Saturday's Snippet

1 Corinthians 1:21

 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Good morning, and a sweet Saturday morning to one and all!

After attending the last night of a Spring conference in Missouri, where we heard great preaching, the two verses above came to my mind this morning as I contemplated the spoonful of tonic to write about today. The Word of God is powerful, and preaching is foolishness (so writes our beloved Brother Paul). An odd contrast, it would seem.

We must have a preacher in our lives if we would be saved, according to Romans 10:14-15. Also, in Hebrews 13:17, we are instructed to "obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls..." Ministers who have been called of God to preach His Word are of great value, and they serve a great purpose in our lives. To obey them and submit to them is biblical; it is a must, but it is a joy! 

To hear God-anointed preaching by God-called ministers, while it may be viewed as foolishness to the world, it is powerful to us who are saved. Christians desire the preaching of the Word because, with its power and sharpness, we are shaped into the image of Jesus Christ. We cannot victoriously stand against the attacks of Satan without having the Word of God applied to our lives. We have Christ in us through the power of the Holy Ghost, and God has granted us preachers (pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc. - Ephesians 4:11) to deliver His word to us, but we must do as David did and hide His Word in our hearts (Psalm 119:11).

I was helped, stirred, provoked, and challenged by the preaching of the Word of God last night, and I plan to apply it to my life, in order to grow in God. If natural food is set before us and we do not partake of it, we will become weak and unable to function in our daily lives. So it is with preaching; we hear it, then we must absorb it, then apply it - then we will be strong soldiers for Jesus Christ. 

This song, Preacher Tell Me Like It Is, by Greater Vision, is high on the charts of Southern Gospel music, and its message is quite clear:

Verse One

Preacher, I'd say it's been awhile since you've heard this request

But my spirit is tired and I need rest

I want to hear from Heaven, a clear word from God

A sermon of conviction, straight from the heart.

Verse Two

I've been hearing other preachers say I don't have to change

The most eloquent of speakers tell me I'm okay

But it hasn't eased my conscience, and I know it's not the truth

So when you stand before us, can I count on you?

Chorus

Oh, Preacher, you say you want to be my friend

Don't be afraid to call my sin what it is

And, Preacher, tell me I can overcome

But it's only by the blood of the Lamb

Don't tell me like I wish it was, Preacher, tell me like it is

Verse Three

So open up the Word and let the Spirit lead

Preach until I've heard God speak to me

Don't worry about my feelings, don't worry about my shame

Just preach the cross of Jesus, and that I'm to blame!

I pray for a greater love for preaching to engulf us!

Until tomorrow, Lord willing................