One of the struggles of pastoring, specifically in preaching, is the constant struggle to not just disseminate information, to be practical in teaching the Word of God. To me, the Bible is not a textbook. It is not a history book, a poetry book, or a story book. To relegate the Bible to any one of these would be seriously undermining its beauty and effectiveness. The Bible is a LIFE book, a book that brings life, shows life, gives life, empowers life, and guarantees life. So my goal is to make sure that every week through preaching that the Word becomes alive. Typing that last sentence was so much easier than carrying this out.
Today, we looked at "Identity Theft and the Antichrist," looking at the beasts of Revelation 13 and their false messages and domination during the end times. But in preparing, I wanted to do more than bring about a good lesson on what the Antichrist and False Prophet would look and act like - to me, that's boring. How would I know for sure outside of same incomplete references exactly what these would be like? So I decided to talk about how the church responds to that spirit of antichrist and false messages. I capped off each message with a video from www.sermonspice.com that is entitled "That's my King" or "Do you know Him?" The gist of the message was getting to know Christ more so that we can show people who He truly is. I think it went well, although a frustrating glitch delayed the video feed - oh well!
I am always encouraged by our worship times. I know that there are songs that some like and that some don't. If I could impress upon you, the worshipper, to be open-minded every time a song is played and sung. I had an experience last week where I was at a conference, and during an important part of the service, they used a song that I used to just HATE, but it was SO effective that I just broke down. There are songs that I don't necessarily care for, but when my heart is open and ready to worship, God has a tendency to use these same songs to speak to me in some powerful ways.
Today's services were good. Combined attendance was 109, and the Spirit of God moved in both services. I was encouraged to see some people back, especially Scott & Stephanie and their kids. I hope that the Journey can become home to them. I was hoping to see a few people that raised their hands for salvation last week back with us, but they weren't and we will just have to wait and pray that they do come back.
God is good, church. He is SO good to us. One last word to provoke the Journey to better things: Don't forget that our church is what we make it. So if our church is friendly and welcoming, it is because you and I are friendly and welcoming. If our church is judgmental and harsh, it is because you and I are that way. But further than that, if we have a Spirit-filled worship time, it is because you and I beforehand have emptied ourselves and have asked the Spirit of God to work in our hearts. And for the sermon to be effective and life-changing, it will be because you and I have prepared for the Word to be spoken, opening ourselves to the Spirit's leading.
May The Journey experience the hand of God working in our midst more and more each week!
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