On Preaching
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| Do you think God does not know
what is happening today in the way of decadence? America may soon prove but a hopeful mirage in a desert of history quickly passing. There is before us an American challenge. What is to be the American response or the world response. Many other countries are in the same circumstances of degeneracy and decadence as America is. Do not later plead ignorance of the circumstances of American decadence as some Germans did on the existence of concentration camps for Jews. I have clearly told you of it. You may investigate it for yourself. I believe some may deny it, but the truth rehearsed before you is worthy of being investigated. Therefore what has been put upon me by the Holy Spirit to verbalize has been said. I suggest you have heard the Word of the Lord in this. As the Karl Barth, a theologian, said, continuing revelation of the Word of God tends to come through conservative preaching that does not take human reasoning and try to pass it off as the commandments of God as liberal preaching often does. Pray and use your intelligence on this. God is full of grace and still with us. If we deal with the truths of our day, respond rightly and creatively to challenges, then rediscover self-discipline and modify self-indulgence, I believe the nation may continue greatly. If we do not choose to face spiritual reality, I see the time of the nation dwindling, not all at once, but in lingering away to a bitter materialistic ending. Of course I may be wrong. Or I may be partially wrong. Again I may be right. Or I may be only partially right. But I have made you aware. I have preached the Word, “I have fought a good fight.” (II Timothy 4: 7) If you understand the point I call to your attention, it is not because of me but through grace given to you that you understand me. For with God is the Fountain of Life. Through His life we aroused to life, and through His Light we see light (Psalm 36:9 ) When preaching goes on only God knows who is spiritually ready to hear. “I AM” (Hebrew translation of the name of God) always surprises me with the hearers. Sometimes I am stunned by them. God moves hearts and minds by preaching. Convictions, not just of sin, but affirmation of various true doctrines of the dignity of humanity are confirmed. The Word goes out to clean the hearts of the people. It is felt burning and searing. Then, back comes agreement echoed by heart felt minds on hearing it. So do not hurry an awareness of God if you do not feel it as you think you ought. A walk in the dark is sometimes better than a walk in the light. God has not forgotten you nor will he forget anyone. But states of awareness, states of grace, come as meant to come, as grace wills. Do not be angry with others because they do not see as you do. Do not be mad at yourself because you cannot do as you might feel. Feel what you feel and see what you see. But “Rest in the Lord, wait patiently for Him.” (Psalm 37: 7) God will pull the pieces of the puzzle together in time. The mind is too small to see God’s plans in all their gloriosity now. We are heavens away from understanding fully. The Apostle knew a man caught up to the third heaven, but in paradise he did not understand it all but heard unspeakable words not lawful for mere men to utter. (II Corinthians 12: 4) Ultimately the waves go rolling into place as the Spirit moves upon the troubled waters. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.” (Psalm 37: 23 ) The Spirit cannot be rushed. Let things come in their steps as the Spirit has appointed. In times anointed shall we be made magnificently aware. Why try to rush or take by violence or force the Kingdom of God? Time is but a carpet rolled out for God. Who can tell Him how to walk it or when? Faith and trust are called for. Deal with it. God can bear you up if you will trust Him. But LACK OF TRUST AND WHINING WILL MAKE YOU MISERABLE, BUT IT WILL NOT BRING GOD DOWN. Be confident about God or be mean spirited without God and miserably confused without Him. Either way, God goes on. Choose that which you wish to be: confident in Christ, or whining there is no purpose and no God. Choose the mood you wish to live your life in. Choose the frame of mind you wish to pass on to your children and grandchildren. Your choice will have serious meaning for your and their lives. I urge you to follow Christ. |
