that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good (Prov 19:2)

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee (Hos 4:6)

It is a shame that Christians are ignorant about their faith; this lack is due in part to people not wanting to take the time to study the Scriptures, but an equal part is the superficial preaching – assuming that the preaching even has anything to do with Christianity.

Many conservative-leaning churches teach the basic tenets of Christianity; that our authority is the Scriptures, which have been given by God. They reveal that man is lost and can only be reconciled to God because of the death on the cross of Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. These things should be taught, but these are elementary Christian knowledge. It seems to be the idea these days that any teaching beyond this is only for church leaders. Sadly, the average member in the pew has very little knowledge. Thus, when the leader leaves that church, the people choose a poor replacement – awed by technique or personality, but with no real wisdom in the choice. This sad occurrence has happened repeatedly in once sound churches. One must have knowledge in order to have wisdom and understanding. Yes, the basics need to be taught; they are the foundation, but good preaching will build on the foundation.

Of course, as better writers that I have pointed out, studying is hard work; it’s much easier for a preacher to unload whatever happens to be “bugging” him at the moment.