Scripture

The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.

Philippians 1:18, NIV

Quote

In any christian endeavor, self-fulfillment must never be permitted to become the controlling factor.

~D.A. Carson

I’m sure you have heard some ignorant well-meaning soul say, “God can only use a clean instrument.” This is false. God can use anyone He chooses, whenever He chooses to perform whatever He chooses. Don’t sell God short. He used Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus to mention a few. He even used the wicked sons of Jacob. There are some gifted preachers whose motives are vain. Paul said, “It doesn’t matter so long as Christ is preached.” God will bless the message, the preaching of Christ in spite of the messenger. I can tell when a preacher is grand standing, putting on a show, trying to impress his audience. In many cases he is parroting the truth but his motives are vain. I know for a fact, that I have preached with improper motives.

One of the things the enemy tries to do is beat us down. He constantly assaults us with one accusation after another. “You are a hypocrite… you don’t belong in a pulpit… God doesn’t love you and you are not a part of the elect…why don’t you give it up and let someone more capable take your place.” I hear this constantly and my response is simple, “Your right, I don’t belong in a pulpit and I am flawed but I am not preaching Jack, I am preaching Jesus.” You can’t go wrong when you preach Jesus.

One other thing: the power is in the gospel {message} not the messenger. I’ve had people come to me concerned that the preacher who baptized them has gone AWOL and I tell, “Do not worry about it, the preacher didn’t save you, he simply shared the gospel.”

Extra

Another bitter cold morning. Randy Lewis got home late yesterday evening. Thank you for your prayers. This week has gone by fast, matter of fact this month is flying by and it looks like the rest of January is going to be cold.

Stay warm and have a great day. THANKS for reading the blog.

Extra/Extra

We won another Basketball game last night: I think that makes 4 but we are still tied with the worse team in Danville History. We need to win one more. It will not be easy. Two years ago Danville and Brewer played in the Morgan County finals but both are the low cedes in the upcoming tournament. You never know.