There is always the need for basic preaching. That is a fundamental axiom of the gospel. In fact, there is such a crying need for basic preaching, right now, that many members of the body of Christ are literally starving on a steady diet of spiritual caviar, heavenly salads, and angelic croissants. What they are craving is some down-to-earth "pure milk of the word" (1 Peter 2:2). What they may not realize is that this milk, that nourishes to growth on the "elementary principles of the oracles of God" (Hebrews 5:12), proceeds onward toward maturity and feeding upon the solid food of the "word of righteousness" (Hebrews 5:12b-13).
Simple, huh? Well, not it’s not quite that simple, especially in a day when we seem to be swinging between the two extremes of milk and meat, even as we are being dined on esoteric concoctions from the kitchens of worldliness.
I am very concerned that with the fortuitous advent of extremely effective tools of instruction, such as multimedia projectors and computer-based presentation managers, we seem to be enamored with what can be shown rather than what can be taught. In one Southern California church where multimedia projection was recently installed, the preacher was specifically told that he should NOT put scripture on his slides! Amazing! The preacher called, almost in tears asking, "How should I handle this?" I told him to preach--and project--the Word.
Now, don’t get me wrong: I realize that the power of computerization can be extremely helpful in breaking down complex or difficult concepts that accompany spiritually mature study, but we must be careful that we don’t forget the forest when we can see only trees. What really matters is the teaching of the Word of God, whether in its fundamentals or in its deeper truths.
Nobody denies that basic preaching of so-called first principles is of value (although some seem to be whining about there being too much of it – an amazing assertion from those who should know better). To the contrary, we vocally proclaim the worth of calling people to the simple truths of scripture presented in a loving spirit that compels, by the urgency of its message and the sincerity of its delivery, a response in the hearer.
Those who recognize their lack of understanding are hungry for food that fills the soul. At the same time, do we realize that all of us are still learners, and the constant repetition of truths formerly acknowledged and understood is what keeps us faithful to those principles? If we are still disciples of the Lord, we are not and will never be above our Master.
It should be evident that pressing the point on the nature of repentance forces one to see himself in grave spiritual danger from continuing in sin. If one is attentive to the needs of his soul, he is greatly relieved to receive the information helps him make the necessary corrections. As long as he is learning, he needs the basic, spiritual vitamin-providing nourishment that builds strong spiritual bones and healthy spiritual bodies. Yet, he doesn’t receive the milk to continue drinking milk, but to prepare him for meat.
We must be careful to remember that grounding in the fundamental teachings of scripture has but one purpose, viz. growth. Yet, it is quite easy to spend so much time in taking people to the next level that we neglect the grounding of those who are following them, a few steps behind. That’s one reason why the public work of a gospel preacher is so hard: He must meet the needs of a vast range of listeners, from the least mature to the most mature, and he must do it in such a way that leaves both desirous of more. It is a difficult task that I still struggle to adequately fulfill.
Too often, I find myself having to consciously go back to my "game plan" and lay the foundations of fundamental teaching, rather than the razzle-dazzle of "Hail Mary" passes and double-reverse offensive patterns. Frankly, it is easier for me to move in the realm of deeper study that is appropriate to my personal level of maturity, but, I don’t have that luxury.. That is not all that is expected of me and it is not what is adequate to the simpler needs of the immature. Yet, having laid that groundwork, it is imperative that I take my listeners to the next level of maturity. If I fail to do this, I have miserably failed in my God-given objective.
We greatly err when we fail to take people from simple concepts to complex ideas. For example, the simple point of repentance (turning away from sin) belies the great complexity of what it means to deny oneself and follow Jesus. I am a strong believer in the fact that consistent, faithful emphasis on hearing the word of God, believing the testimony concerning Jesus Christ, repenting of one’s sins and redirecting the pathway toward doing right, making confession of faith in Christ and doing it consistently in both word and action, and being baptized into Christ and raised through faith in God’s working so that we can truly be new creatures in Him – I say, I strongly assert that this kind of preaching will always lead toward maturity. One simply cannot understand the implications of repentance without feeling the sting of its requirement every day of his life. The same thing is true of every other fundamental principle. One says he believes: Fine, now let’s see the fruit of faith as it blossoms in daily decisions and practical obedience.
I am constantly amazed at just how adept some seem to be in avoiding the clear and frank application of scripture. Our current questions about so-called "mental divorce" are glibly dismissed as differences over application, rather than over fundamental differences in approaching the infallible word of God. It is almost as if we are being asked to preach the principles, but not to press the application – in fact, that is the tacit implication of the argument that the differences are merely over application.
Folks, there is NO faithful preaching, of any subject on any level to any audience, that does not make clear and faithful application of that which is taught to the lives of those who are present. We have become so milquetoast in our convictions that we seem to be avoiding bringing the truth down home in the simple words of Jesus that say, "Go, and sin no more…" I cannot understand how it would be possible that the woman, who was brought before Jesus by accusers who were unable or unwilling to cast the first stone, could have possibly missed His point! Regardless of the presence or absence of valid accusers, she was to go and sin no more!
It is not sufficient for one to rest confident that, having believed and been baptized, there is absolute security against falling. The truth of the scriptures constantly warns against remaining static, pressing us to deeper understanding, greater maturity and more effective service. I may understand that God is, but I need also to understand the deeper truths about His eternal nature and holy character that are revealed in scripture. I may understand that Jesus is the Christ, but I must also be prepared against the false teaching that is so prevalent in the world. When I want to know what is the real import is Jesus’ identity as the Christ, the Only-begotten Son of God, I am compelled to search out the deeper truths of scripture.
One point made by the apostle Paul has always impressed me: The wisdom and knowledge of God are past knowing and are unsearchable. I will never exhaust, through study of the Word or in acquiring knowledge or maturity in Christ, the full depth and import of Divine truth. It is only for me to recognize just how deep is this treasure trove of Divine wisdom.
These truths are not easily discerned and they are not casually exegeted. Sometimes – in fact, usually – there is a tedious process of examination, comparison, evaluation and exegesis that is necessary to come to understanding.
The light flakes of gold that trickled down the streams of northern California were only the evidence of deeper veins that required expert knowledge and technical skill to mine. Even so it is that the basic and fundamental truths of the Word, that so fill our souls with excitement and our spiritual pockets with glowing treasures, are only the parts of His knowledge that are accessible to all. The deeper veins of Divine truth, wherein God truly enriches us with untold spiritual treasures are accessible only to those who are willing to set out, often into uncharted territories, to mine that wealth. The flakes are for the immature and timid; the vein is for those who are full-grown and bold in the word.