QUESTION THEY ASK

                                             QUESTION THEY ASK

 JOURNAL ENTRY-October 7, 1992- (BCC Bylines Vol. 19-#20) Much competition faces today’s preaching.  When I began, TV was still black and white- small screen.  “Ike” was president and media had not yet come of age, no internet-cell phone.   Life moved at a different pace in rural NW Ohio.  The Toledo Blade delivered to our door headlining  “War with Korea.”.  Much has changed but God’s directive remains the same. Preachers are still given the same commission.

“Preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction” (II Tim. 4:2)The Biblical command is clear, 1.  “Reprove” means to correct.  The standard is Christ.  He comes to show us God in flesh.  2.  “Rebuke” even stronger.  One thing for a parent to correct a child (reproof) but when negative behavior continues, it is time for rebuke. The Biblical command is clear,  3. “Exhort” means encourage, call people to God’s best.  The exhorter is a spiritual cheerleader of sorts.  Come on people, listen up! 

 Preachers will fail.  Sermons fall flat. But, “God’s Word is living and active and sharper than any two edged sword and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

(Hebrews 4:12)

 REFLECTION-November 13, 2015~

When you come before your congregation to preach, what do the people ask of you as their messenger?

                 Have you been with the right people? 

                 Have you pursued the way of culture and refinement? 

                Have you been polite? 

 Rather, they ask, “Have you been with God this week?  What message do you have for us from God?

 SAYING YES TO GOD~bob and marilyn yawberg- Vol. XVI #16