A few months ago I found an old computer program I used to write many of my Biblical notes and sermon ideas. I wrote a lot of notes in the program and I was checking it to see if some of the information can be 'recycled' for the website. After reading the first set of notes, I was shocked, amazed, and ashamed at what I read.

Over the past several years, my messages have taken a dramatic transformation (through God's guidance of course). I didn't notice a huge difference at first, but as the years went on and God's separated me from what I knew (preachers, teachers, and church community); I had an opportunity to see myself (and teachings) from the outside in.

• How could I have been so blind to what was going on around me?
• How could I have not known my teachings were not always sound?
• Was I a false teacher?!
• Have I deceived people?!

I NEVER had any intention of leading anyone astray. It was (and still is) my sole purpose of teaching the truth of God's word. I want to be counted as a workman rightly dividing the truth. So what happened along the way?

Let the record show that I'm taking full responsibility for my own actions, but below I'm providing additional information that I found within my church community.

There are many 'sides' to this story, but I believe one of the foundational issue was my church environment. My environment was filled with an overabundance of eisegeis preaching and teaching. Eisegeis is a term used to describe personal biblical interpretations of scripture, often beyond its intended meaning. I found that many of the teachers/preachers within my community strived to provide a 'fresh' word or a 'new' revelation eisegeis preaching.

These 'fresh' and 'new' interpretations focused on pulling information out of the biblical text that people never heard before - like there's something in the Bible we've missed until THEY preached on it. I found myself caught up in the same cycle. I would read certain texts for hours trying to find something new - some aspect that hasn't already been addressed before. I'd use dictionaries, encyclopedias, commentaries, and biblical notes, but my studies weren't for a better understanding of the text, but to provide a message that people (1) hadn't heard before, (2) would be celebrated, and (3) would give me greater admiration and praise.

Preachers not only use an overabundance of eisegeis preaching, but also preach doctrines infused with fleshly comfort. They are often intended to entertain and pacify fleshly desires (i.e. money, positions, and possessions) rather than convict the heart of man of sinful ways.

2 Timothy 4:3 (KJV) - For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

The heart of this issue lies with the focus of church ministry - its people. Just as the corporate world functions on the concept of 'supply and demand,' many of today's churches are following the same pattern. We find churches that are 'seeker sensitive' and focused on meeting the needs of the people SO MUCH that we find a shadow of truth masked within feel-good messages that do not address their condition of sin or bring them closer to living as Jesus' disciples.

So what should we do about this?!?!?!

2 Timothy 4:5 (KJV) - But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

Instead of seeking relevance, acceptance, and popularity with the people, your desire should be to discharge the duties of your ministry. In doing so, you may not become the most popular preacher; people may not want to speak to you on some issues (because they want people to satisfy their flesh); and you may feel alienated.

Please understand that ministry is not about how much people like you, but preaching the truth!

John 3:19-20 (KJV) - And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

Many people will choose to live in darkness because rather than being exposed by the light. If they hear the truth and decide to stay in darkness, that's not something you can control. As a preacher of the Gospel YOU have a responsibility to preach the truth in all seasons, at all times, and in every situation.

2 Timothy 4:2 (KJV) - Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

Diluting the 'strength' of your messages may bring people to church and increase your popularity, but it won't help them live as true disciples of Jesus Christ (and YOU will be held accountable for that)! Don't worry about pleasing Momma and 'em, please YOUR Father in Heaven.