Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Preaching Easter is both exciting and strange. We are excited knowing the room is likely to be more full than normal. It is a great gospel opportunity. The strangeness is the temptation to be overly creative, clever or compelling in our shaping and delivery of the message. This is our one big shot this season after all. If we are honest it is our opportunity to see the size of the crowd take a more permanent move forward. Please my friends, let’s avoid stepping into that trap.
Believers should NEVER get bored with the powerful grace of Jesus in the cross & resurrection. Preachers shouldn’t either!
During my 25 years of preaching in the same church I sometimes wondered “How do I make is sound like I’m not just preaching the same thing as last year… as every Easter?” A better question would be “ when did I get bored with the Resurrection of Jesus?” Or “When did I forget that Jesus is on the job building His church changing hearts” It rests on His power not ours. Thankfully I have a wife who was quick to remind me that believers should NEVER get bored with the powerful grace of Jesus in the cross & resurrection. Preachers shouldn’t either!
So my encouragement to you this Easter is remember to rejoice in the powerful resurrection of Jesus yourself! Whether your message is done or still cooking embrace the power of the same old thing. In this case the “old thing” is the Eternal One whose resurrection changes everything!
Like Moses trusting the single staff God told him to take up, we take up the gospel trusting the calling, presence and power of our Lord to do his powerful work when we obediently follow Him.
So as this week unfolds:
- Rest in Jesus as you prepare. Study with faith, seeking the Lord prayerfully as you prepare. The risen Christ who has given you life is at work in you seeking to bear fruit including this weekend! Rest in Him. He is ready to work!
- Exalt Jesus as you preach. Live in the passages and prepare to teach what they teach. Yes make it clear. Share it in as interesting and compelling way as you know how. But don’t over work this! Jesus is compelling all on His own. Put His message on display. We are simply messengers NOT authors. Let the good news of Jesus’ resurrection power be clearly seen.
- Invite people to follow Jesus in faith. Call them to respond to the call of God in their hearts as they hear His Word. Remember preaching is never about showing how smart we are. It is ultimately about helping people see AND respond to Jesus. it is about transformation through information, not information alone.
It all rests on the power & presence of God in us as we prepare, in us as we share and in other as they hear & respond. Praise God our Risen Savior is at work still in the hearts of people.
John 12:32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.”
I am praying for you as you share His gospel truth this weekend. May His presence and power so fill you that those who hear you hear and respond to Jesus in ways that both bring and deepen His life in them.
The Pastor's Life 