Well, this is my first post for “Musings” and my first post EVER as a blog author. This will be a new thing for me as I have not been that active in the blogosphere to this point, but I am looking forward to the journey. I hope the readers enjoy my posts and maybe even get some useful nuggets from me now and then. And although I am used to writing more formally, I hope my personality comes through in my posts. If you would ask those close to me, I think they would say I am easy to talk to, can be wittingly sarcastic and also egotistical in a fun, self-deprecating sort of way. Which is a good segway to explaining my profile name “The Counselor”. I actually am an attorney, but I gave myself that handle more because I just like hearing people refer to me as “The Counselor”. See, you have to know my personality to get that one!!
Now, on to my post. Listening to the Sermon Jams that JT linked to in his August 4th post made me think about what makes a preacher “great”. We have all heard many good preachers, but at least for me, I know when I am listening to one of those few that are truly great. It gives me that feeling of “Wow, I have never heard it stated that way” or “Wow, keep it coming”. To me it comes down to depth and passion. A great preacher takes things to a deeper level and delivers his message with true passion for Christ. A level that we do not ordinarily think about or even know exists, and a passion that can only come from a true love for God and His kingdom. I don’t know for sure, but this must come from an understanding of scripture and closeness to God that is rare.
My wife and I had the privilege of attending Bethlehem Baptist Church and listening to John Piper’s sermons live each week when we lived in Minneapolis. For those of you who are unfamiliar with John Piper, he is the senior pastor at Bethlehem and a nationally known speaker and author. I can say that he is truly a great preacher, and those of you who have listened to him I am sure would agree. The passion he has for the glorification of Christ is unmatched and the depth of his preaching is amazing. It was so refreshing and invigorating to hear that great preaching each week.
Of course, we as Christians should not glorify John Piper or any other great preacher above Christ. We should however view their messages as blessings and opportunities to grow in our understanding and love for Christ.
Until next time,
The Counselor
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1 comment:
Thanks for your heart. I was laughing when I was reading your intro about being called "The Counselor." I appreciate you participating in this blog. It is so true that we cannot take good preaching for granted. Thanks to the internet, we have access to Piper, Mark Driscoll and many others that are so fantastically committed to spreading the gospel. Living in the city also allows us more opportunities to get to hear these great men each each week. Thanks again.
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