Any Given Sunday

I have found that I am not a fan of sermons that parrot other people’s quotes. Having spent many Sundays listening to the message, I find that the best are those spoken from the heart, not the head. Sometimes it is not even what is said so much as how it is said. Using the right visuals adds to the level of presentation. Knowing when to stop dwelling on a point is for the true masters of the pulpit. I have not been in the presence of a true master in a while.

I started writing this on Sunday in the middle of the sermon. Our minister was quoting someone from early Christian philosophy on some subject. I know it had to do with good trees making good fruit and thistles making none, but the rest of the subject was lost in the bevy of quotes and definitions instead of life experiences and observations. And he had been doing so well the previous three weeks in presenting sermons that were less scholastic and more personal. But three weeks, after months of yawning fests does not make a trend in my mind. But at least it provided a glimmer of hope.

When we lived in Iowa, we had a minister that gave every sermon off the top of his head or at least gave that appearance. He stood center aisle parallel to the pulpit and gave a solid and usually moving sermon every Sunday. The Bible quotes were given from memory and the sermon usually wrapped around itself coming full circle through the idea for that day. It was a marvel and an inspiration every Sunday. I truly felt the presence of God after he finished preaching. You knew and understood the message and appreciated what was being said.

But church is not totally about the message. It is about getting together with people and celebrating God’s love. Getting a good message really assists in that celebration but without the people to celebrate with, it would be a lonely party.

Icool

Cobb