When I was in Bible college, one of my fellow students, who had a real heart for elderly people, regularly visited a local nursing home. He had made friends with several of the people living there, and as a result he was invited to come lead a chapel service.
He took this very seriously. He was honored by the chance to minister the word to these people for whom the Lord had given him so much love.
He studied. He prayed. He wrote notes and thoughts down. He filled a wastebasket with rejected ideas. Finally he emerged from his preparation time with a powerful message on salvation through faith.
He watched as the people assembled in room where he would be speaking. Some were using walkers. Some were wheeled in. A few had I.V. needles in their arms. There were also nurses gathered in the back to attend the service.
He cleared his throat and thanked them for the invitation, and then prayed. He had written the prayer down with every word carefully and prayerfully considered. Upon saying amen, he announced,
Today I have felt led to speak on the topic of salvation by faith. Let us look to God’s word, Ephesians 2, verses 8 and 9…
He read from his bible and began to describe the very important doctrines of salvation, faith, and grace. His exegesis and doctrinal treatise was perfect. His confidence was gaining until a woman began muttering,
Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah.
She continued saying this as she rolled her squeaky wheelchair out of the room. My friend tried to regain his focus after this, but never did. Finally he closed in prayer and went out to his car.
He was confused, discouraged, frustrated and even angry.
Every preacher at times has had these feelings in common. We study. Pray. Write. Pray more. But then it seems our words fall on deaf ears.
But every preacher who has been effective also has something in common: keeping Jesus the main focus. Aimee Semple McPherson, the founder of the Foursquare Church had John 12:21 engraved on the pulpit of Angelus Temple…
We would see Jesus
This is not at the expense of sound doctrine, nor is it dumbed down emotionalism. It is not simplistic, but it is simple, and it’s powerful. When we turn our attentions on Jesus we are opening the reservoirs of God’s power, healing, and love so strong that it demands attention. It’s then that the Holy Spirit can etch the words spoken so that they adjust to every listening ear.
Preaching Jesus may not keep every one from walking out, or wheeling out, but it will cause many to come to Him.
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