Blogotional quotes someone who says: "As Christians, we are first and foremost a people with whom God dwells. We are a people of His presence.....So often, we seek to know God through many methods other than the one thing needful which is direct personal knowledge." and is sceptical that such personal knoweldge can be imparted through preaching. He is however eager to hear more about what kind of preaching changes lives. This study is the study of a lifetime, and in many ways is an extension of the simple gospel debate.

It is vital to understand that it is the gospel preached that is the power of God to change lives. As Paul puts it in Romans 1 "I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" Paul seems to believe that there is something in the proper preaching of the proper gospel that brings salvation to people. Spurgeon believed it, and my slow progress blogging through his soul winner book has thrown up some wonderful quotes. I believe that the biggest problem today is the absense of true preaching. There are some sites online that you can listen to preaching that is begining to get close to what it should be. Personally like Lloyd-Jones did, I sometimes wonder whether I have ever really preached- although I am greatful to God that I have seem some fruit from my sermons.

There is something wrong with our preaching if it doesnt produce salvation. Perhaps there is something wrong with the content- certainly the amount of debate we seem to have about what the gospel actually is doent help! Perhaps there is something wrong with the style and manner of our preaching methods. Perhaps, there is soemthing wrong with the character of our preachers- who is equal to such a task. Perhaps, most of all there is something wrong with our annointing. Certainly a key is in prayer, which is why I have asked for prayer this week as I prepare for two key messages- one to the Alpha group and one on sunday. I hope that I get closer this week to REALLY preaching. But, as much as we may fail to get there, I do believe that the biggest need of the church today is for the lack of real preachers. I really am going to explore what kind of preaching we are looking for together with you- but I am also eager to hear of others thoughts on this most vital of subjects.