I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you.
For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the WHOLE WILL OF GOD (Acts 20:26, 27). Unlike many modern preachers, Paul refused to edit out the difficult parts of the message. He insisted on preaching the whole gospel. In 604, Pope Gregory wrote about the "Seven Deadly Sins" which included pride, gluttony, envy, lust, anger, greed, and laziness. In the spirit of the Pope's top seven, here's my list of
"Seven Deadly Sins of the Pulpit."
1. Preaching Christ Without the Cross.
No-cost Christianity. Paul was determined to know and preach nothing except Christ and Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). Today it seems we preach everything but Christ and the cross, causing many to live as enemies of the cross (Philippians 3:18).
2. Preaching Salvation Without Sanctification.
No-change Christianity. So many claim Christ today with no evidence or change in their lives, and the pulpit is at least partially to blame.
3. Preaching Decisions Without Discipleship.
No-commitment Christianity. I know we are getting crowds and decisions, but are we making disciples?
4. Preaching Love Without Lordship.
No-compliance Christianity. Jesus is Lord, and because He is Lord, He heals, delivers, provides, and saves.
5. Preaching Prosperity Without Purpose.
No-cause Christianity. God blesses us so that we can be a blessing.
6. Preaching Blessing Without Birthright.
No-covenant Christianity. Esau threw away his birthright and still expected a blessing. It does not work that way. If we want the blessing, we must accept the covenant responsibilities that go with the birthright.
7. Preaching Revival Without Reformation.
No-transformation Christianity. We are called to be salt and light, to impact individuals and cultures, families and nations. The gospel is supposed to be transformational.
Notice to Sermon Central Users:
My name is William Poovey, and I pastor at Bethel Church in Olar, SC. I have been a long-time user of Sermon Central and truly appreciate its content and contributors. Some of the best sermons I’ve ever preached have been reworked material from this website. As you use the material from my sermon bank, understand that it is work that has been done from not just myself, but from hundreds of other pastors as well. If you see part of your message, or a lot of your message with my name on it and this upsets you, please email me and I will quickly respond and cite you as the main source. My intent is not to claim someone’s work as my own. I am disclaiming up front that I use the resources from Sermon Central and appreciate the tool. I simply want all those who use my work to know that some of these messages were inspired by the Holy Spirit working through other pastors. Because I do use the messages of other pastors I waive all claims of originality or origin of creativity for the messages posted under my messages. I pray God blesses your preaching ministry for the glory of His Kingdom.
Respectfully,
William Poovey
