Shaking Wolves Out Of Cherry Trees
Preaching
Shaking Wolves Out Of Cherry Trees
And 149 Other Sermon Ideas
Purpose Statement: Out of the many conflicting messages, how can we determine who is telling us the truth and who are the false prophets?
Matthew 7:15-22. The comments of Jesus regarding wolves in sheep disguises raise a legitimate concern that is very relevant today. There are varieties of religions, and within the Christian religion itself, many denominations. The messages are sometimes at odds. Add to that possibility the fact that some of the religious leaders may be phonies, e.g. Elmer Gantrys. It is not easy to do a sermon on differentiating the truth from the fiction and fantasy that comes from our pulpits today. Some preachers, not knowing the truth, are "wolves" out of simple ignorance; others, very few we hope, are "wolves" through their duplicity.
Our church members are exposed to television and radio evangelists (many who are after their money) and need to differentiate the honest and true from the false. In the mixed metaphor, Jesus tells us we can know them by the fruit they bear. Sounds easy. What is that fruit and how do we know it is sound or good fruit? Some possibilities:
a. Success? Big crowds and growing churches are no indication. Compare the bars on a Saturday night near a college campus with the community blood bank the next day. Popularity and the size of the crowd do not necessarily reflect values. Jesus, Paul, and the prophets were disliked, threatened, and killed.
b. "Bible preaching" and God talk? Jesus said, "Not everyone who calls me, Lord, Lord...."
c. Personality? We often mistake this for "having the spirit."
d. Good deeds?
e. The only good test: Christians must build a "healthy" faith by immersing themselves in the nature of Jesus by assiduous study and prayer. Then measure everything with what is consistent with Jesus. The message should be one of sacrificial love, openness, healthy relationships, and not divisiveness.
Matthew 7:15-22. The comments of Jesus regarding wolves in sheep disguises raise a legitimate concern that is very relevant today. There are varieties of religions, and within the Christian religion itself, many denominations. The messages are sometimes at odds. Add to that possibility the fact that some of the religious leaders may be phonies, e.g. Elmer Gantrys. It is not easy to do a sermon on differentiating the truth from the fiction and fantasy that comes from our pulpits today. Some preachers, not knowing the truth, are "wolves" out of simple ignorance; others, very few we hope, are "wolves" through their duplicity.
Our church members are exposed to television and radio evangelists (many who are after their money) and need to differentiate the honest and true from the false. In the mixed metaphor, Jesus tells us we can know them by the fruit they bear. Sounds easy. What is that fruit and how do we know it is sound or good fruit? Some possibilities:
a. Success? Big crowds and growing churches are no indication. Compare the bars on a Saturday night near a college campus with the community blood bank the next day. Popularity and the size of the crowd do not necessarily reflect values. Jesus, Paul, and the prophets were disliked, threatened, and killed.
b. "Bible preaching" and God talk? Jesus said, "Not everyone who calls me, Lord, Lord...."
c. Personality? We often mistake this for "having the spirit."
d. Good deeds?
e. The only good test: Christians must build a "healthy" faith by immersing themselves in the nature of Jesus by assiduous study and prayer. Then measure everything with what is consistent with Jesus. The message should be one of sacrificial love, openness, healthy relationships, and not divisiveness.
