Good morning. In the early decades of the last century the British pastor and author, Dr. G Campbell Morgan, was highly regarded. Dr. Morgan had 4 sons, all of whom followed in his footsteps to become noteworthy preachers. Once, at a family gathering at Dr. Morgan’s home when all the sons were present, a visitor asked the eldest son Howard, “In the presence of so many outstanding preachers, I am curious Howard, who is the greatest preacher in your family.” Howard looked across the room at his father, turned back to the visitor and answered, “Why that is quite easy, beyond a doubt the greatest preacher among us is our mother.” The visitor laughed at the joke, only to see that they were all nodding their heads in agreement, including the elderly Dr. G Campbell Morgan. “Yes” Dr. Morgan explained, “while I have done my best to expound upon the truth of the Word of God, Nancy is the one who taught Christ in all His glory and all His love.”
Preaching a worthy sermon takes significant prayer and preparation. Those who are tasked with the ministry of preaching from God’s Word must remember the truth that a person will either perspire from the effort of preparation, or you will certainly sweat when preaching.
But I think that we all know that preaching is delivered primarily to those who have come to church. The best “sermons” to reveal the truth of the love of God are shared with kindness, tenderness, gentleness, and Christ-like respect. Most of the lost ones of our world will never come to hear a sermon preached unless they have witnessed Christ-like love from the family of believers.
In 1 Peter 3:15-16 we read: But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Being prepared to share Christ doesn’t mean that every Christian must have a sermon of words ready to preach. It means that every Christian reflects and shares faithful hope and does so with gentleness and respect.
Whether the opportunity to share the love of Jesus comes to you with your children, your spouse, your siblings, your parents, or your neighbors or co-workers, we are to be prepared to share the love of Christ with words and actions reflecting gentleness and respect.
Preach well today!
Vern