Feeding Sheep or Amusing Goats?

The famous Baptist preacher of London, Charles H. Spurgeon wrote an article in the late 1800’s titled, Feeding Sheep or Amusing Goats? In this article he said…

"The devil has seldom done a cleverer thing than hinting to the Church that part of her mission is to provide entertainment of the people, with the view of winning them. From speaking out as the Puritans did, the Church has gradually toned down her testimony, then winked at and excused the frivolities of the day. Then she tolerated them in her boarders, now she has adopted them under the plea of reaching the masses…. Providing amusement for the people is nowhere spoken of in the Scriptures as a function for the Church. If it was a Christian work, why did not Christ speak of it? ‘Go ye’…into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. This is a clear enough. So it would have been if He had added, ‘and provide amusement for those who do not relish the Gospel.’ No such words are to be found…. Jesus pitied sinners, sighed and wept over them, but never sought to amuse them."

What Spurgeon saw blossoming in his day is in full bloom today. Passionate preaching has been replaced with choreographed dramatic productions and worldly music. And when there is preaching, too often it is non-judgmental and non-directive. Nothing controversial is addressed that might bring conviction and repentance. How contrary to the instructions that Paul gave to the young preacher Timothy - Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn their ears from the truth and shall be turned to fables." 2 Timothy 4:2-4 

If you are one of the Lord's sheep, get into a church that focuses on preaching and teaching the Word of God!

Parson Brown