Powerful speakers or faithful preachers?
February 19, 2013 § 2 Comments
There seems to be no end of seminars, tape series or books that are guaranteed to make me a better preacher. I regularly receive emails with enticing subject titles like “Preach sermons that will move your people!” “Preach with power” and “Is your preaching changing lives?”
No preacher wants to believe that his sermons are without power, and no congregation desires a preacher who does not trust that God will use his preaching in powerful ways. People have a high expectation of their pastors when it comes to preaching, and rightly so. They want to “show him off” when friends or family visit, they want him to make the Bible “come alive” when they bring unchurched friends; and, in between, they want him to hit “home runs” every week. In short, they want him to be a dynamic, powerful speaker who makes sitting for half an hour worth it. « Read the rest of this entry »
Protestants and Lent
February 16, 2013 § 2 Comments
A few important points are necessary to make at the outset of this post.
First. I do not agree that it is never appropriate to question or criticize a person’s expression of devotion to God. Biblically speaking, sometimes critique is necessary because one’s devotion may be misplaced or in error, as Paul did with the unbelieving Athenians (Acts 17:23). Other times it is necessary because of ignorance, as Priscilla and Aquila did with Apollos (Acts 18:24-26) or as Paul did with the believers he met in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-6). In each case critique is matter of truth, love and, ultimately, honor to the Lord. « Read the rest of this entry »
Likability or Respect?
October 22, 2012 § Leave a comment
Several folks commented on the following section of my sermon yesterday on Hebrews13:17 and 1 Thessalonians 5:12 and 13, “Make Your Leaders’ Work a Joy!” I thought I would post it.
God calls his sheep to follow their shepherds by offering them due respect (1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13)
Verse 12 begins, “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord….”; Paul continues with the same idea in verse 13, urging them “to esteem them very highly.” This is where faithful following begins—with respect. Nothing quenches the spirit of willing cooperation more than a lack of respect for those called to lead. « Read the rest of this entry »
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