RELIGIOUS SALAD BAR

We live in a world where all sorts of religious theories and propositions, are continually being expounded in media of all sorts but especially in the electronic media of our day.
Today in many religious circles "image management" seems to be trumping "character development". Many modern religious/spiritual orators seem more intent on being seen as some kind of famous religious thespians than in truly living and speaking from the heart of God and presenting the genuine message of Gods Love, Grace and Mercy.
Of course , I am not intimating that preaching should not be interesting and powerfully or even eloquently presented. True Gospel proclamation is Gods method to impart the Power of God to the hearers. St Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians elaborates on this below.

The Message (MSG)
1 Corinthians 2
1-2You'll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God's master stroke, I didn't try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did—Jesus crucified.
3-5I was unsure of how to go about this, and felt totally inadequate—I was scared to death, if you want the truth of it—and so nothing I said could have impressed you or anyone else. But the Message came through anyway. God's Spirit and God's power did it, which made it clear that your life of faith is a response to God's power, not to some fancy mental or emotional footwork by me or anyone else.

6-10We, of course, have plenty of wisdom to pass on to you once you get your feet on firm spiritual ground, but it's not popular wisdom, the fashionable wisdom of high-priced experts that will be out-of-date in a year or so.

We can see from the Scriptures above that the Gospel message is unlike any other kind or oratory or rhetoric, it cannot be compared to Shakespeare or great poetry or philoshophical writings. Of course, I love Shakepeare and great poetry but it is in a different realm entirely to Scripture and Gospel preaching.
Today, there are a multitude of experts and talk show hosts who claim to have the answer to the problems of 21st century living. There are countless motivational speakers who claim to have the keys to success. Not to mention the gurus and teachers of all stripes. Many who identify themselves as Christian preachers also subscribe to the motivational and new age concepts that are so prevalent and popular. Todays spirituality is like a salad bar that one can pick and choose from at will.
The reality though is that the Word of God has not changed to suit our belief systems. God desires that we conform to His Word, not that we try to make His word conform to our beliefs and lifestyles.
Even in Biblical times St Paul wrote of a class of self exalting so called ministers that preyed on the early church, he warned the people of those he termed wolves.

1 corinthians 11 (The Messsage) St Paul translated in modern english.

4-6It seems that if someone shows up preaching quite another Jesus than we preached—different spirit, different message—you put up with him quite nicely. But if you put up with these big-shot "apostles," why can't you put up with simple me? I'm as good as they are. It's true that I don't have their voice, haven't mastered that smooth eloquence that impresses you so much. But when I do open my mouth, I at least know what I'm talking about.

The Message (MSG) St Paul again.
Acts 20:29-31"I know that as soon as I'm gone, vicious wolves are going to show up and rip into this flock, men from your very own ranks twisting words so as to seduce disciples into following them instead of Jesus. So stay awake and keep up your guard. Remember those three years I kept at it with you, never letting up, pouring my heart out with you, one after another.

Again, there is nothing wrong with the arts, music and even philosophy in its correct priority and understanding. In fact all these things are gifts of God to enjoy and be helped by.
The problem is when any man made concept, music or artform is exalted to the level of ultimate truth, God Himself reserves this job for Himself. Of course He gives us the privilege of being used as His instruments and mouthpieces but he always gets the credit as the source. The hose is the conduit through which the water flows but the hose can never claim the significance of the water itself.
Let us become true disciples of the Greatest Master in the Universe, His name is Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

John 8:31
The Message (MSG)Words of Jesus.
31-32Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. "If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you."