FRIDAY, October 14

1 Corinthians 15:1-11. Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you.

One of my jobs as a preacher is to be a reminder. Many of the people I speak to every Sunday have already heard it all, over and over again, perhaps not in the same words; but they have heard it. It is good news, old news, but not new news.

But no matter how often they have heard the gospel, like the preacher himself, they need to hear it again and again and again. We need to be reminded of what we have heard, not because we have forgotten the message but because we have taken the message for granted.

It’s the preacher’s task to find the words that will express the message in such a way that the listeners are hearing it again for the first time. It takes time for the message to sink in and become part of our daily lives. That’s why we need to be reminded again and again until it sinks to the bottom of our souls.

I wish this work [of sermon outlines] to be brought to this test: Does it uniformly tend to humble the sinner? to exalt the Savior? to promote holiness? If in one single instance it loses sight of any of these points, let it be condemned without mercy.

--Charles Simeon

PRAY for the Diocese of Tamale (West Africa)

Ps 16, 17 * 22; Jeremiah 38:14-28; Matthew 11:1-6

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Repetition is Good for Both Soul and Body

Oct 14, 2011 at 6:05 am

Written by emeline,

As an educator, it is my duty to ensure that my students, and now my subordinate staff, "get it right." It may seem monotonous at times, but if they need to hear the message a million times for understanding to occur, then a million times it must be said! Our steps towards Christian growth must be repeated day by day, just as we read "Forward Day by Day" so that we may be strengthened in our resolve to lift the Name of Jesus whenever and wherever we go. God's love is a continuous journey. May we always be reminded of His love.

Preaching

Oct 14, 2011 at 6:21 am

Written by Linda,

This message and particularly the Simeon quote are good for any of us to remember as we start to "preach"- especially when we preface our remarks "as a Christian," then proceed to proclaim judgment or insight about earthly issues, such as politics (whether liberal or conservative). Will my words humble the sinner, exalt the Savior and promote holiness? May I have the grace to remember this criteria and use it to guard my mouth!

until it sinks to the bottom of our souls.

Oct 14, 2011 at 7:16 am

Written by Chris,

Over the last 20 years, through some dark valleys for me, I began daily to read and study God's Word, in addition to worship. It wasn't easy at first. It still isn't. I attend a Bible study, read the Forward Movement everyday, and because of the notes from fellow Christians on Forward Movement, now keep a Blessing Journal. I struggled with understanding many of the scriptures, as I still do today. The more I read, the more I prayed, and my seeking God today, my journey of faith is much more visible to all who know and meet me. It is sinking into my soul. Praise be to God. Amen.

...

Oct 14, 2011 at 10:28 am

Written by Barbara Summers,

I would love to hear the meditation writer's sermons.

...

Oct 14, 2011 at 11:36 am

Written by News,

The Good News is, Christ died for our sins according to Scripture and he died and was buried and rose again, such that death did not defeat. Christ was witnessed by more than 500 of which most were still alive to refute this statement by Paul, if indeed it were a lie. Our entire Christianity rests in Christ and belief in this News. It is History and is is the Truth.

If I touch one...

Oct 14, 2011 at 11:59 am

Written by Pete Hoffman,

I'm a licensed lay preacher of the Episcopal Church. I wish one of my mentors had given me Charles' advice. I will keep a small copy of this on my desk for a while as a reminder of a very worthwhile but at times very difficult goal.

Be doers of the word and not just hearers

Oct 14, 2011 at 10:31 pm

Written by Rick,

The apostle James' words are very appropriate - to be doers of the word and not just hearers, for if we are just hearers, we will forget what we have heard very soon. Doing - actually living the Gospel - is what brands the words onto our hearts and minds. It is what makes our faith real.

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