With Authority
Well men, I just got back from the Shepherd's Conference (along w/ Jeremy and PJ) and am still in amazement at what God exposed me to. I noticed after a few seminars that an ongoing theme for pastor-teachers throughout was "preaching with authority". This was on display with the likes of Al Mohler on Thurs night and Alex Montoya on Friday morning, with its peak (I think) on Fri evening shown by Steve Lawson. It hit me hard that when we stand before ANYBODY with our Bibles open and (especially) behind a pulpit, we better preach, encourage, and BEG our listeners, understanding we have the authority of Almighty God surrounding us. This is what all the early church fathers did, the Reformation pastors did, and what a few truly anointed men do now. To trust God with the consequences while preaching biblically and authoritatively is what it's all about. Lives are at stake - it REALLY IS a matter of life OR death. Montoya made this especially clear stating, "The Holy Spirit speaks through you to channel Himself to the people, now do it!" We have to take this seriously, knowing that when done faithfully, we are imploring folks with the full and just authority of God Himself!!! Too many great men of the faith were slaughtered for their unwavering stance on the authority of Scipture. We have a lot to measure up to guys. God has used (and still uses) fearless men to proclaim His Word, e.g. John Knox, and John MacArthur. But, we have the awesome blessing from God that He will get His message out regardless and will not let us stop that process if we aren't "good enough". No one ever has been good enough behind the pulpit, just like no one ever has been good enough for salvation (Mohler, thurs night). As you can tell, this was a convicting week for me while up at Grace Church, and honestly, only furthered my drive to want to proclaim His truths.
posted by Cory M. Marsh at 2:40 PM
2 Comments:
Ya, Cory I really think you have some great thoughts about the need for good men who are willing to preach (Preach!) the word. This is true for both 1-on-1 and corporately. I appreciate how in pastor mike's sermon prep he writes to other pastors telling them that in their introduction "you're there to preach, so preach!".
You're just one part of the way that the spirit of God is moving during the worship service to speak to those in attendance. So if we fail to be the mouthpieces of God then we just as well should sit down and let someone else speak for God. If we ever fail to be a conduit of God's message to his people [through his word], then we have become bad stewards, and like we have seen, will be removed by God from authority [or we should be!].
I'm looking forward to listening to the rest of the sessions from shepherds conference, I've only gotten the chance to listen to one so far. Hurrah for free MP3's!
Cory thanks for the post. Rick Holland also spoken of fearlessness for Christ. He used John Knox as an illustration of a person who feared no man. This is our call as well, whether or not we are in the pulpit.
Post a Comment
<< Home