In last week’s article we discussed preachers who simply try to kiss the butts of the people
they are supposed to be preaching to.  Well, there are two sides of the same kind of problem.  
While there are those who are willing to bend over and allow their rears to have the affection of
a butt kissing preacher, we’ll rather discuss those who want to be entertained by preachers.  

      Since we started last week’s article with a “story” to illustrate the point, we’ll do the same
this week.  It is Sunday morning.  Orlando and Denise are walking into the building where the
saints assemble to serve and worship God.  Denise (it has to be the woman, the typical big
mouth “church of Christ” woman, [language of Ashdod] who is wearing an artificial veil too) says
to John the preacher: “Boy we are so excited to worship the Lord God today.  Sunday’s are
great.  We sure wish there were more of them.  I was just telling Orlando that I am hoping you
are going to give us some of that Hell, fire, and brimstone preaching today.

      John, we just love it when you get all fired up and start blasting those who are not doing the
will of the Lord.  Oh, yea!  If you would look at those people today who are not doing like we are
for Christ.  Just get mad!  Give it to them!  I was telling Orlando that last week’s article just gave
me chills.  You wrote about those people forsaking the assembling of the saints.  Where would
you rather be?  Orlando and I want to be here more than anywhere else, especially when you
start driving the point home.

      So John, what will it be today?”  John replies: “Today’s lesson is going to be a textual study
about the resurrection of Jesus.”  Denise replies: “Oh, that’ll be good.”  She then turns to
Orlando and says: “Man, today he’s probably not going to preach anything these people need
to hear.  We know about the resurrection.  That’s first principles.  We need to hear about those
who are forsaking the assembling of the saints.  Oh well, maybe the article will be good.”  What
do you see right with Denise?


       The answer is, not much at all.  Denise, like many women I’ve met who wear artificial veils
(and those who do not wear artificial veils too), is completely out of line to begin with.  Where is
the meek and quiet spirit in her (I Peter 3:4)?  Why is she stepping out of line and trying to
influence the preaching of the Gospel (I Timothy 2:11-12)?  She is doing both because she
does not realize her role is behind her husband not speaking for him (I Corinthians 11:3).  Her
error on her place of authority is just as blatant as her error on the veil, which is not scripturally
artificial, but the natural covering of long hair (I Corinthians 11:14-15).  We are not sure where
Orlando stands, for his wife seems to be planted in front of him.

      Aside from the faults of our fictional character, think of how many so-called “Christians” you’
ve seen commit the same transgressions.  They cannot see their own faults, but sure can see
everyone else’s (Romans 2:1-3).  Some “Christians” fail to realize that the whole Gospel needs
preached (Acts 20:26-27).  To think that someone would actually complain about a sermon on
the resurrection of Christ is not too farfetched.  I’ve personally seen it occur.  Paul said: “And if
Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins” (I Corinthians 15:17).  People
like our fictional character Denise need to learn more about the foundation of our faith (yes, this
includes first principles) and stop being so interested in being entertained.  However, people will
seemingly always look at preaching like a Sunday morning movie.


      “Also, thou son of man, the children of thy people still are talking against thee by the walls
and in the doors of the houses, and speak one to another, every one to his brother, saying,
Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the Lord.  And they come
unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy
words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart
goeth after their covetousness.  And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that
hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do
them not.  And when this cometh to pass, (lo, it will come,) then shall they know that a prophet
hath been among them” (Ezekiel 33:30-33).  

      Those seeking entertainment are the hearers who choose not to be doers, as noted above
(cf. James 1:21-25).  Too many people will leave this life to find that the Gospel was preached
for their soul’s sake rather than entertainment.  Too many have the “give it to me” words, but
the wrong heart.  There is a need for preaching about Hell (Matthew 5:22, Matthew 10:28, Mark
9:43-48, etc.).  Yet, there is much more contained in the Scriptures than just condemnation
(Matthew 4:4).  Each audience is different.  Sermons, preached by faithful men, are presented
based upon the needs of the audience (which changes often and is not predictable).

      Those who just want to be entertained by either powerful or flowery sermons are not the
kind of people who will hear the word of God and keep it (Luke 11:28 and Romans 2:13).  Most
importantly, we should listen to the Gospel with the focus on self rather than someone “getting
nailed” (I Corinthians 11:31-32 and II Corinthians 13:5).  If you just want to hear about Hell, be
patient, you’ll see it someday (Revelation 21:8).


      I have been in local works with some who just like certain types of sermons.  Personally, I
like Gospel preaching, which includes the whole of God’s counsel and may seem foolish to
some (Acts 5:20 and I Corinthians 1:21).  Maybe we even hear things we know.  To God be the
glory if such is the case (II Peter 1:12-16; 3:1-2).  If one is seeking entertainment, the well-
manned pulpit is the wrong place to look (Colossians 1:28-29).  Preaching is not about a show,
it is about saving souls (I Corinthians 15:1-2).
Volume VIII    ~    Issue XLVII   ~   August 17th, 2008
Words of Truth Weekly - Online Edition
What must one do to be saved (Acts 2:37)?  Hear and believe the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16 & Romans 10:17),
repent of their sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of your
sins (Acts 2:38 and Romans 6:1-6).  Upon your obedience to these requirements of the Lord He will add you to the
church of Christ (Acts 2:41; 47 and I Corinthians 12:12-13; cf. Romans 16:16).  One must then remain faithful
(Colossians 1:23 and Revelation 2:10).  There is more to cover than is here.  Contact me today for a study:
brianyeager@wordsoftruth.net
Edited by: Brian A. Yeager
What About The Show Seeking Pew Warmers?
By: Brian A. Yeager
What’s Right With “Denise”?
Conclusion
Those Entertained By Preaching