I know a preacher who...
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I know a preacher who was in a difficult period of life that often is called a "faith crisis." He was serving a medium-sized congregation that had been challenged to grow. The congregation had grown from an average attendance of 100 each Sunday to 140. Now they were back to 100 or even less. The preacher was discouraged. He wondered what was wrong. He blamed himself; he blamed the Holy Spirit. During the next few months he spent many hours in prayer. His attitude changed from anger, to cynicism, to self-pity. Sometimes he almost believed God to be a children's myth.
However, one particular Sunday, he forgot himself in the pulpit. The Gospel flowed through with a power that seemed supernatural. Several people in the congregation cried openly, moved by the Word of God being proclaimed. The pastor finished and stepped down.
Later, as he was having lunch, his wife looked at him and said: "I don't know how you could ever say you don't believe. That was the Holy Spirit with you this morning." Preaching in tune with the Holy Spirit is the only real preaching; the rest is talk.
However, one particular Sunday, he forgot himself in the pulpit. The Gospel flowed through with a power that seemed supernatural. Several people in the congregation cried openly, moved by the Word of God being proclaimed. The pastor finished and stepped down.
Later, as he was having lunch, his wife looked at him and said: "I don't know how you could ever say you don't believe. That was the Holy Spirit with you this morning." Preaching in tune with the Holy Spirit is the only real preaching; the rest is talk.
