Bryan Chapelle in his book Christ-Centred preaching says this:
"A message that merely advocates morality and compassion remains sub-Christian even if the preacher can prove that the Bible demands such behaviours. By ignoring the sinfulness of man that makes even our best works tainted before God and by neglecting the grace of God that make obedience possible and acceptable, such messages necessarily subvert the Christian message. Christian preachers often do not recognize this impact of their words because they are simply recounting a behaviour clearly specified in the text in front of them. But a message that even inadvertently teaches others that their works win God's acceptance inevitably leads people away from the gospel.
Moral maxims and advocacy of ethical conduct fall short of the requirements of biblical preaching…
A textually accurate discussion of biblical commands does not guarantee Christian orthodoxy. Exhortations for moral behaviour apart from the work of the Saviour degenerate into mere pharisaism even if preachers advocate the actions with biblical evidence and good intent."
I believe that this is important for all of us who lead. Whether you are overseeing a homegroup, are an elder, worship leader or a KidsChurch teacher this affects how you lead those under your care. The Old Testament predicts and promises a person and the New Testament presents that person – Jesus the hero of God's story who comes to rescue us from sin and to redeem all things whether things in heaven or on earth.
Everything is about Jesus. I've written before on moralistic therapeutic deism a common theme in the modern church. Our aim as leaders is not motivational feel good moralism or some sort of behaviour modification. Our aim is to get the people under our care to meet Jesus – that's the deal! He is the one who transforms hearts, he is the one who restores broken relationships, he is the one who give life and life to the full!!
Let's always keep it about Jesus!
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