To Christians: Do you notice if your pastor, preacher, or whoever is teaching, doesn't use scripture refs.?

Question

I listen to sermons on the radio a lot and sometimes I notice a preacher will go through a whole sermon without referencing scripture to back up his points. What type of dangers do you see in this?

Okay, i can tell I'm not going to get the type of answers I'm looking for.

Say a preacher is going at it with his or her sermon and he or she starts making all of these points and has all of the great ideas, and yet he or she does not validate them with scripture. He/she just pulls them out of the air instead of the Bible. Does anybody worry about this sort of thing.

Answer 1

If the preacher quotes, supposedly from the Bible, and does not state where it is found, I notice immediately.

The danger I see in this is that he may be "making-up" his own version of what he thinks instead of speaking with the authority of factual truth consistent with what the Bible says.

Just think of what a jumbled story a person could come up with, taking just any book off the shelf of a library, dicing up the paragraphs and putting them into a different order, it would be very possible to make the quotes say about anything you wanted! Well, with the Bible it works the same way, only with eternal consequences of people's beliefs. We are speaking of beliefs that lead to heaven or to hell.

Answer 2

It depends on the type of sermon the person is using. You have to keep in mind there are several different ways to preach. Not everyone forms a sermon in the same way, and not everyone preaches in the same manner. Some people have ONE main scripture and all of their points are linked back to that one scripture that is usually read in the beginning. There is no reason to refer back to the same scripture over and over. I keep sermon notes when I go to church. Let me give you an example of what I mean. One pastor was preaching on Luke 8:26-39. It is the story of Legion -- the man that had many demons. The points were 1) Christ came up to the man without any hestitation just as he is always doing with us. God comes to us and never leaves us alone. 2) But as the Body of Christ we too have to do the same as Christ. The points come from the story. Other ways of preaching DO use multiple scriptures that are slipped in throughout the sermon but have a main scripture that is read in the beginning. In that case, yes, I do think you need to show where you are coming up with the idea -- unless it is something that is just common knowledge (example - God loves you). Does that make sense? I hope you see where I am coming from. It depends on the type of sermon. Also, if someone does have a sermon where those references ARE needed and they DONT make them, they can end up making a claim that just isn't in scripture at all. That's not smart and it's a very easy way to lead people astray.

However, here's something that you may want to think about. I listen to podcasts of sermons alot. Many times I disagree with what the person is saying, but I WILL write them and ask where they are coming from. I do get responses back. If you really think someone is in the wrong and needs correction, do this -- 1) pray about it and if God wants you to talk to them, 2) email them if you cannot see them or write a letter if you find some other way to contact them or talk to them in person. It may help you out a little. Just a thought.

Answer 3

I listen to sermons on the radio as well, and have never heard one that didn't list a reference.....what station are you listening to???

The dangers are not in them not quoting scripture, but in YOU not knowing the Word well enough to discriminate (with the help of the Spirit) what is true and what isn't.

After all, a LOT of people twist scripture to try to advance what is NOT true. Just because they're spouting references does not make their message of God.

Answer 4

well, the bible say study to show thyself approval.I don't care how much somebody might love or trust their pastor, you still have to seek things out and get understanding from god for yourself to be sure that you are living and following what god commands and not ideas from someone else.remember:pastors are human too.though their sermons and everything they feed you should come from god.It's good to use scriptures to back up your messages but then everything is not in the bible.some things god has to just give direct instruction or teaching on. So just seek god and when you listen to those sermons, take in the good and spit out the bad

Answer 5

The churches I have gone to usually start the sermon with "open your Bibles to..... " I have big issues with many radio and TV preaches. Like Peter Popoff. Benny Hinn etc I won't rant.. The danger is they are preaching a religion that is not Christian.

Answer 6

Absolutely! If someone is preaching and can't back it up with scriptures then it's time to stop listening to this person. Or if they are misusing scriptures (you'd know if you study the Bible) then it's time to leave this person in the dust.

Scriptures do refer for Christians to have a discerning spirit, that means know who's telling the truth or who's bastardizing God's word for their own evil purposes.

Answer 7

I believe that all sermons need to be drenched in the word from the bible. As far as the "Baptist" comment goes, don't judge all Churches, Baptist or not, as quoting only from the Apostle Paul. I'm a Baptist and our pastor uses quotes from all the prophets, from Paul, all the writers in the old and new testaments, not at the same time of course, and of COURSE he quotes and teaches the word as given to us all by Jesus Christ.

Answer 8

Many, and my Pastor yesterday spoke out against these types of Pastors especially those who seem to be in command of these 'Mega Churches' .

My Pastor will actually have you go through many Scriptural references,

You can Visit our Church web site at www.fellowshipofjoy.com

Answer 9

Yes, I notice but my pastor never preaches without backing it up. He always tells us to search the Bible ourselves to make sure of what he says. The dangers are that we will search out someone who says what we like to hear without knowing if he is from God or not. If we don't search the bible ourselves we can easily be led astray.

Answer 10

My pastor always backs up everythng with scripture references. We actually go to them and read them as he is preaching. If we have a question, we stop and talk about it. He is a great pastor and teacher. Ü