Preaching Jesus-lite

I was having a conversation with my Dad about current preaching styles and elements. And while this may bore others it was quite an intriguing conversation for two people who life revolves around the topic. We came to the conclusion that it was the emphasis that has shifted over the years. The content isn't any more or less "biblical" (in quotes because too many definitions of the word has uncannily arisen through the centuries) its just the parts that are emphasized on a weekly basis has seemed to shift. Dad talked about growing up hearing frequently about the fate of the nation of Israel and how the end-times were present. Today there is an emphasis on, well, today. How to live the best practical Christian life right now.

Both biblical and necessary aspects for the Christ-follower to hear about. Its the portion size that different. 

So what does this have to deal with in regards to Jesus?

Well, everything I suppose. 

Jesus and his life, death, and resurrection are paramount. Without them Christians have nothing to really base their life on. But I think we do Jesus a disservice when we focus on half of his story. 

The peak of any story (and of all character development) relies on an understanding of what brought the character to the place of triumph. What brings the character to the point of triumph is critical as for it infuses that triumphal and conquering moment with meaning, power, and sustainable depth. The story of humanity peaks at the cross with Jesus being the main character. The story of why we needed Jesus and the cross simply relates His work to us all. 

It would be foolish to suggest that the preaching of the cross is suffering from a loss of power, meaning, or depth. I am in no way suggesting that. But I am suggesting that it could become so much more. I really believe that we could gain a fuller understanding of the cross in our lives if we gave more attention to the "dreaded" Old Testament. No it is not the easiest of reads but it certainly sheds light on the human heart. Through it we see the triumph made available to us when we give God control of our lives (parting of the Red Sea, food being supplied from ravens) and the depravity of the our hearts that has been addressed by God's grace through the work of the cross. 

I encourage all the preachers to use the Old Testament to point to the cross. In my mind it lifts Jesus even higher because we see how bad the situation got before the victory came. The great Conqueror deserves to have his entire story told.