Why I preach

i preached today about how useless foundations and solid foundations all look the same until a time of testing comes and proves what they are worth.  the solid foundation that jesus speaks of in the sermon on the mount (and the one james writes about in the first chapter of his letter) is the radical power of a man who hears the words of god and then acts on them.  don’t just listen…act!

shortly after the sermon, my friend brandon found out that his father had just died in a motorcycle accident. tragic.  unexpected.    times of testing seldom give us warning.  most often, they attack us when we least expect it.  that’s why the foundation of obedience to the word is so crucial…so powerful.  without it, the words of god are…just, words.  no power.  no comfort.  no real stability in the face of earthquakes that rock our world.

brandon just sent me a response to my text of condolence.  here’s what he wrote:  “thanks.  i listened and now i am acting on it today.  i am with my mom now.”

james writes:

“But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it–he will be blessed in what he does.” 1:25

god will bless brandon.  he always blesses solid foundations.

it’s always good to be reminded why i preach.

#comfort #death #faith #pastor