My heart’s desire is to see the Lord God do something only He can do: Revive His Church again. (Psalm 119:37-40) As I view the church and the world where I had the privilege to be born and born again I must ask what's the difference? The church buildings in many places glitter and sparkle beckoning the world to come and see. See what? Gourmet coffee, strobe lights, manifold colored lighting, darkness on the congregation, and special lighting on the cast and rhinestone Christians?
What are we doing in such a critical time? Gallup poll has recently stated that church goers are searching for a place where they can hear the word preached and taught; they are looking for something beyond a “show and tell,” 15-minute talk that some pass for a sermon. Ear tickling, soft soaking, back scratching sermons and smorgasbord theology.
Give them Jesus through clear exegesis and expository preaching/teaching of the infallible, inerrant, plenary verbally inspired word of the living GOD. It is not the preachers responsibility to build the church (Matt.16:18) or to draw a crowd; it is his responsibility to preach sound doctrine as Paul instructed Timothy. (2 Tim. 4:1-5)
IF—and I emphasize, IF—we are called to proclaim, we should do it with diligent study, uncompromising conviction, unwavering loyalty, and a prayerful heart being led by the Spirit for HIS glory. David told Solomon in 1 Kings 2:1-2 to be the man. Latimer told Ridley on March 21st, AD 1555, as they were about to be burned for their faith, “Play the man.” That is a Christianity that we in America know nothing about. No, we will not play the man for fear of being fired; what man can do to us grips our hearts more so than a sacrificial surrender to the beloved Savior.
I ask these questions: Where are the prophets? Where is the modern day Elijah? Will you be an Amos, a Jeremiah, a Peter, or a John the Baptist? Or will you be Pablum milk toast or a Demas? Are you ashamed of the Gospel? There are millions who need to hear the TRUTH. Will we be the ones to counter the culture, the liberals, and a church where the whole head is sick and the whole heart is faint? (Isaiah 1:5-6) The problem lies at the foot of your pulpit and the answer lies in your heart. Let's open our minds and hearts to the Master and see what He says….. then be willing to make the necessary adjustments.
FOR THE KINGDOM’S SAKE
Ed
What are we doing in such a critical time? Gallup poll has recently stated that church goers are searching for a place where they can hear the word preached and taught; they are looking for something beyond a “show and tell,” 15-minute talk that some pass for a sermon. Ear tickling, soft soaking, back scratching sermons and smorgasbord theology.
Give them Jesus through clear exegesis and expository preaching/teaching of the infallible, inerrant, plenary verbally inspired word of the living GOD. It is not the preachers responsibility to build the church (Matt.16:18) or to draw a crowd; it is his responsibility to preach sound doctrine as Paul instructed Timothy. (2 Tim. 4:1-5)
IF—and I emphasize, IF—we are called to proclaim, we should do it with diligent study, uncompromising conviction, unwavering loyalty, and a prayerful heart being led by the Spirit for HIS glory. David told Solomon in 1 Kings 2:1-2 to be the man. Latimer told Ridley on March 21st, AD 1555, as they were about to be burned for their faith, “Play the man.” That is a Christianity that we in America know nothing about. No, we will not play the man for fear of being fired; what man can do to us grips our hearts more so than a sacrificial surrender to the beloved Savior.
I ask these questions: Where are the prophets? Where is the modern day Elijah? Will you be an Amos, a Jeremiah, a Peter, or a John the Baptist? Or will you be Pablum milk toast or a Demas? Are you ashamed of the Gospel? There are millions who need to hear the TRUTH. Will we be the ones to counter the culture, the liberals, and a church where the whole head is sick and the whole heart is faint? (Isaiah 1:5-6) The problem lies at the foot of your pulpit and the answer lies in your heart. Let's open our minds and hearts to the Master and see what He says….. then be willing to make the necessary adjustments.
FOR THE KINGDOM’S SAKE
Ed
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