“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV)

While the high tide of the seeker-sensitive movement is fading, many churches seem infatuated with attracting unbelievers through “relevant” preaching. They look like desperate salesmen trying to lure unbelievers inside with advice about contemporary issues. While I applaud their apparent evangelistic motivation, I fear they misunderstand the biblical concept of “relevant” preaching.

What does it say about “preaching” when thousands of unbelievers flock to hear the sermon? This verse leaves only two options. Either we are witnessing a remarkable movement of God or we are not preaching “relevant” sermons. The masses may visit occasionally and appreciate our zeal, but over the long-term they will either embrace Christ or grow tired of hearing the gospel. To the lost this message is ridiculous.

“Relevant” preaching is NOT using biblical passages to inform people about issues of great significance to them. Despite the cultural timeliness of offering financial principles in the midst of a waning economy, we cannot accept this as “relevant” preaching. Even though marriage in our generation is a complete joke to vast segments of the population, we must not confuse marriage advice with “relevant” preaching. While better employees would improve workplace environments, we must not receive tips for success as “relevant” preaching.

At the most basic level “relevant” preaching produces sermons that expose the meaning and real-world significance of a biblical passage. I am not arguing for disconnected biblical lectures or theological treatises as often our sermons will address issues like finances and marriage. However, for preaching to be “relevant” it must allow God’s word to reveal the truth people NEED to hear, which is only found in the gospel.

When preaching consistently and straightforwardly presents the gospel, unbelievers will either respond in faith or consider it foolish for two reasons.

First, the gospel rightly preached attacks human ability. It calls people weak and powerless. It tells people they are hopeless God-haters. It calls us to surrender and selflessness. People who are separated from God want no part of this message.

Second, the gospel rightly preached attacks human wisdom. It calls people stupid and unwise. It points to our inability to comprehend the greatest mystery of life. It calls our smartest thoughts dumb. It contradicts our sense of intelligence.

The message of Jesus Christ crucified for sin is ridiculous to the world. So if the world consistently applauds our preaching it must not be very relevant after all?