Preaching that Punctures – Barabbas Road Church in San Diego

In this “Whiteboard Wednesday” YouTube video segment, Pastor Matt of Barabbas Road Church in San Diego discusses different styles of preaching. He notes that his church in San Diego has a certain “flavor” that is different from other churches in the area, for example, and that these differences occur due to differences in preaching methodology.

The two terms used to describe this difference in methodology, or epistemology (the study of what distinguishes belief from opinion), are synthesis and antitheses. The methodology of antithesis uses logic to shed light on the truth. This type of logic says that a specific thing cannot equal a non-form of that specific thing. Therefore, what the Bible says is truth. If the Bible is true, then Jesus is truth. This conclusion is drawn using logic.

Synthesis, on the other hand, finds truth in similarities. This methodology begins with similarities and builds truth from common ground shared between two or more entities. It seeks to find a common denominator between religions and groups. An example of synthesis thinking is the “coexist” bumper sticker, which exudes the message that all religions can exist together peacefully. Churches that practice a synthesis style of preaching might adopt vague “what we believe” statements in an effort to welcome as many people with different views and backgrounds as possible. However, the synthesis methodology contradicts the Bible.

Theologian Francis Schaeffer said that “the church has adopted and lost antithesis.” He suggested that three things must be done to bring the church at large back to a methodology of antithesis. First, historic doctrine – Biblical truths that have developed over time – must be upheld. Second, the church must maintain logical and consistent answers. If a curious person asks a logical question, use scripture to help that person find a logical answer. And third, the Christian church as a whole must exhibit God as the ultimate authority in life. Truth is seen in Christ alone.

If the Christian church adheres to a logical methodology and the Bible is true, then all other religions are not true. God’s Word is truth. Live out your life according to what the Bible says. The Church must come together and communicate the truth, and preaching should be sharp and pointed.