Every once in a while as a preacher you throw a clunker. It can be discouraging. I admit that there are times I seek to supersize the full meal deal in a sermon when perhaps just the regular portion would work. Other preachers have different philosophies. Some give teasers of sermons, some give emotional pleas, some are hanging out in left field tickling ears. The great part about my perception of throwing a clunker is recognizing God has equipped me to do what I do and He authors the sermons. It also serves as a time to reflect on why do I do what I do?
I was thinking a lot today about Ephesians 6; specifically the sword of the spirit. Paul states: in Ephesians 6:17-18 "17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints." The sword is the one weapon we are given in our arsenal. When I consider my style and motivation behind preaching I consider how ineffective many of us are at wielding this weapon. I suppose that's why some of the folks I preach with over here state I preach like a professor. Part of my role is to equip saints with the one weapon they have in their arsenal.
It is odd to preach saying words like "hermeneutic," "exegesis," and "eisegesis" to folks that have often been spoon fed and may not know the power of what they hold in their hands. Then I think back to my church family and miss them all the more. Knowing that in the midst of spiritual battle you all have my back and wield and desire to wield the sword of truth in a manner worthy of a warrior. My role over here isn't complete yet, but I am hopeful that by the end God will have used me to equip more warriors ready to withstand the enemy and knowing how powerful the sword we wield is.
May we all continue in our prayers for one another. I miss you all.
Our One Weapon
Every once in a while as a preacher you throw a clunker. It can be discouraging. I admit that there are times I seek to supersize the full meal deal in a sermon when perhaps just the regular portion would work. Other preachers have different philosophies. Some give teasers of sermons, some give emotional pleas, some are hanging out in left field tickling ears. The great part about my perception of throwing a clunker is recognizing God has equipped me to do what I do and He authors the sermons. It also serves as a time to reflect on why do I do what I do?
I was thinking a lot today about Ephesians 6; specifically the sword of the spirit. Paul states: in Ephesians 6:17-18 "17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints." The sword is the one weapon we are given in our arsenal. When I consider my style and motivation behind preaching I consider how ineffective many of us are at wielding this weapon. I suppose that's why some of the folks I preach with over here state I preach like a professor. Part of my role is to equip saints with the one weapon they have in their arsenal.
It is odd to preach saying words like "hermeneutic," "exegesis," and "eisegesis" to folks that have often been spoon fed and may not know the power of what they hold in their hands. Then I think back to my church family and miss them all the more. Knowing that in the midst of spiritual battle you all have my back and wield and desire to wield the sword of truth in a manner worthy of a warrior. My role over here isn't complete yet, but I am hopeful that by the end God will have used me to equip more warriors ready to withstand the enemy and knowing how powerful the sword we wield is.
May we all continue in our prayers for one another. I miss you all.