In he word of God we find bible authority for bible preaching. We find no authority from God's word either by command, example, necessary inference or an expedient of a command, example, or necessary inference to preach something else. This authority comes from the command found in 2 Tim. 4:2; Preach the Word. We also find an approved bible example as the New Testament disciples continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, Acts 2:42. The context of Acts 2:42 is worship. In worship the apostles' doctrine is manifest by preaching. An approved bible example is found in Acts 20:7, "they came together to break bread and Paul preached unto them".

Many times it seems brethren are insistent (as well they should be) that the worship be only that which is authorized on the pages of the inspired word. So we demand truth about music in worship and the Lord's supper. Yet, when it comes to preaching, many brethren seem to be satisfied with just about anything. Why do some demand bible authority concerning music and the memorial supper but care little or nothing about authority in regard to the preaching part of worship? Is it that they had rather be entertained than enlightened? It seems many are content to be left alone in mediocrity than exhorted to do the Lord's will. Some truly seem to thrust the word of God from them, judging themselves unworthy of eternal life Acts 13:46. We must remember that bible authority for all is needed Col. 3:17; 2 Jn 9, I Pet 4:11. Why do some who profess to be sound in the faith want watered-down, wishy-washy, soft preaching; which is not in any way preaching the word? Why do brethren who strive to be faithful in most things put up with nonsense from the pulpit?

Some complainer might ask, "don't we have bible authority to use illustrations, or poems or even humor to make a point in preaching?". Absolutely! Paul quoted from a heathen poet to prove a point about the nature of God to the Athenians Acts 17:28, and the illustration of sowing wheat when writing of the resurrection I Cor 15:37. The master teacher, the Lord himself, possibly used some humor when he referred to Herod as "that fox" when speaking to the Pharisees about his death and resurrection Lk13:32. We would notice that this was the inspired word and the points were backed by inspiration. So yes, we have approved bible examples that establish the authority to use poetry, humor or illustrations to make points in preaching. The uses of such to make a point preaching must, however, be backed up with the inspired word to be speaking as the oracles of God I Pet 4:11!

If we would learn from the Master, hear Him as He said "It is written" Matt 4:4; "it is written" Matt 4:7; "it is written" Matt 4:10; "ye do err not knowing the scriptures" Matt 22:29; "have ye not read" Matt 19:4 "did ye never read in the scriptures" Matt 20:42 and He constantly quoted from the scriptures.

If a man professes to be a gospel preacher should he not back up every idea he puts forth to an audience with a "thus saith the Lord"? If not, I ask you is he preaching the word or something else which is not authorized? In times past brethren often prayed that preachers would, "hide their preaching behind the cross", or preach, "from the shadow of the cross", or some similar, prayerful statement. We don't hear these prayers much anymore - Why? Is it because more and more what some mis-designate as gospel preaching consists of not preaching the word but consists almost entirely of psychology, philosophy, humanism, secularism or one joke after another? Brother J.D. Tant often asked "are we drifting"? I would ask that same question today in regard to preaching the word.

Gospel preachers are admonished to preach the word 2Tim 4:2 and speak that which becomes sound doctrine Titus 2:1, and hold fast the form of sound words 2Tim 1:13. Faithful men need always to realize that spiritual truths are always better taught "not in words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth comparing spiritual things with spiritual" I Cor 2:13. This passage speaks of the inspired man of the 1st century but in the 21st century we have the completed and confirmed inspired book 2Tim 3:16-17. Let us use the words of the Holy Ghost in our preaching. Preaching the truth which is God's word 2Tim 4:2; Jn 17:17, is what makes gospel preaching and gospel preachers distinct from preachers of error in the devil's denominational world.