"Feel Good" Preaching

"FEEL GOOD" PREACHING
(Larry Ray Hafley)

Our heavenly Father is "the God of all comfort" (2 Cor. 1:3).  At times, God instructed his prophets to "speak comfortably" to his people (Isa. 40:1, 2).  Indeed, we must take the word of God and "comfort one another" (1 Thess. 4:18).  When one is fainthearted, he needs words of encouragement (1 Thess. 5:14).  When one is bowed down with sorrow and shame for sin, we must comfort him with love and forgiveness (2 Cor. 2:7, 8).  

Preaching must be balanced.  It must not all be done with whips and chains.  It must not all be done with and kisses and caresses.  To some, the gospel is the odor of death; to others, it is the aroma of life (2 Cor. 2:15-17).  There is a time and a place for every purpose under heaven (Eccl. 3).  Circumstances determine whether one should be approached "with a rod, or in love and in the spirit of meekness" (1 Cor. 4:21; 2 Cor. 13:2, 10; Jude 22, 23).

Sadistic spirits, determined not to allow any to survive their cut and slash approach, are a reproach to the gospel.  Such spirits must be cast out of the pulpit.  On the other hand, preaching does not need pseudo, superficial friendliness which ignores the serious nature of sin and salvation.

Some suppose they can leave everyone in a good humor when they preach the gospel.  If they can, they are better men than the Lord and his apostles (Matt. 15:12; Acts 22:22).  Be wary of such men, for with "good words and fair speeches," they lead many astray (Rom. 16:18; 2 Pet. 2:3).  What are some of the characteristics of "feel good" preaching?

1) Avoids Controversy:  Popular, people pleasing preachers are as useless as a soldier who  admires the beautiful, carved  handle of a sword but who refuses to use its cutting blade.  Men were not "pricked (cut, stuck, pierced) in their heart" by preachers who avoided controversy (Acts 2:37; 7:54).  Since we are to follow Jesus, and speak as the oracles of God, ask yourself this question, "Did the Lord and the apostles avoid controversy?"  No, rather they sought it out and stirred it up (Matt. 22; Acts 17).  So must we!

2) Rarely Identifies Sin And The Sinner:  This type preacher presents himself as one who has risen above those who stoop to "name calling."  He speaks disparagingly of those who "sling mud" and "throw dirt," and lets it be known that he is too mannerly and refined to "indulge in that style of preaching."  

Of course, no one should be abusive or unnecessarily caustic in his preaching, but one who will not "call names" and specifically indict men in their sins, has no business preaching (Isa. 58:1).  The Lord was a rather "dignified and distinguished" gentleman, but when situations demanded it, he was not above naming names and directly confronting men in their iniquity and hypocrisy (Matt. 15:3-14; 16:6-12).  Neither were the apostles (Acts 13:10; Gal. 2:11-14; 2 Tim. 2:16-18; 3 Jn. 9).  Nor should we be (1 Cor. 11:1). 

3) Appeals To The Emotions:  The gospel often evokes emotions, but faithful preaching does not use jokes, clever, witty stories, and "death bed tales and graveyard yarns," to lead men to Christ.  Entertainment is one thing; evangelism is quite another.

Conclusion:  Gifted, talented men may become victims of the abilities God has given them.  Worldly applause does not guarantee heavenly approval.  Let us not be swooned and swayed by soothing oratory which tickles our ears but does not touch our hearts with the gospel story.