ONE TOPIC THAT SHOULD BE PREACHED

After NYSC, when I was not sure about God's direction as regards ministry, a minister asked that I check one of their branches where their senior pastor would be preaching. The intent was to be part of the service so I could decide If i'll love to pick up a pastorate appointment there.

When I attended the service, I got pissed off by the sermon. The senior pastor began to talk about his new car. He said, "It is not only bread that comes in nylon, new cars also comes in nylon. Before now, my wife and I fought in the vehicle because of A.C. Sometimes, she doesn't want it when I wanted it but now in the new car, I can be in winter while she'll be in summer". He said this gleefully and the people enjoyed it.

After he said this, I knew I would not be pastoring there. I thought to myself that even If I was unsure about God's plan about my life and ministry, I was very sure about men I couldn't serve under. If it is not about Christ and His kingdom, count me out.

Listening to what is preached in some circles today, Christ is not found in their message. The recurring emphasis is either about some fathers in the faith whom the preacher has idolized, money, esoteric encounters that points to self or attack against another preacher. In fact, the latter is gaining traction as it now a "we" versus "them'.

In all, Christ has not be preached by these people. Christ is becoming unpopular on some pulpits but the preacher, his earthly acquisition and vain glories are loud. I have heard all manners of self glorification from the mouth of preachers. Some prophets have dangerous aliases.

Apostle Paul would never have imagined a time will come that some preachers will boast about their shoes, suits and cars. He may write another epistle to that effect If he were here with us. I am sure the tone of his writings won't spare anyone indulging in that infamy.

I have listened to several preachers on evangelism either in buses or at the bus stops, an exercise that should point people to Christ is pointing people to the anointed man of God and how they will get their breakthrough If they come under the ministry of the anointed man of God.

The message is not about eternal redemption, salvation, the cross, justification,sanctification and holiness, preparation for the coming of the Lord.

Little wonder why some churches are filled with men who want to see men and not Christ. Some are in church but not in Christ. This is a sad reality in our day. One reason for this is because is Christ has not been preached continually to the people in some places.

*The church is the church of Christ not of man. A preacher should not preach to be remembered but for Christ to be remembered and formed in the hearts of men. When you witness the Gospel to sinners, point them to the saviour not you*.

In the opening text, Paul made it clear that he was consumed with one topic- Jesus, the crucified messiah. There is no other topic given to us as preachers, Christ is our message. He is the message.

The pulpit should be used to preach the man (Christ) that everyone should be like. Our teachings&examples should point to Christ so that men can imitate Him. The image/ picture we set before people is who they'll become. That is why we must not idolize men.

Our examples must point to His power and glory.