Stories, Anecdotes, Jesting, and Joking
187
made up of the relation of anecdotes; but the hearts of the hearers are
not touched. The feelings of some may be moved, they may shed a
few tears, but their hearts are not broken. The Lord Jesus has been
present when they have been presenting that which was called sermons,
but their words were destitute of the dew and rain of heaven. They
evidenced that the anointed ones described by Zechariah (see
chapter
4
) had not ministered to them that they might minister to others. When
the anointed ones empty themselves through the golden pipes, the
golden oil flows out of themselves into the golden bowls, to flow forth
into the lamps, the churches. This is the work of every true, devoted
servant of the living God. The Lord God of heaven cannot approve
much that is brought into the pulpit by those who are professedly
speaking the word of the Lord. They do not inculcate ideas that will be
a blessing to those who hear. There is cheap, very cheap fodder placed
before the people.—
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers,
336, 337
(1896).
Strange Fire—The object of your ministerial labors is not to
amuse. It is not to convey information alone, not merely to convince
the intellect. The preaching of the Word should appeal to the intellect
and impart knowledge, but it comprises much more than this. The
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heart of the minister must reach the hearts of the hearers. Some have
adopted a style of preaching that does not have a right influence....
The minister is using strange fire when he mixes storytelling with
his discourses.... You have men of all classes of minds to meet, and
as you deal with the Sacred Word, you should manifest earnestness,
respect, reverence. Let not the impression be made upon any mind
that you are a cheap, surface speaker. Weed out storytelling from your
discourses. Preach the Word. You would have had more sheaves to
bring to the Master if you had constantly preached the Word. You little
understand the soul’s great need and longing. Some are wrestling with
doubt, almost in despair, almost hopeless....
God is offended when His representatives descend to the use of
cheap, trifling words. The cause of truth is dishonored. Men judge of
the whole ministry by the man whom they hear, and the enemies of
the truth will make the most of his errors.—
Letter 61, 1896
.
Hungry for the Bread of Life—Keep your stories to yourself.
The people are not soul-hungry for these, but they want the bread of