Mike’s Musings …..

Listening to Others Preach

  Among the several things enjoyed today has been listening to sermons preached by other gospel preachers. In my library are hundreds of sermons preached by men I’ve known throughout the years and who have gained my respect for their faithful stand for truth and righteousness. It is not “wasting time” when you fill your mind with God’s Word, whether by reading and studying, or studying via listening to good preaching!

   Today’s listening has been toward a gospel preacher I’ve known for only fifteen years. We’ve developed a very genuine friendship and appreciation for each other’s “style” of preaching as well as each other’s honest critique. A few years ago, we regularly met together to study. Time and distance now stifle that enjoyed time of increasing our faith, but it has not stifled our hunger and thirst for the things of God. We were fortunate to find time this past week and he gave me two DVDs of his sermons, asking for “critique.”

   His sermons were presented quite well. His love for God’s truth is clearly evident. His love for the souls who hear him is equally genuine. Listening to him was (and is) a pleasure as he speaks with authority and not as one who merely talks. Of greatest importance is the fact he is simplistic in his presentation: he presents his lessons so from the youngest to the oldest in the kingdom of Christ can be properly fed (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 5:11 – 14). His lessons also encourage those who have yet to obey God to do so now!

     My friend preached in January the two sermons I heard today. Most of the recordings in my library are sermons preached decades ago. Yet, their righteous messages are as needed today as they were when first preached! As my Grandmother used to say, “Neither the Lord’s church nor His Word will ever change … but the brethren will!” Maybe that’s one of the reasons that the old, old story of Jesus and His love still has a marvelous appeal! Maybe that’s one of the reasons those who truly love God and His Word never tire of hearing it over and over again!

     I muse on the brethren’s love for God’s truth. Some want only “smooth things” (Isa. 30:10). Others want entertaining sermons. But those who have a true love for God’s Word desire all of it without apology. If we can’t profit from what we receive in bible studies and preaching, perhaps we’re not listening as closely as we should! You can’t get something out of it unless you put something into it – including your attention! So thanks, my friend, for feeding me today! I now owe you a spiritual meal!!