Preach what I want to hear!

Preaching has fallen on tough times these days. It’s almost as if folks come to services expecting to hear a certain message. If the message they want to hear isn’t conveyed in the way they believe it needs to be conveyed, they’ll turn the message off and walk away disgruntled. Paul urged Timothy in 2 Timothy 4: 2 “Preach the Word. Be prepared whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage with all long-suffering”. Let’s be honest. There are instances that we want to hear what WE want to hear. If what we hear doesn’t affirm what we already believe, we filter out what God might be trying to tell us. Do yourself a favor. Open your mind to embrace what God might be trying to tell you from the pulpit. Just because a particular message isn’t ‘flipping your switch’ doesn’t mean someone else isn’t benefited by it. I’ll be honest. There are times I don’t spend adequate time in prayer, meditation and study because of other duties pressing against my schedule. I will (from time to time) preach a ‘dud’ sermon. I can assure you Joel and I both spend a great deal of time in sermon preparation. Some weeks are easier to do that than others. Don’t be unrealistic or too assuming when it comes to your expectations. Church isn’t a spectator sport. You’ve not been called to services to critic the Sunday sermon. We’re ALL here to worship our Creator! Come with an open heart, an open mind and open arms ready to receive the implanted Word. And, pray for your ministers. I can assure you we’ve spent time this past week praying for you!

Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you!
Kevin