Preface: I recognize this post may make me unpopular with some, but I think it is an important issue to blog about here. I’ve had time to reflect on this video and in my opinion, I think what is in this video raises some questions. This gentleman featured below is slotted to speak at the SBC's 2020 Pastors' Conference and it prompted me to think more about this illustration.
I want to note that I don't know him and I have no personal issue with him. I assume he is a brother in the LORD. Having said that, I see some significant issues here that relate to this type of preaching being clear on the gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, it appears to be obscuring it in my observation.
Concern: Should the SBC or churches, in general, be in the habit of holding this up as a good and healthy example? Let's think about it some together. (Watch this clip below here first.)
Context: The clip was posted to stand on its own as if it were wise and sound on its own. Therefore, I will address it as such. (YES, I did check out the church website and other materials and my concerns here stand the same. )
The Main Problem: This kind of message in its effort to talk about “the gospel,” actually distracts from it. The preacher here clearly believes that somehow his illustration of guacamole works. Does it work?
Using his illustration, let me say that the problem is not the "guac or the packaging." The problem is the consumer. The consumer doesn’t want the guac! Man does not want the gospel. (Romans 3). The message of a crucified savior is moronic to fallen man. It is offensive to the self-righteous and non-sense for those looking for a man-centered way towards a man-made utopia. Contrary to his enthusiastic point, you can’t repackage it. It is what it is.
Using his illustration, let me say that the problem is not the "guac or the packaging." The problem is the consumer. The consumer doesn’t want the guac! Man does not want the gospel. (Romans 3). The message of a crucified savior is moronic to fallen man. It is offensive to the self-righteous and non-sense for those looking for a man-centered way towards a man-made utopia. Contrary to his enthusiastic point, you can’t repackage it. It is what it is.
The cross, according to Scripture, is God’s wisdom to reconcile sinners to himself. Jesus is God’s wisdom in that He is our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. (1 Cor 1 v18-2 v 5). Reconciliation with God is by His merits alone. Our way is the way of rebellion, but if we turn and trust in Christ, we can be saved from God’s wrath.
Questions: Here are some questions that came to my mind as I saw this clip.
Jesus's Name or Yours- Does this style of preaching draw attention to Jesus or the preacher's “clever” approach? If so, isn't that exactly what Paul was against?
Man is either desperate or basically okay- Does this method of ministry take into account the nature of fallen man and the desire of the flesh to want to be entertained? This may be the only exposure to the gospel some may ever get. Why confuse the message of the cross this way?
Counting Comforts or Counting the Cost- Where is the plain and understandable offense of the cross? Why pursue a "church" environment which is designed for comfort when the offense of the cross is so uncomfortable to our pride and sensibilities? Doesn't that seem counterintuitive? It looks like “bait and switch” to me.
God's Message or Yours- Can you successfully proclaim "how cool/relevant” you are and still proclaim to the audience that many of them are perishing? Can you communicate the urgency of believing upon Jesus and announce everyone will perish unless they repent of their idols and self-reliance?
Church by the Word or Church by You- How does approaching church in this way operate in light of church history where saints prioritized the Word? Are we to see ourselves as somehow more special and wise in our “new” approaches?
Discipleship and Evangelism: The longer I study the Scriptures the more I realize the uncomfortable nature of following Jesus. I’m more convinced that conversions never rest in my abilities or cleverness, but purely upon His power.
Irony: The very thing he is championing here, "the packaging," is his problem.
Ironically, he doesn't see that his presentation is the problem! His preaching hinders people from the clear preaching of the gospel because he is so busy with drawing everyone's attention to everything else.
The problem, to be clear, is not him "watering the gospel down." The problem is losing it through trivializing it. That is what Rome/the Vatican does. The message of Jesus is obscured by drawing attention to everything else in their building and unto them. We need preachers today who are about Christ Alone in their approach.
Steps forward: Share the clear message of the cross. It is offensive, convicting, and the only effective message unto salvation.
Irony: The very thing he is championing here, "the packaging," is his problem.
Ironically, he doesn't see that his presentation is the problem! His preaching hinders people from the clear preaching of the gospel because he is so busy with drawing everyone's attention to everything else.
The problem, to be clear, is not him "watering the gospel down." The problem is losing it through trivializing it. That is what Rome/the Vatican does. The message of Jesus is obscured by drawing attention to everything else in their building and unto them. We need preachers today who are about Christ Alone in their approach.
Steps forward: Share the clear message of the cross. It is offensive, convicting, and the only effective message unto salvation.
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