I gave the message at a Lutheran church near my apartment yesterday. They currently don’t have a pastor, and fill the Sundays with guest preachers. I can’t remember where they originally got my name. I think it was my pastor or someone in the district office.
I had gone to church there last Sunday to see what worship was like there. It’s a nice place. It’s small and friendly. The people are good singers. They fill the church with sound. I like that.
I felt very ready when I arrived at the church in the morning. Until I looked at the bulletin. Somehow, I had written down the wrong passage from Hebrews. It was supposed to be the end of chapter 11, but I thought it was the beginning of chapter 12. I sat down quickly and changed two paragraphs so I was referencing the correct reading. I finished just in time for the service. Whew!
Things went smoothly. They must’ve thought I did okay, because they asked if I could come back and do it again next Sunday. They also want to make me one of their regular guest preachers. I’ll be there every third Sunday of the month. I’m kind of excited about it. I loved giving messages in chapel at school. Now I’ll get to do it once a month.
Chapter 11 was a better example for my message anyway.
Click HERE for a copy of the message. It’s about the three uses of the Law. A former student was in the congregation and she said she was having flashbacks to eighth grade Religion class. Ha!
Awesome!! How great that God could use you in this way. 🙂
Your sermon was excellent! Wise, thoughtful, and even a little funny. (Nice nod to Captain Piccard at the beginning/ self-help book.) I am very proud and happy for you!
I’ve printed your message to read
during meetings this morningsometime later today. On first glance, it looks like just what all good Lutherans need reminders every so often – well played!Bet they loved you for reasons other than you were likely one of the youngest persons in the sanctuary at the time, too! (Which student was there; you got my curiosity up now?!)
It was red-headed (Jaci?) (Jackie?) I don’t remember how she spelled her name.
She’s entering Towson University this fall. Early childhood teaching. 🙂
Gotcha!
…and your message was spot on – what any gathering of Christians would benefit from hearing at any time. The Lord blessed your words, I am sure – and you’ll undoubtedly continue to bring them His message regularly now; their gain! Good for you, too!!
I love Jackie! She always has a cheery hello for me whenever I see her.
I am super excited for you … finding a new way to serve others and do God’s work during this transition in your life.
What a great, encouraging read first thing on a Monday morning! Thanks for posting it Brad.
And isn’t Hebrews 12 the verse that keeps coming back to you in some way or another? I’m glad we were able to read that part even if it didn’t make the cut yesterday.
http://splicd.com/eBrV81amxJU/25/50
Great message. I hoped you would enjoy serving there and that they would appreciate your message and presence. Many thanks for posting the message.