Hearing The Sermon Again

- Joe Stowell

A story is told about a man who preached an impressive sermon, seeking to be the pastor of a new church. Everybody loved it and voted for him to become their new pastor. They were a bit surprised, however, when he preached the same sermon his first Sunday there—and even more surprised when he preached it again the next week. After he preached the same sermon the third week in a row, the leaders met with him to find out what was going on. The pastor assured them, “I know what I’m doing. When you start living out this sermon, I’ll go on to my next one.”

Jesus’ sermons had a notably recurring theme. Not surprisingly, the King of kings wanted to be sure that the people understood what was required of them to be part of His kingdom. He came to announce a whole new world order that was totally out of step with life as it was usually lived. Themes such as forgiveness, servanthood, and unconditional mercy and grace were repeatedly on His lips.

Two thousand years later we find ourselves in need of the same message. As soon as we start repenting and living under the authority, reign, and rule of Jesus our King, we will experience benefit to our lives, glory to His name, and blessing to others.

The Bible gives us all we need
To live our lives for God each day,
But it won’t help if we don’t read
And practice what its pages say.
—Sper

A sermon isn’t complete until it’s put into practice.
Remember in all you do this week to shine like the stars in the universe.

The Power of Prayer

2 Corinthians 1:8-11

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

In the sermon today at my church, the pastor talked about the power of prayer. He brought up a story which has stuck in my mind ever since.

In Japan, there is a pastor who goes around to different cities, villages and towns to preach the Gospel. He goes every year, with the same message. There is one extremely small town, and every year, they react in an extraordinary way. The pastor wanted to know why this small town is reacting in such a big way. He talked to the pastor of that town, and he didn't know. He talked to residents, he talked to philosophers. No one knew why that particular town reacted in that manner.

One day, the pastor received an invitation to preach in Sweden. He had never been there, and agreed to go. After he was done preaching, a little old Swedish lady came up to him and said, "I received this piece of paper from a missionary. I have never been to Japan, and I don't know anyone who is Japanese. Do you know this town?"

The pastor took the paper and read what was on it. There was only one word, and it was the name of the town in Japan that reacted in such a extraordinary way towards the Gospel. The lady said "I have been praying for this town every day since I got this piece of paper."
The pastor instantly knew why the town was so impacted by the Word of God. The power of prayer can do many things. It can heal terrible wounds, and it can change someone's heart.

Prayer is an invitation to God for him to Deliver us. Be sure to pray this week for others, and for yourself. Pray that God will bring peace and healing to the Boston marathon victims, and their families. Also, have compassion for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, and his family, as he is a lamb lead astray.

Thank you, and have a wonderful week!