What I Didn't Say

Intro-- It’s amazing how reticent many of us are to admit (or proclaim) that we’re saints.  The word means “holy ones” which has become a term from which we shy away.  We certainly don’t want to tell anyone we’re holy, now do we? But that’s because we have accepted society’s bastardization of the word.  It simply means “set apart.”  If we are saints, we simply have been set apart by the Lord for His purposes.  If we are submitted to the lordship of Jesus, we are sinners and saints all at the same time.  Imagine that!  Paul certainly didn't have any trouble calling the believers saints.  They don't sound all that great either.

Israel-- I broke down when I preached this sermon.  I had just come back from Israel two days prior and the memory of standing on the Via Dolorosa was fresh and new…and very emotional. If I could, I would pay for every Christian to go to Israel…particularly every preacher.  Just before I left for Israel, a friend told me it is said that the geography of the land is like the fifth gospel.  It’s true.

The picture to the left is of my own feet.  It was on the front of the bulletin that Sunday I preached this sermon.  I was standing on the Via Dolorosa, although at the time I didn't realize it.  I was only about three days into the trip when I realized I wanted to come back and bring some folks with me.  I've already set the wheels in motion to make that happen.  Every Christian should have the opportunity to stand where I stood that day.

Afterward--Several people told me after the service that it was the best they'd ever heard me preach.  I went back and listened to it twice.  It wasn't bad, but I didn't think it was my best ever.  I wonder if it was because I broke down. 

It was definitely heartfelt.  I guess that says something about how we should preach.  If it's not heartfelt, don't bother.