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Pastoral Ministry
resentations, which might please the senses and feed the imagination,
but which would not touch the daily experience, Paul sought by the
use of simple language to bring home to the heart the truths that are
of vital importance. Fanciful representations of truth may cause an
ecstasy of feeling, but all too often truths presented in this way do not
supply the food necessary to strengthen and fortify the believer for
the battles of life. The immediate needs, the present trials, of strug-
gling souls—these must be met with sound, practical instruction in
the fundamental principles of Christianity.—
The Acts of the Apostles,
251
.
[193]
Inappropriate Illustrations
Many illustrations belittle the sacred dignity of preaching—
We do not want to lose sight of the peculiar sacredness of this mission
of ministering in word and in doctrine to the people. It is the work of
the minister to speak the words of truth to the people, solemn, sacred
truth. Some form the habit of relating anecdotes in their discourses,
which have a tendency to amuse and remove from the mind of the
hearer the sacredness of the Word which they are handling. Such
should consider that they are not giving to the people the Word of
the Lord. Too many illustrations do not have a correct influence;
they belittle the sacred dignity that should ever be maintained in the
presentation of the Word of God to the people.—
The Review and
Herald, February 22, 1887
.
Flowery speeches or inappropriate anecdotes do not convict
the sinner—Unless ministers are guarded, they will hide the truth
under human ornamentation. Let no minister suppose that he can
convert souls by eloquent sermons. Those who teach others should
plead with God to imbue them with His Spirit, and enable them to
lift up Christ as the sinner’s only hope. Flowery speeches, pleasing
tales, or inappropriate anecdotes do not convict the sinner. Men listen
to such words as they would to a pleasant song. The message that
the sinner should hear is, “God so loved the world, that He gave His
only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish,
but have everlasting life.”—
Evangelism, 189
.