Nehemiah 8:3 And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. 8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
As a general rule of thumb, when the unadulterated word of God is being delivered, you would scarcely find persons sleeping or yawning, for the presence and power of The Holy Ghost is present to drive the truth home. But when most of the congregation is nodding away while others are sleeping or snoring during sermons it means that something is not quite right.
Thus, we have reached the point in earth’s history where the average sermon won’t do anymore. If we are really on The Lord’s side let us deliver the goods just as God gives it; let preachers and elders not be afraid to call sin by its right name, and when the masses come clamoring for smooth things, let them be given what they need to hear and not what they want to hear.
In this way The Lord will work with our efforts, and He will send forth His Spirit to prick the conscience, and many conversions to the truth will be seen in places where previously folks were hesitant to make a firm stand for Christ and His righteousness. In harmony with the urgency of the moment we must remember that Paul wrote to the young Timothy on this very issue, at a time when some persons may have been disposed to question his ordination as a preacher.
2nd Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!