When the preacher begins his sermon in one of the five following ways, you can know that you are in for a long day: God sees power in preaching. From Moses, Jeremiah, Elijah, Malachi to even a country boy named Amos, God has used the method of preaching to communicate to His people. Preachers of the New Testament include John the Baptizer, Peter, Paul and especially Jesus. Over the past centuries, all great revivals have begun with powerful preaching that calls men back to their God. We dare not neglect the pulpit today if we are to revive ourselves to accomplish what God demands of us. Some see preaching as outdated, useless and boring. They prefer share groups, movies, games or anything but a sermon! As you might have noticed, preaching the Gospel is a passion of many preachers. It is an opportunity for Christians and non-Christians to gather together to study God’s Word. It is a time for all to be challenged in their Christian walk and for lives to be changed by God’s power. When a preacher preaches from God’s Word, in a very real sense, it is God speaking to man. While not every sermon of any preacher is even close to perfect and all men stumble, let us remember the power that is contained in the spoken word. Gather together with God’s people as God’s truths are proclaimed. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but to us which are being saved

Lot is an interesting figure in the Old Testament. Known as the nephew of the “Friend of God,” he willingly left his home in Ur and shared in the blessings of Abraham. He eventually became so wealthy that he and Abraham had to separate themselves. However, it is at this point that we see his nature was different than Abraham’s. Abraham always let the Lord choose his way. Lot, himself, chose the fertile plain and was soon drawn to the big city of Sodom. It did not take long for Lot to be drawn into the problems of big city living. He was carried away into captivity and almost lost all of his possessions and his life. Only Abraham’s heroic efforts saved him. Yet, even after this, Lot went back to the same city. As Christians, we are called to leave this world and dwell in the Lord’s kingdom, but sometimes our complacency causes us to return to the city and put our minds on the things of this world rather than having faith in God. Because of Sodom’s sin, God finally decided to destroy the city. The angels found Lot at the city gate. In contrast to the godly man of Psalm 1, Lot was walking in the counsel of Sodom, standing in their way and was now sitting in their seat. Although Lot never seems to have shared in their sins, he tolerated them, and because of this, he lacked the influence to save anyone from the city. Even his sons-in-law

Years ago, a young boy was riding on a train through the desert of Arizona on a very hot, dry day. The air was dry and all around him passengers were uncomfortable. As the train continued on, there was little to see besides the same old sagebrush. A kind lady sitting beside the boy asked him if he was tired from the long ride. “A little I guess,” he said, “but I don’t mind at all, because when I get to Los Angeles, my father is going to meet me.” Often we get discouraged on our earthly journey to heaven. We struggle with things such as temptation, sickness, grief and even death. While the road is hard and the journey is difficult, we must remember that when we all get to heaven, the reward will be more than the price paid, because our Father will be there to meet us. “These [the patriarchs] all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.”

When I go shopping for groceries, I am always on the lookout for the best deal. It is true that while one store may have better prices on their meat, another store may have better priced bread. Yes, I have driven twenty-five miles in order to save five cents a gallon on gas. In fact, I admit that I have gone to Sam’s and bought the value packs because of the better unit price. (Then all I have to do is figure out where to keep my twenty cans of shaving cream or one hundred rolls of toilet paper!) This is a good practice when shopping for groceries, but it can be very dangerous when this approach is used in religious matters. Too many Christians ‘shop’ their religion around by taking the ‘good stuff’ and then try to leave behind what they see as ‘bad deals.’ Every one of us loves the positives of Christianity, such as having Christ as our Savior, the comfort of heaven and the doctrine of grace. However, many cringe at the other end of the deal, which includes the warning of hell, self-sacrifice and enduring persecution. The majority of Christians I know take a stand against the use of instrumental music in the worship service, but then not quite as many take a stand against the worldly influences of dirty television programs or fellowship with denominational influences. Too often Christians defend their actions by saying, “My church says it’s wrong,” instead of saying, “I can’t

“Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone’” (1 Peter 2:7). The precious Son of God loved man so much he came to die on the cross in order to win our redemption. He showed compassion to the crippled (John 9:6-7), care toward the unsociable (Luke 15:1-2) and love toward the lost (John 4:35). Even though Christ lived life without sin and taught God’s Word as it should be taught, He still had enemies. The Jewish leaders did not hate Jesus because He hurt them or because He was out to get them; they hated Jesus because He did not fit their preconceived vision of the Messiah. The Jews longed for political freedom from Rome, but Jesus instead gave freedom from sin. The Jews longed for the wealth and prestige of Solomon’s day, but Jesus instead offered heavenly wealth and hope. The Jews focused on their interpretation of the Law and traditions of the elders, but Jesus only taught a simple religion of truth and spirit. Because Jesus did not fit their ideal image of the Savior, the Jews persecuted, ridiculed and ultimately crucified the Son of God on the cross. It is sad today to see how Christ is still so misunderstood. The televangelist preaches of a Christ who will take away our problems and make us rich if we will just send the check in the mail. Instead, the true Christ

We say, “Nobody loves me.”God says, “I love you.” John 3:16 We say, “I can’t forgive myself.”God says, “I will forgive you.” 1 John 1:9 We say, “It’s not worth it.”God says, “It will be worth it.” Romans 8:28 We say, “I’m not smart enough.”God says, “I will give you wisdom.” 1 Corinthians 1:30 We say, “I can’t do it.”God says, “You can do all things.” Philippians 4:13 We say, “I can’t go on.”God says, “My grace is sufficient.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 We say, “I’m worried and frustrated.”God says, “Cast your cares on me.” 1 Peter 5:7 We say, “I’m too tired.”God says, “I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28-38 We say, “I am afraid.”God says, “I have not given you a spirit of fear and timidity.” 2 Timothy 1:7 We say, “It’s impossible.”God says, “All things are possible.” Luke 18:27 We say, “I can’t figure it out.”God says, “I will direct your steps.” Proverbs 3:5-6 We say, “I can’t manage.”God says, “I will supply your needs.” Philippians 4:19 We say, “I feel all alone.”God says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8). We learn from Genesis 12:4 that Abram was 75-years-old when he went on a journey of faith. He went from Haran to the land of Canaan, from a land he knew to a land he did not know, from what was familiar to what was unfamiliar. God had asked him, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s house and go to the land I will show you” (Genesis 12:1). God asked, he went: that is faith. Abram’s faith was a faith ready to respond to the Lord’s will, despite the unknown. If faith can see every step of the way, it is not really faith. So, let us ask a question: “What does this new year hold for you?” Health or sickness? Financial stability or financial ruin? Marriage or becoming a widow or widower? Stronger marriage or the breakup of a marriage? A loved one obeying the Gospel or leaving the Lord? The best year ever at school or work or the worst ever? The fact is, you do not know exactly what the new year holds, but you do know who holds the future, don’t you? Perhaps we need to be more like Abram: He did not know where his future was going to be exactly, but he did know who held the future, and therefore,