The preacher before us now takes his stand,
But wait -- what is that he holds in his hand?
It's not the Bible -- so, what will he preach?
Without the Scriptures lost souls he won't reach!
He quotes from the scholars, wise men indeed,
But scholarly preaching's not what we need.
He tells of great men who once lived below:
But they're not the ones of whom we must know!
Sad, death-bed stories bring tears to his eyes,
Such he keeps telling 'til ev'ryone cries;
But death-bed stories will not take away
Our sin, or fit us for God's Judgment Day!
Such preaching falls sweetly upon man's ears,
And though well received by the one who hears --
Still lacks it the power to save from sin:
Cleanse and make whole -- a new creature within.
We simply need preachers who "preach the word"
The sweetest story, by far, ever heard!
Fear not to offer Book, Chapter and Verse,
As you the story of Jesus rehearse;
Be kind, be loving -- But, friend, please beware:
The purpose of preaching is to prepare --
So give them the Gospel, 'tis God's Power,
It, only, will fit them for that hour!
Preach to them the Gospel -- be not afraid!
The price for their sins the Savior has paid:
We shed not our blood, we have not the right
To alter the message of heav'nly Light.
Lift up the Savior, tell all of his deeds,
He has the power to meet all our needs!
The life-giving blood came from Him, not you:
He, alone, has power to see them through.
To the left or the right turn not, my friend,
Then you will prepare men to meet their end.
Preacher, when it comes time for you to stand
Before us: be sure you have in your hand
The Bible -- and from it fail not to preach:
Thus with the Scriptures lost souls you will reach!