Read the Word:
1 Corinthians 2:1-10
Meditate on the Word:
In the early days of the church, Paul understood something very clearly. Preaching that does not rely on the Holy Spirit is not effective for calling people to holy living. Preaching that is effective for calling people to live their lives for God can be delivered by people who are not necessarily gifted orators. In a time of great and convincing teachers, Paul was accused of being a much better writer than speaker. But, if people had been drawn to Paul’s wit and charm, they would have followed him instead of Christ.
Many preachers today share a diminshed gospel, hoping to convince people to follow them. Many quench the Holy Spirit by preaching a gospel of acceptance without repentance. They preach a gospel that is ear-tickling and click-friendly. A gospel, however, based on earthly wisdom will always fall short because it is based on what people want, not what they need to hear. Preaching that the Holy Spirit works through is based on His power, not ours.
Pray the Word:
Pray that the Holy Spirit will be in your pastor’s preparation time this week and in his delivery of the gospel this weekend.
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