will be happy, entertained and make them feel good at the moment and lead them to believing everything between them and the Lord is just great when in reality the relationship is lacking!

  Back in the days of Jeremiah, the people of God had taken offense at God's word. They had no delight in His word because their ears were closed (Jer. 6:10). The result was God was full of wrath at His people! God had enough of their smugness and attitudes of complaining. People were dealing falsely and the Lord was preparing to strike. Those who were teaching were telling the people: "Peace, peace!" (Jer. 6:14) The problem? "But there is no peace!" The people of God had become so calloused toward the Lord and His word that "they did not know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I punish them, they shall be cast down." (Jer. 6:15) It's too easy to tell people what they want to hear but it takes faith and a commitment to the Lord to preach what they need to hear!

  The devil is hard at work trying to gain a foothold in the church. Some of those claiming Christ at Corinth were attacking Paul personally. Paul warns: "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds."  (II Cor. 11:13-15) 

  This is a fight for life. A fight for your life and my life. There is too much feel good put out. False security, false teaching and false work. "Preach the word! It's the only way anyone will be saved and continue in God's salvation!