Serious Preaching
October 8th, 2008
(By Richard Baxter)
For myself, as I am ashamed of my dull and careless heart, and of my slow and unprofitable course of life, so, the Lord knows, I am ashamed of every sermon I preach; when I think what I have been speaking of, and who sent me, and that men’s salvation or damnation is so much concerned in it, I am ready to tremble lest God should judge me as a slighter of His truths and the souls of men, and lest in the best sermon I should be guilty of their blood.
Me thinks we should not speak a word to men in matters of such consequence without tears, or the greatest earnestness that possibly we can; were not we too much guilty of the sin which we reprove, it would be so.
Lord, cleanse our hearts from sin, doublemindedness, disobedience of your clear commands, and sloth. Help each Christian to equip themselves with the Sword of the Spirit (Your Holy Word-Eph 6:17); and “Go” into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15); because Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners (1Tim 1:15).
Please grant that we too would have the compassion of Jesus on others as He has upon us.
In His holy Name,
Amen
Let us not forget that as we prepare and preach, God is our audience.
By His Grace and for His Glory.
Great quote. Thanks.
I thought I was the only one who felt that way!!
It’s encouraging to have something like this to meditate on. I am going to go back to my sermon for this week with a renewed passion.
It’s weird as a Christian. For some reason, our comfort is found when were most humble. It seems that I’m more satisfied when I’m in tears, then when I am happy, because I know happiness will not last. It’s so great to see humbled pastors! What an encouragement! “How great it is to be humble!” – I don’t think that would be a very popular quote in America.
Forgive us Lord that we have not been more broken in our spirits to hear even the most dismal sermon that speaks of Christ and His Glory. That we should think that we have become only well enough prepared to hear only highly versed sermons from those whose exposition prowess is only up to a standard that may not be the Lords!
Oh for a time in the future when we would hear the sound of men on every street speaking of this wondrous Savior. This is my prayer that our conversation be only that which manifest the aroma of Christ.
Forgive me of being a written epistle that does not clearly exact what truly is my heart. And forgive me more so that my heart is not more in love with thee.
If you love Christ — speak his name in prayer, and ask that more men become preachers. If you preach Christ, preach Christ alone!
Philippians 1:18
Even so, I thank thee for your abundant mercy and grace!
onecross-OneSavior,
David Nathan