Put Cookies on the Bottom Shelf. – J. Vernon McGee

J. Vernon McGee spoke on the simplicity of preaching God’s word by saying that a preacher should put cookies on the Bottom shelf so that kiddies can get them. In other words, the preacher or anyone sharing God’s word should not complicate it but make it simple for people to understand.

Preach the truth as it is. And see God change the hearts of men. Paul says that he is not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16).

When Paul went to Athens (Acts 17:18), he was, to some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, a babbler. Dwellers of Athens were always attracted to new ideas but Paul preached simple Gospel truth. But Gospel, simple gospel of Jesus Christ dying on the cross and resurrection was the most powerful weapon which had turned the cities upside down.

The Gospel was (and still) foolishness to those who were perishing. But to us who are being saved it is power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18).We must always remember it is not our power to save. It is God who saves. Ours is to preach and tell people of Christ Jesus and the Gospel but it is the Holy Spirit who quickens the heart.

We cannot lure people into believing with words and phrases. In fact Paul says that when he went to Corinth, he never went there by wisdom of men.

I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:3-5 NKJV

Let’s make God’s word plain and simple but let’s always remember it is God who saves. At Pilgrim Meditations, it is our prayer to explain what Bible says plainly.