"Start running and never quit! Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished the race we're in. Study how He did it. Because He never lost sight of where He was headed--that exhilarating finish in and with God--he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. "
Hebrews 12: 2-3 from The Message by Eugene Peterson
President Lincoln, an incredible communicator, was known during the Civil War to attend a church not far from the White House on Wednesday nights.
The preacher, Dr. Gurley, allowed the President to sit in his study with the door open to the chancel so he could listen to the sermon without interacting with the people. One Wednesday as Lincoln and a companion walked back to the White House after the service, the President's companion asked, "Mr. President what did you think of the sermon?"
"Well," Lincoln replied," It was brilliantly conceived, Biblical, relevant and well-presented."
"So, it was a great sermon?"
"No," said Lincoln, "It failed. It failed because Dr. Gurley did not ask us to do something great."
God has called me to preach from the heart, with relevance, but also with the emphasis on life-application. As I prepare sermons, my weekly question to myself is: Will this message challenge us to make a positive change? As Christians we are sanctified by God's grace, that is, we continue to grow in faith, grace, commitment to the Lord, and in service to other people. You are invited to come hear the Word of God and to be challenged to greatness!
Hebrews 12: 2-3 from The Message by Eugene Peterson
President Lincoln, an incredible communicator, was known during the Civil War to attend a church not far from the White House on Wednesday nights.
The preacher, Dr. Gurley, allowed the President to sit in his study with the door open to the chancel so he could listen to the sermon without interacting with the people. One Wednesday as Lincoln and a companion walked back to the White House after the service, the President's companion asked, "Mr. President what did you think of the sermon?"
"Well," Lincoln replied," It was brilliantly conceived, Biblical, relevant and well-presented."
"So, it was a great sermon?"
"No," said Lincoln, "It failed. It failed because Dr. Gurley did not ask us to do something great."
God has called me to preach from the heart, with relevance, but also with the emphasis on life-application. As I prepare sermons, my weekly question to myself is: Will this message challenge us to make a positive change? As Christians we are sanctified by God's grace, that is, we continue to grow in faith, grace, commitment to the Lord, and in service to other people. You are invited to come hear the Word of God and to be challenged to greatness!