This is not a critique about any one preacher. And this is just one of many observations. Yet, there seems to be an attempt by many preachers (and an expectation by many brothers and sisters in the pews) to find hidden, new, bedazzling insights in the Scriptures, which impress the masses. Admittedly, I’ve struggled with this at times. It seems like many in our tradition today (Pentecostal/Charismatic) tend to rate preachers on their ability to bedazzle rather than a faithful, pointed exposition of the text.

Now, this is not to say that preaching should be boring or irrelevant. And it’s not to say that we have to adhere (hook, line and sinker) to fundamentalist/evangelical methods of interpretation. Let’s face it, historical critical methodology is important, but it’s not the only tool in the box.

Further, we need to make sure our people understand what’s going on in the text. This way, they learn how to handle (interpret) the text in their homes, relationships, vocations, etc. If we simply devise fanciful messages which overly focus on our oratorical prowess, with little exegetical substance, then how can we expect people to find their place in the biblical narrative?

Just a few thoughts for now…