For I have not shunned to declare to you
the whole counsel of God. Acts 20:27
                                ———
This verse along with many others in the New Testament sets
the standard for Biblical, New Testament preaching.   

Simply put — sermons are not suggestions.

This is a word specifically to pastors and those who teach the Word.

We don’t suggest truth.
We declare it.

We have a solid tradition in the New Testament of this:

– Jesus did it. (Heb 2:12)
– Paul did it (Acts 20,  I Cor 15:1) and
– John did it (I John 1:3)

We present the truth to people confidently in the authority and the
power of the Holy Spirit and it impacts people’s lives.

When we fail to declare  truth  — the real suggestion
we make is that truth is only that — a suggestion.

We error fellow pastors, when we tell people they have the option
to follow Jesus and somehow obtain this higher plane of Christianity.

There is only one standard.
There are not super-Christians and than the ordinary ones who don’t
need to bother to obey and follow Jesus.

When we merely suggest — we may suggest people right into hell.
Because we have given them the false assurance that
truth, and responding to it, is optional.

When do we merely make suggestions?
When something is our opinion.

It’s ok to have an opinion and suggest it to others.
But truth must be declared.

And if it is going to be declared — we must be careful, to pray
and study the Word and to have done our homework
and been on our knees before we declare it.

But nevertheless — we must declare it.
Not in our intellectual might.
Or emotional zeal.

But by the ignited passion and force of the
Holy Spirit.

I urge you my brothers…
Preach the Word.