Dead Preachers

I'm learning something about preaching. Simply put - to be effective as a preacher/teacher - I must be dead. Many will argue with this statement and use personal opinion and our fleshly desires to "be somebody" to tell me that God wants to "use ME," etc. Heck - I've even said that before - many times - in my preaching. But Biblically, it cannot be supported. The only way for Jesus Christ to be revealed and to become FAMOUS in my own life is for me to die, so that He can live. I won't quote one verse here to support that - it's the entire message of the Bible - especially in the New Testament. The way to LIFE is through the door of DEATH (just look at Jesus and the cross).

Anyway, praying that God will help me to die, so that He can truly live in my preaching and teaching to my church community. My community needs God, not me.

I can't "stop"

"Sabbath" is a biblical word and concept meaning "to stop" or "to cease." My church community began a new series yesterday exploring the biblical concept of sabbath. I asked my church to acknowledge if they led crazy and chaotic lives that were costing them in some way. I think everyone raised a hand in acknowledgment - including myself.

We just don't get it. As Jesus-followers we often have the "right answers" - but our living is often, very often, out of sync. Not pointing fingers - I'm the worst.

God help us. How will we ever know God if we don't heed the call to stop and know Him?

Psalm 46:10 'Be still and know that I am God.'