We want to direct people to the grace of God, not dazzle them with our productions. We don’t want to raise church people who are too casual in their worship that they’d rather sit back and enjoy their lattes instead of getting awed and captivated and mesmerized by the wonders of God.
Author: Jojo Agot
Pastor at Victory. Faculty and adviser at Every Nation Leadership Institute (ENLI). MA in Theology and Mission at Every Nation Seminary.
Go Home!
The motto of all true servants of God must be, ‘We preach Christ; and Him crucified.’ A sermon without Christ in it is like a loaf of bread without any flour in it. No Christ in your sermon, sir? Then go home, and never preach again until you have something worth preaching.
Charles H. Spurgeon
Sharp Tongue
“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” –Matthew 5: 20
I marvel at this cutting remark that Jesus hurled at the religious leaders of His day. How can he, a mere son of a carpenter in the eyes of the locals, lash biting words at the entire religious system of the Jews?
Once again, I am amazed at the way Jesus preached. He doesn’t mince words when it comes to the truth. He was not preaching to please a crowd. He was declaring the full counsel of God and He did it fearlessly, as if the sensibilities of His hearers were just secondary to the urgency and truth of His message. Continue reading Sharp Tongue
Talking is Overrated
Charles Spurgeon on learning how to shut up:
Priceless as the gift of utterance may be, the practice of silence in some aspects far excels it. Do not think me a Quaker. Well, be it so. Herein I follow George Fox most lovingly; for I am persuaded that most of us think too much of speech, which after all is but the shell of thought. Quiet contemplation, still worship, unuttered rapture, these are mine when my best jewels are before me. Brethren, rob not your heart of the deep sea joys; miss not the far-down life, by for ever babbling among the broken shells and foaming surges of the shore.
Have Something to Say
Instead of focusing on gathering a crowd, focus on having something to say. If you have something to say, the crowd will take care of itself.
Dallas Willard
An Ongoing Preference for Christ
Saving faith is not merely a one-time decision for Christ, but is an ongoing preference for Christ over all other values. The pursuit of Christ is the evidence of genuine faith in Christ as our treasure.
—John Piper
Jojo Agot 