June 16, 2006

Welcome back. We're glad that you could join us for our end of the week blog. It's a great day to talk about when God builds a church:

Paul commanded Timothy to preach the Word, for the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine, instead they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

 

The gospel doesn’t change regardless of how far the values of our culture erode. Do your best to see that the members of your church are grounded in God’s Word. Teach Bible songs in your nursery, teach Bible stories that you want your preschoolers to remember, in your elementary programs teach your kid’s God’s Word. Teach your youth and adults the Word of God.

 

You need to shower people with God’s grace while taking a strong biblical stand on moral issues. Someone who has been convicted of God’s truth is ready to receive God’s grace. Grace can only be understood in the context of God’s truth. We need to be preaching a God of grace and truth. Jesus Christ can forgive the past and empower us to win the victory in the future. When we preach as sinners saved by grace, people are encouraged to trust in Christ’s love.

 

The Word of God has tremendous power when the preacher or teacher applies it in a way that builds a bridge to the daily lives of the listeners. Jesus was a master at applying biblical principles to the lives of his listeners. How does the lesson that you have prepared apply to the daily lives of your listeners? Pray that God will reveal to you specific ways the passage should make a difference in the people’s lives.

 

When people see how the scripture applies to Monday, not just Sunday, then the Word of God begins to come alive to them. Two or three one-line examples will make the application even better. Such one-line examples of application can really cultivate the soil of the heart to receive God’s truth. Sometimes your best illustrations will emerge from trying to find examples of application.

 

Its important that we come up with practical help for people trying to apply the scriptures. Coming up with creative applications is hard work, but this the point where preaching becomes a helpful ministry that transforms lives, and not just an interesting presentation. We desperately need churches with preachers and teachers who will believe God’s Word, teach God’s Word, and apply God’s Word to the everyday lives of those who are listening. God will be faithful in using the conviction of these people to grow their congregations.

What great thoughts! Be sure to watch for our podcast that will be out tonight or early tomorrow. As always there will be some great tips on church growth and some inspiration to get you through the weekend.

Please visit our sponsor at: www.thegreatcommissionchurch.org  and send your comments to me: [e-mail]  . Until next time, thanks and God bless.

Pastor Bob Emery