2024-08-18 Why Biblical Preaching Matters

Title: Why Biblical Preaching Matters

You might wonder why preaching is such a big deal in our worship services. Have you ever thought about what makes a sermon impactful or why it should matter to you? Imagine walking into church and treating the worship service like a buffet, picking and choosing what you want to engage with. But what if I told you that preaching is not just another item on the menu, but the main course that nourishes your soul? Let's dive into why biblical preaching is essential and how it can transform your life.

What is Biblical Preaching?

Biblical preaching is more than just a speech or a monologue. It’s the oral communication of God's Word through a commissioned messenger to a given audience. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, emphasizes that preaching involves both a message and a messenger. The message is the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the messenger is someone whose life aligns with the message they preach.

Paul and his team worked tirelessly, not to burden the Thessalonians, but to bring them the good news of Jesus. They lived devoutly, righteously, and blamelessly among the believers, ensuring that their conduct matched their message. This alignment between message and messenger is crucial for biblical preaching to be effective.

Why Does Biblical Preaching Matter?

You might ask, "Why should I care about biblical preaching?" The answer is simple: because it has the power to change lives. The gospel is not just a set of ideas or moral teachings; it is the life-giving Word of God. When you hear biblical preaching, you are not just listening to a man speak; you are hearing God speak through that man to your heart.

Paul's preaching was centered on the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. He didn't rely on eloquent wisdom or persuasive words but on the power of God. This power is what transforms lives, freeing us from the penalty and power of sin and ultimately from its presence.

How Should You Listen to Biblical Preaching?

Listening to a sermon is not a passive activity. To get the most out of biblical preaching, you need to listen expectantly so that God's Word can work effectively in your life. Here are three ways to do that:

1. Welcome the Word: Approach the sermon with a joyful and open heart. Recognize that the message is not just human words but the Word of God. When you welcome the message with joy, you are more likely to receive it deeply.

2. Receive the Word: Let the message penetrate your heart. Don't just hear it; internalize it. Allow God's Word to challenge and change you. The Thessalonians received Paul's message and let it transform their lives.

3. Believe the Word: Be convinced that what you are hearing is true. Faith in the gospel is what activates its power in your life. When you believe God's Word, it works effectively in you, bringing about real change.

Conclusion

So, why does biblical preaching matter? Because it is through preaching that the Spirit of God takes the Word of God and applies it to the child of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified in the church of God. This week, I challenge you to approach the next sermon you hear with an open heart, ready to welcome, receive, and believe the Word of God. What steps will you take to let God's Word work effectively in your life?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word and the power it has to transform our lives. Help us to welcome, receive, and believe Your message with open hearts. May Your Spirit work effectively in us, so that we may glorify Your Son, Jesus, in all that we do. Amen.

2024-08-11 _ SERVING WITH ETERNITY IN MIND

Title: Serving Like Jesus: The Heart of a Deacon

You might wonder why the role of a deacon is so crucial in the church. Or perhaps you’ve asked yourself, "How can I serve my church in a way that truly honors God?" Today, we’re diving into the heart of what it means to serve as a deacon, inspired by a recent sermon on 1 Thessalonians 2. Whether you’re a deacon, aspiring to be one, or simply looking to deepen your service to God, this message is for you.

The Heart of Service: Glorifying God

The main point of the sermon is clear: True service in the church is about glorifying God, not ourselves. Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6 remind us that our service should be God-centered. Paul and his team served the Thessalonians not for personal gain or recognition but to honor God. They faced opposition and hardship, yet their focus remained on glorifying God through their actions.

Why is this important for you? Because when your service is rooted in glorifying God, it transforms not only your life but also the lives of those around you. It shifts the focus from self-promotion to God-promotion, creating a ripple effect of genuine, Christ-like love and service within the church.

The Substance of Service: The Gospel

Paul’s ministry was not just about preaching; it was about living out the gospel. In 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, Paul describes his gentle, nurturing approach, likening it to a nursing mother caring for her children. This imagery underscores the importance of sharing not just the message of the gospel but also our lives with others.

What does this mean for you? It means that your service should be deeply rooted in the gospel. The good news of Jesus Christ should inform and transform every aspect of your life. When you serve others, you’re not just meeting their physical needs; you’re also sharing the love and truth of Jesus with them.

The Context of Service: Relationships

Paul and his team didn’t just preach and leave; they lived among the Thessalonians, building deep, meaningful relationships. In 1 Thessalonians 2:8-12, Paul emphasizes the importance of sharing their lives with the new believers, working night and day to support them.

Why should you care? Because real, impactful service happens in the context of relationships. God created us for community, and it’s through these relationships that we grow and help others grow in their faith. When you invest in relationships within your church, you’re creating a strong, supportive community that reflects the love of Christ.

Action Steps: How You Can Serve Like a Deacon

1. Examine Your Motives: Reflect on why you serve. Are you seeking recognition, or are you genuinely aiming to glorify God? Ask God to purify your motives and help you serve with a heart focused on Him.

2. Root Your Service in the Gospel: Make the gospel the foundation of your service. Share the love and truth of Jesus in every act of service, whether big or small.

3. Invest in Relationships: Build meaningful relationships within your church. Spend time with others, listen to their needs, and support them in their walk with Christ.

4. Lead by Example: Whether you’re a deacon or not, strive to be an example of Christ-like service. Show others what it means to serve selflessly and with a heart full of love for God and His people.

Conclusion

The point is clear: Jesus wants your whole heart in service. What will you do this week to give it to Him? Will you examine your motives, root your service in the gospel, invest in relationships, and lead by example? Remember, without taking these steps, you’ll miss out on the fullness of what Jesus wants for you and your church community.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of selfless service that Jesus set for us. Help us to serve with hearts that seek to glorify You above all else. Root our service in the gospel and guide us to build meaningful relationships within our church. May our actions reflect Your love and truth, and may we lead others to do the same. In Jesus’ name, Amen.