Preaching: Is Anybody Listening?

Something To Think About, Preaching, 2:

STTA started out as a radio program.  I'd go down to the local radio station and sit in from of a console and a recorder.  I age myself when I tell you I started out with a reel to reel.  I'd sit there with a stopwatch in my hand and read from my script.   Sometimes it came out right.  Often times I'd have to start over.  I made good use of the rewind button.  When I finished, the tech-guy at the radio station would put my spots on a cartridge that looked a lot like the old eight-tracks that used to be in automobiles. "Something to Think About" was broadcast right after Paul Harvey.  After his iconic, "Good Day," my, "Hello, my name is Howard Merrell, this is Something to Think About," would go out to radio-land. Back in the day it used to be common for local businesses to play the local radio station over their public-address systems.  A few times, I was giving my order to a waitress, or getting my change from a checkout clerk when my radio-voice came out of the speaker.  Some made the connection, others just kept counting nickels.  It never was really clear whether anyone really listened. Is anybody out there tuned in? I'm not on the radio anymore, but it is still a question I ask whenever I preach.  People may look like they are paying attention, and often they are--to their cellphone, a grocery list, a mental replay of the fight they recently had with their spouse, or even "twenty-five reasons why this guy is all wrong." When the preacher steps down from the platform or the teacher finishes the lesson, we are never quite sure what has been accomplished. Anything? From time to time we preacher-types get word from the other side.  It happened to me recently.  Somebody took the time to come and let me know that yes, indeed, someone was listening.  Somebody out there in the sea of faces zeroed in on the message in the message and applied it to their heart.  A life was changed. Is anybody listening? Most of the time we don't know. Preaching is an act of faith.  I believe in the power of God's word (see here).  To teach Sunday School, to preach, to read the Bible to your kids before they go to sleep, involves believing that God works through His word.  It's encouraging to have that trust reinforced from time to time.  I'm thankful to my new friend for giving me a peek at what's going on out there. Yes, somebody listened.   It's STTA.   A fictional preacher-friend of mine has the same question in his heart that many of we flesh and blood preachers struggle with.  Sometime it seems like Nobody is listening.  You might identify with Parson Smedley's musings.

Talking about Preaching

Something To Think About, Preaching:

"It's a weird way to make a living." I remember sharing that commentary about being a pastor and preaching to a group of people every week.  I was talking to a younger colleague.  Not only has it been the way I have earned my living for all my adult life, preaching/pastoring has been my life. Today, and five more times over the next two weeks I get to talk to a group of guys about preaching to, and being a shepherd to, a congregation.  It is a great privilege. As I prepare, I am reminded of some who have taught and/or been an example to me over the years: My late Father-in-law, Eugene Marsceau was my pastor through my formative teen years.  He modeled faithfulness.  That is the trait that is the chief requirement for those of us to whom a message has been entrusted. Lester Pipkin was the President of Appalacian Bible Institute where I received the training that impacted me most.  He was a great example of powerful preaching.  Words can move people.  The Word of God is powerful. Billy Price has been my colleague in ministry for almost my whole career.  He has modeled what it means to love others with the love of Christ.  He has been my friend. I can't say I knew the man, but I learned from Joe Stowell that sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is to say nothing.  It's harder than you think.  I have never seen a man with a more powerful presence, I saw in Glenn Mathews a rare combination of passion and intellect. I observed as I listened to Victor Decker, my pastor during two years of college, and J. Don Jennings, whose ministry I sat under several times, that God not only uses us in spite of our handicaps, He actually uses our handicaps as a means for showcasing His word.  We have the treasure in clay pots.   I could go on, but let me just say that I'm humbled to step into the room with these men, not, as has been true in the past, in the role of student, but as one who seeks to shape the next generation of those who Preach the Word. I'd appreciate you praying for me.  I know it sounds quaint and old-fashioned, but we need some guys who can preach the word.  If I can have any positive influence to that end.  I'll be very thankful. Let me know in about fifty years how it works out. It's STTA.

The direction the refugees are going says something.

Something to Think About for September 11, 2015:

Something To Think About, The Shadow of the Cross:

A couple of caveats: America is not a Christian nation.  Europe certainly is not a Christian continent.  The New Testament presents a way of life that is counter-cultural.  "Christian nation" is an oxymoron. I speak as a citizen of the United States when I say, our record, and that of other so-called Christian nations, even our recent record, is not spotless.   With that said, I notice on this anniversary of 9/11 that thousands of refugees are boarding rickety boats and leaky rafts.  Some are getting into the back of crowded trucks or walking many miles.  Fathers are selling everything they own and borrowing everything they can, in order to take their families from one place to another.  Many are dying in the attempt.  Keeping in mind my caveats, it is still undeniable that the flow of these refugees is moving away from nations where there have been years, even centuries, of attempts to obliterate the influence of the cross, into lands where the cross still casts a long shadow.  The case can be made that "Christian" nations need to do more to welcome these folk in such great need.  Still the contrast is stark when one compares what these nations are doing with what wealthy Islamic nations aren't doing.  The heritage of the West to show kindness to those in need has developed under the shadow of the cross.  The influence of Christianity has led to protections for the weak, and freedoms for minorities.  While our history is full of grievous examples of "not living up to what we claim to believe," it is that system of ethics that flowed from Christian principles that led us to outlaw the evil of slavery, and take steps to recognize the value of all people regardless of race or religion. Even diminished as that influence has become over the last century, those who are desperately looking for a safe place to raise their families see lands where the cross of Christ still casts a shadow as a haven.  The Good News that changes people's lives, leads to a better world.   It's STTA.   On this page there are multiple options.  All of them point to how the message of the cross can change your life. Some of you wonder what you can do to help the refugees of Islamic persecution.  There are many good ministries.  Global Partners for Peace and Development has worked with those fleeing persecution for years.  Here is their website.

I'm a Christian AND . . .

Something To Think About, Being a Christian:

"I'm a Christian but . . ." A video published by Buzzfeed has achieved that envied status of "going viral."  It features a winsome group of young adults finishing the statement, "I am a Christian, but . . ." and answering a couple of related questions. The obvious implication is that Christians are known for being homophobic, being close-minded, unaccepting, ignorant, uneducated, andthinking they are perfect.   The young people in the video identify as being fans of Beyonce, liking wine, and appreciating science.  They obviously want to be considered normal--not like those "crazy" Christians so often seen and heard in the media.  I'm four decades past being in the demographic of this video, but I identify with them, to a point.  Many of those who are identified as Christians, especially Christian leaders, are not people with whom I want to be identified.  In these daily musings I have identified many "Christians," so called, who are very poor examples of Christ-followers.  Among them are Westboro Baptist Church, leaders who hang "Rev." in front of their names but don't preach the Gospel, those who think "godliness is a means of gain," and often times me.  There are a lot of folk out there who I wish would take the bumper sticker off their cars.  The New Testament contains examples of the Apostle Paul, and others, in essence saying, "I'm a Christian but . . ." (here, here, & here)  Let me tell you two problems with the video--not only with the video, but with the view of Christianity that led to the viral-ity of the the little piece. The fact is the way of life that Jesus calls us to is counter cultural.  The early Christians were accused of being atheists, because unlike virtually everybody else in their world they refused to offer token worship to the gods of their place and time.  In a world consumed by conspicuous consumption, Jesus calls us to a life of laying up treasures in heaven.  All around us people are saying not only, "If it feels good do it."  but, "If it feels that good it can't be wrong."  Jesus, on the other hand says, "Take up your cross and follow me."  Yes, love is at the core Christianity, but love does not rhyme with "any thing goes." The video is far stronger in pointing out what Christianity isn't, from the viewpoint of the producers, than it is at making known what Christianity is.  One critic pointed out that Jesus is only mentioned one time.  Another observed a lack of anything about Christ's coming, or His death, or resurrection.  How different from the Apostle Paul, who, when he came to the hostile environment of Corinth, was "determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified."  (1 Co 2:2)   I doubt that it will go viral, but how about this?   I'm a Christian, and I'm trying to live in obedience to God's word. It's STTA.   On this page there are multiple options.  All of them point to how we can have an ongoing relationship with our Lord.

Look around. It's beautiful.

Something To Think About, BEAUTY:

I am privileged to live in an incredibly beautiful place on God's globe.  It is sad that so often I fail to look.  I took a bike ride in the country, yesterday, then my wife and I went to a local lake and sat on the mirror like surface and enjoyed supper.  The mountains around the water turned from green to black silhouettes, rimmed with the last golden light of day.  A flock of birds moving in amazing unison stretched across the sky like a huge ribbon in the wind, twisting, turning, vanishing, returning.  Then today I took a one hundred twenty mile round trip through the mountains and along a couple of streams.  The morning fog turned to blue skies, but patches of mist still clung to some of the ridges. I don't always look at the beauty around me.  Sometimes I'm in a hurry so I rush by.  Other times I'm looking down so I won't stumble, or my focus is inward on my problems.  In the same way that the"worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things" choke out the good seed of the Word of God before it bears fruit (Mark 4:19), carrying daily worries around--especially beyond their intended one day shelf-life--blinds one to the beauty of God's world. I'm not your doctor, I'm just a guy who tries to write something worth thinking about from time to time, but here is my prescription:      Take a minute, or two, or three, or a whole hour, look around, and thank God for the beauty of the world. In spite of the blight of sin, it is still wonderful to behold. Then, with the wonder still in your heart, say, "Thank You, Lord." It's STTA.

This life is one transition after another.

Something To Think About, Transitions:

My wife and I are working through a transition from our "working years" to our next opportunity.  If you are interested you can read about it here.  Friends and loved ones have spoken encouragement into our lives.  Some express a bit of wonder that folk at "our age" would be seeking what is next, rather than resting on what is past.  There is nothing remarkable about asking, "How can I use what I have to God's glory?"  It's just what we ought to do. The reality is, whether we realize it or not, we are all in transition.  My two lovely granddaughters, above, have entered a year of change.  It's Kendal's first year in a new school and Carrington's last year of High school.  A good friend of mine is forty years younger than me.  He is negotiating a passage from here to there that looks remarkably like mine.  His dad is fifteen years younger than me, and just about everything in his life has changed in the past few years.  Then there is another friend:  Whether it is now or down the line, he is looking at that ultimate transition.  We are all headed there.  As the old song says, "This world is not my home.  I'm just a passin' through."   I just received this picture of my youngest grandchild.  She's not three yet.  She watched her big sisters get ready for, and head off to, school.  She's thoroughly convinced she is a big as they are so she got on her new school clothes to head off to her "school"--day-care class.  After that nothing is the same. Not really. There are some realities that are unchanging. Forty-five years ago, though I was on crutches at the time, I climbed a hill and took a seat on a log where I had an unimpeded view to the west.  I was going through a particularly difficult passage in my life.  I took great comfort in watching the sun set.  God had kept the sun and earth, and all the other planets and stars in working order since the day He created them.   From little girls with new shoes, they can't tie yet, heading off to "school," to the old and grizzled on the threshold of eternity, life is a series of transitions.  If I'm with my little granddaughter when she is going through a particularly rough transition--and her life is filled withfirsts-- I'll hold her hand or even pick her up and carry her.  The reality for those of us who have an ongoing relationship with the Lord is that He has promised to be with us through all of life. Hold onto that. It's STTA.   On this page there are multiple options.  All of them point to how we can have an ongoing relationship with our Lord.

We have the privilege of having the Word in our language.

Something to Think About for September 1, 2015:

Something To Think About, Translations:

I shared yesterday about the power of the Word of God.  We English speakers are fortunate to have a multitude of options when it comes to reading and studying the Bible.  The hard drive on this computer contains more than a score of Bible translations, paraphrases, and versions.  I have friends who love the Lord, who don't even have an entire Bible in their language.  Other friends of mine live in places where their choice of which translation to use is easy.  There is only one. But the plethora of English Translations is not necessarily a blessing.  Which one do I use?  Some folk grew up on the King James.  Unless they sound like they are lisping when they read, they don't think it is the real thing.  The King James is a good translation.  There is a problem, though.  Take the following quiz to see it. If someone does "you to wit," should you be insulted? If one of the soldiers in Saul's army was big enough to hold a carriage in his hand, why in the world was he afraid of Goliath? Where did the sailors with whom Paul traveled  have to go to fetch a compass? How might the living prevent those who sleep, and why would we want to? To obtain a "meat offering, did the Old Testament worshiper go to one who raised animals or one who grew crops? I've given some information at the end of this email that will help you answer the questions, but for now, just know that every one of those questions is based on the fact the meaning of words has changed in the last four-hundred years.  For many, maybe most, 21st Century English speakers the King James Bible is a translation of God's Word into a language that they don't speak.  If one is prepared to deal with the Elizabethan English the King James is a marvelous translation.   Fortunately, if you are looking for a translation of the Bible into the kind of English that we speak in the Twenty-first Century, there are some excellent options. The New King James is a translation that preserves much of the feel of the KJV, but updates some of the archaic language. The New American Standard Bible is translation that has much to offer from a technical viewpoint.  It is my favorite translation. Likewise the English Standard Version.  This translation is favored by many preachers and teachers I admire. The New International, has been the most popular of the modern English Translations.  Unfortunately, some of the revisions of the NIV in the past couple of decades may have been influenced by political correctness as much as a desire for accuracy.  I am confident about recommending the "original," 1984, NIV.  I'll let others comment on the revisions. My wife really likes the New Living Translation. I often use it when I am going to be reading a large chunk of the Bible.  It is very conversational.  Most of the text of my message,God's Story in His Own Words, is taken from the NLT. You can find technical reviews of various Bible translations elsewhere. This is just a word from a friend. It's STTA.   Here is a link to a message I've been privileged to share several times that uses only the words of Scripture to share God's Story, in His Own Words.   About the Quiz:  I think these links will clear things up.  "do you to wit," "Keeper of the carriage" "fetch a compass" "shall not prevent them which are asleep" "meat offering"  According to Matthew Henry, "Meat was, and still is [in his day], properly given to any kind of provision,