I Am A Preacher

I was recently asked to speak at a national civic celebration. While I feel honored to be asked, my mind immediately began to ponder what do I talk about on such an occasion. Should I offer a simple motivational speech? Should I try to talk history, which I love. Should I discuss politics or world events? Should I speak about the culture and sociology. I’ve done all of these on various other occasions. But what should I say at the forthcoming event? I do not take these requests lightly, so I sought counsel from a trusted friend, I prayed, and I asked the Lord to give me wisdom.

That’s when the Lord, gently whispered to my heart… “You are a preacher, so preach my Word!” I am a preacher! I was called to this at 14. Some years ago, while pastoring in another state I was asked to run for Congress by party officials at the time who assured me they would throw all their support behind me and financially fund the campaign. The “you will win” and replace their outgoing party representative. I asked them to give me a couple of weeks to seek the Lord about it all before I gave my answer. When time came for me to give them a response, I told them how honored I was to be asked, but that after seeking the Lord in prayer I could not accept their offer. I told them that I was already serving as an ambassador of another King and His Kingdom and that I knew that God had called me to be a preacher, teacher, and pastor. That isn’t to say that civic service and government are not a calling from God (See Romans 13). And heaven knows we need more God called politicians in Washington. Further, I am not suggesting that preaching should not deal with or include matters of history, or sociology, or motivation, or cultural issues, or even, dare I say it… politics. The Bible speaks to all these things, and we need its voice in them more than ever. But above all, the Bible offers a message of redemption, reconciliation between God and man, and a message of hope for the human heart. It is the primary message of scripture. “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”         (2 Corinthians 5:20)

And like Paul I can say, “I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service,” (1 Timothy 1:12). I consider the preaching of God’s Word the highest position a man can have while on this earth. Charles Spurgeon said, “The preaching of Christ is the whip that flogs the devil. The preaching of Christ is the thunderbolt, the sound of which makes all hell shake.” I am not sure my preaching is that powerful, but it is a privilege and honor to be entrusted with the task of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ week in and week out! I am a preacher and I thank God that I am!

Fall Family Day is this Sunday (10/22/23) at Corn Dodger’s Farm in Headland from 5:00PM until 8:00PM. We have rented the entire farm and will have free hot dogs, hamburgers, “fixins”, peanuts, etc. There are inflatables for the kids, wagon and pony rides, a corn field maze and lots of games all under the lights! It’s going to be a wonderful evening of fellowship and fun for our entire Church family. And yes, you can invite your friends and neighbors to come along. I’ll see you there!

And remember, God is always trying to take us someplace new. I love being your Pastor!
For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray