J.A. Matteson
When God's word is presented clearly, or accurately, it is always accompanied with divine resurrection power, bringing to life that which was dead. "...they were amazed at His teaching, for His message was with authority" (Lk. 4:32). Authority, power, influence, these words encapsulate the sense of what Luke is expressing in the effect of Jesus' teaching upon His hearers. And that Spirit infused authority is also available to His servants who faithfully proclaim His gospel, rightly dividing the word of truth. The Apostle Paul eludes to the same type of effect upon the Corinthian believers (1 Cor. 2:4). Not surprisingly the effect of sound biblical preaching was announced by Jesus during His earthly ministry (Jn. 16:8). The reason that power is absent in most pulpits today is because the authority of God's word (Bible) has been replaced by the opinion and conjecture of men. Entertainment of the goats has superceded the enlightenment of the sheep because of unbelief in the power and sufficiency of the word of God to redeem and sanctify souls. This is a grave sin. The great revivals of old were rooted in sound biblical exposition, an earnest fidelity to Law and Gospel. The authority and power of God's word is eternal, immutable. Repentance of unbelief in its sufficiency and obedience to its message will yield a fresh unleashing of its power, the effect of which will be the revival of God's church to reach the lost for Jesus Christ.
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