A Warning against Sub-Christian Messages in Preaching

From Brian Chappell in his formative book, Christ-Centered Preaching, pg. 274:

"A textually accurate discussion of biblical commands does not guarantee Christian orthodoxy.  Exhortations for moral behavior apart from the work of the Savior degenerate into mere Pharisaism , even if preachers advocate the actions with selected biblical evidence and good intent.  Spirituality based on personal conduct cannot escape its human-centered orbit though it aspires to lift one to the divine."

Jesus, be at the heart of every message that I preach.  May your presence alone bring hope for change.  I would do you the greatest of disservices if I were to exhort change based upon any other factor than you, and you alone.