{"id":3117,"date":"2025-07-13T11:21:01","date_gmt":"2025-07-13T15:21:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/?p=3117"},"modified":"2025-11-06T11:28:27","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T16:28:27","slug":"the-gospel-observer-518","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/2025\/07\/13\/the-gospel-observer-518\/","title":{"rendered":"The Gospel Observer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20, NASB).
——————–<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) So, What’s a Good Sermon? (Jefferson David Tant)
2) What Think Ye? (Keith Hamilton)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

——————–   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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-1-<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, What’s a Good Sermon?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jefferson David Tant

Out of all the thousands of sermons preachers have delivered and to which people have listened, how would we determine which sermons are good, which are bad, or which are so-so? I would suppose that even preachers evaluate themselves from time to time, and on occasion might conclude, \u201cWell, I\u2019ll never preach that sermon again!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In answering the question, it would be good to go to the \u201cPreacher\u2019s Manual,\u201d which we would agree would be God\u2019s Word. I doubt that any preacher would suppose that he could measure up to the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ, in His Sermon on the Mount; but there are various Scriptures that do mention preaching that is connected to the apostles and others in the New Testament writings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For some helpful advice, let\u2019s consider the words of one chosen by God to be a teacher, as he instructs a young preacher. Of course, we\u2019re writing about the apostle Paul and the young man Timothy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cI solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction\u201d (II Timothy 4:1-2).<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Preach the Word<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

What is \u201cthe Word\u201d? Obviously, it is the teaching of Jesus Christ. A good sermon is based on God\u2019s Word, not the opinions or doctrines of men. And if preachers are to \u201cpreach the Word,\u201d they need to spend some time studying and meditating on the Word. There may be various things that occupy a preacher\u2019s time and thoughts, but there must be a priority set on the matter of spending time with the Bible. Within it are the \u201cwords of life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oh, there may be times when a preacher says, \u201cLet me give you my thoughts on that.\u201d But be sure that your thoughts are in agreement with what the passage says, rather than giving a different view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be Ready in Season and Out of Season<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

What does Paul mean by this? To preach in both summer and winter? Obviously, that\u2019s not what Paul meant, but it certainly would apply to preaching in good times and hard times. Yes, there are good times for preaching. The hearers are at peace with one another and there is harmony, and the audience\/church is working together to further the Lord\u2019s work. But Satan is still at work in the world, and sometimes brethren are distracted by his devices, and there may be some difficulties the preacher faces. Some preachers don\u2019t want to get involved, and just ignore problems when they arise, hoping they will go away. But that\u2019s not how either Christ or Paul dealt with problems. They confronted them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reprove, Rebuke<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

These words are very similar in their meanings, and carry the idea of \u201cto admonish, convict, convince.\u201d I suppose this would not always be the most pleasant duty of a preacher, but if the body of Christ is to be whole and pure, it must be done. We certainly know that a medical doctor sometimes has to take measures to remove disease from our bodies. It may not always be pleasant for us, but we know that good health makes it necessary. Is the body of Christ, the church, any less important?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some readers are familiar with the well-known denominational preacher in the United States named Joel O\u2019Steen. In an interview on TV, he stated, \u201cI don\u2019t preach on sin. I want my people to feel good.\u201d I guess that\u2019s how he could build a church of some 40,000 members and become a millionaire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The greatest preacher of all time, Jesus Christ, certainly did not hesitate to rebuke the Pharisees and others for their hypocrisy and sinful deeds in his preaching. And Paul did the same, even confronting a fellow apostle, Peter, for his bad behavior when he separated himself from the Gentiles in Galatians 3:11-12.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And what is our attitude and behavior when we have to confront those who are in error? What should be the tone of our voice in this matter? Paul tells us in Galatians 6:1: \u201cBrethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m afraid that I know of too many situations where people may have been driven away by the harsh attitude of the preacher either in private or in public. How would we want others to deal with us if we have been in the wrong? Thus Paul said we should \u201clook to ourselves.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exhort<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This is an encouraging word, and Strong\u2019s Greek Dictionary says: \u201cparakaleo, par-ak-al-eh\u2019-o \u2014 to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation):\u2013beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort(-ation), entreat, pray.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t think I need to add to that, as Strong gives a pretty good definition of what it means to \u201cexhort.\u201d And of course, this corresponds to what Paul said in Galatians 6:1 about a \u201cspirit of gentleness.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With Great Patience<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Just what  does it mean to be \u201cpatient?\u201d Would this not carry the idea that we are not to be quick to anger, not use harsh words, but rather to have a spirit of love and kindness when we seek to correct others, whether from the pulpit or in person?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brethren, if we seek to apply Paul\u2019s instructions to a young preacher to our own work, then obviously God\u2019s Word will work its purpose, and the hearers of our sermons\/lessons will be edified and strengthened and the church will grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Psalmist closes the 107th Psalm with the following words: \u201cWhoso is wise will give heed to these things; And they will consider the lovingkindnesses of Jehovah\u201d<\/em> (Psalms 107:43).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And Paul\u2019s words to the church in Rome also have an application to those who preach the gospel: \u201cBe devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor\u201d <\/em>(Romans 12:12).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 Via Seeking Things Above,<\/em> Volume 3, Number 10, January 2023

——————–<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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-2-<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Think Ye?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Keith Hamilton<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him\u201d (Matthew 21:28-32).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On various occasions, our Lord asked questions of His audience appealing to their intellect. He did not ask them, \u201cHow do you feel about this?\u201d Nor did he ask, \u201cHow does that make you feel?\u201d Or even, \u201cWhen that happened, how did it make you feel?\u201d No, our Lord wanted people to think. He wanted them to engage their mind and intellect. The reason for such was to settle things in their minds. It is when the mind is convinced that matters become settled, and solid convictions can come to be formed. When the heart and feelings get involved, things can become messy and fickle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?\u201d (Jeremiah 17:9).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mind must not follow the heart. Meaning our convictions must not be based on our feelings or emotions. Rather, the heart must follow the mind. Meaning that we must think deeply about the things God has said, become soundly convinced we recognize what His will is, then form convictions that rest solidly on God\u2019s Word. When one does that, they can then rejoice and feel great about their relationship with God. Now, go back and read the story Jesus told above and consider His question. Which of the two sons truly respected their father? The one who gleefully said, \u201cI go\u201d? Or the one who reflected on his actions, repented, and went to do the will of his father? You know, don\u2019t you? Complying with the will of our Father in heaven is something we must do! Have you done the will of Jesus by believing and being baptized (Mark 16:16)? The will of God for you begins with repenting and being baptized for the remission of your sin (Acts 2:38). What THINK ye? Are you doing the will of God?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 Via Articles<\/em> from the Knollwood church of Christ, July 2025

——————– <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1) Hear\u00a0<\/strong>the gospel — for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17; John 20:30-31).
\u00a0
2) Believe\u00a0<\/strong>in the deity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (John 8:24; John 3:18).

3) Repent\u00a0<\/strong>of sins.\u00a0 For every accountable person has sinned (Romans 3:23; Romans 3:10), which causes one to be spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1) and separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 6:23). Therefore, repentance of sin is necessary (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30).\u00a0 For whether the sin seems great or small, there will still be the same penalty for either (Matt. 12:36-37; 2 Cor. 5:10) — and even for a lie (Rev. 21:8).

4) Confess faith\u00a0<\/strong>in Christ (Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 8:36-38).

5) Be baptized\u00a0<\/strong>in water for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21).\u00a0 This is the final step that puts one into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27).\u00a0 For from that baptism, one is then raised as a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17), having all sins forgiven and beginning a new life as a Christian (Rom. 6:3-4). For the one being baptized does so \u201cthrough faith in the working of God\u201d (Col. 2:12). In other words, believing that God will keep His word and forgive after one submits to these necessary steps. And now as a Christian, we then need to\u2026

6) Continue in the faith <\/strong>by living for the Lord; for, if not, salvation can be lost (Matt. 24:13; Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
——————–<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tebeau Street
CHURCH OF CHRIST
1402 Tebeau Street, Waycross, GA\u00a0 31501

Sunday:<\/strong> 9 a.m<\/strong>. Bible Classes and 10 a.m. <\/strong>Worship Service
Wednesday (all but the first):<\/strong> 7 p.m.<\/strong> Bible Classes\u00a0
\u00a0First Wednesday of the month: 7 p.m. <\/strong>Congregational Song Service (about 45 minutes of singing, followed by a short talk)

evangelist\/editor: <\/strong>Tom Edwards (912) 281-9917
Tom@ThomasTEdwards.com<\/a>

https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/go\/all.htm<\/a> (This is a link to the older version of the Gospel Observer website, but with bulletins going back to March 4, 1990.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20, NASB).——————– 1) So, What’s a Good Sermon? (Jefferson David Tant)2) What Think Ye? (Keith Hamilton) ——————–    -1- So, What’s a Good Sermon? […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3117","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","post-preview"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3117","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3117"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3117\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3120,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3117\/revisions\/3120"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3117"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3117"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3117"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}