Preaching...Center Stage Show

"...preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void" 1 Corinthians 1:17 

I love a good sermon.  If I am going to give up my Sunday (I am actually dedicated to the sabbath, but you get the idea) and not go fishing, traveling or visiting friends....don't waste my time.  I couldn't agree more, sorta.

While I do love a good sermon, does it need to be a song and dance to capture my attention and win my favor?  No.  A good sermon needs to challenge me.  I want to hear a message that is relevant to my life today.  I have real struggles, I deal with difficult people daily and sometimes looking for a little peace takes more effort than it should.  I want encouragement.

I have a good life, a good Family and a good job but that doesn't mean that I do not have problems that never seem to get fixed.  Today fixing your problems isn't popular, it's how you feel about not being able to fix your problems.  Well, I'm tired of having the same problems.  Frankly, I'd like to have a new set of problems all together.  So yes, I am looking for answers.

I have had enough with debates, political rants and religious fights.  When I go to worship I do not want another episode of CCN or FOX news.  The world is not coming to an end (we'll it is, but in a good way...for some).  Why does every message have the same political-religious slant.  It's like you've gone to a shrimp restaurant and can choose from gumbo shrimp, popcorn shrimp, sauteed shrimp, shrimp scampi...I guess we're getting shrimp....again!  I want to be stimulated theologically. 

I love people.  I love a lot of people.  O.k., I love some people.  Actually, some people are hard to love.  To be honest, I like to get away from people.  I have to de-stress from the pressures of life at then end of every workday. I need to find something positive in a world that can only see the negative.  So when I take my precious Family to worship, I want to be surrounded by Positive Faith Based People.

I have my favorite superheros, my favorite actors, my favorite books and my favorite bands. When I want to drift away and be distracted by my favorite entertainer, I'll grab Hemingway and go fishing with Santiago.  I am not looking for an image-driven performer in the pulpit. I want a mature anointed minister who has spent time with God on my behalf.  I want to hear the message delivered like it was my last crumb of bread and I want to feel the love of Christ hold me securely.  I want to connect with the Eternal Word of God.

So, do you have to put on a dog and pony show to entertain me and keep me satisfied?  No.  If you can get out of the way so I can get the Word that should do just fine.  Thank you.