Reflecting Instead of Reacting

Preaching to rocket scientists each week is not an easy assignment. Especially for someone who is mathematically and scientifically challenged! It appears that stars do not reflect the sun as I erroneously stated in today's sermon. Apparently stars are on fire just as the sun is and the image we see is of them burning. Who would have thunk it?

Of course someone suggested that I simply pretend to have added that scientific faux pas to make sure that people were listening critically. Alas, perhaps I could have done so 6 or 7 years ago but I am afraid that my reputation as a scientific expert has already been tarnished beyond repair. I hope that my skill as a Biblical exegete and communicator of the gospel surpasses my knowledge of science and math.

Don't forget to read Philippians each week for the duration of the series! I, in turn, will try to research my illustrations before using them.

The Age of the Spirit

All of those languages being spoken at once made quite an impression this morning. My daughter commented afterward that she wished we could dramatize all Biblical stories. Indeed I have read the account of Pentecost Sunday from Acts chapter 2 all of my life, but today it came to life! Peter's sermon made so much sense in light of the events that were occurring. "These men are not drunk as you suppose, it's only nine in the morning!" That caused a chuckle from some in the crowd today just as it must have the first time Peter spoke those words. His sermon was not a well rehearsed, carefully thought out presentation. Rather, he was interacting with the crowd; passionately reasoning with them to accept the Lordship of Jesus who had so recently risen from the dead. The age of the Spirit has come! May we all learn what it means to let the Holy Spirit live though us.

God's Strange Answers

This will be the first time in over 20 years of preaching that I have paused a series of sermons in the middle, with a plan to preach the remainder later in the year. Usually when I preach a series they build on one another but this particular series is different. Each sermon seemed to stand alone. The topic of prayer is so vast and all inclusive I found that instead of having a logical progression of one sermon leading to the next, we were looking at prayer from a different angle each week. It is like examining something so huge one is unable to grasp it in it's entirety and must settle for breaking it into smaller sections for examination. I hope people have been encouraged to pray and that these sermons will become a kind of springboard to developing a deeper relationship with God. When we return to the Reel Prayer series we will talk about such topics as:

• The Prayer of Surrender (Bruce Almighty, Flywheel)

• Shouting at God (The Apostle)

• Wrestling in Prayer (The Passion)

Let me know if there are things you would like to hear me address when the series returns.

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The Preacher’s Wife
The Collar
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The Car
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Prayer and Thanksgiving

I have long loved this picture. The old man's weathered face, in my mind, indicate a hard life. However, his bowed head and folded hands indicate a thankful heart. The question the picture asks of my life is, "How much stuff do you really need?" A Bible, eye glasses, a simple meal, a warm shirt, a table, and a room provide plenty for the man to give thanks. I want to grow to be more focused on the blessings I've received than the burdens I have to bear. May all of my requests be made to God enveloped in thanksgiving for all He has already provided.

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Sister Act
Prayer Before Meal
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