METHODS CHANGE BUT THE GOSPEL?  NEVER!

By Dennis R. Smith

Thinking back over the years of my preaching, I can’t help from remembering the different methods that have been used by preachers and teachers in the deliverance of their messages.  For example: There was a time when no well respected minister would not have been without his chalkboard.  I knew a preacher that used a very effective chalkboard by just drawing a line representing, “Where God Draws the Line.”  Then there were the years of the flannel boards.  No doubt many persons were led to Christ by this method even if some of the words were misspelled.  As congregations became a little more affluent, there were  the overhead projectors, film strips etc.   Today  there is power point.  You see whatever method that is used, -  if it works - why change?  Visual aides have long been a favorite of some along with the “hand outs” used by many of us.  We must not forget that the Greatest  Teacher of all  often used whatever was available to present His message.  It might have been a little child (Matt. 18:1-3),  or a clear spot on the ground where he could write (John 8:6).  He often used an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.  He even  used the  vine and its branches (John 15). Whether they be word pictures, metaphors, allegories or whatever, the message must always be the same. “Preach the Word - it has the power to save” (Rom.  1:16)!