Morning Thoughts - by Elder Philip Conley

Morning Thoughts

Romans 1:15, "So as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also."

This morning, there are many that preach what they think, what they dreamed, what they feel, or whatever is political or diplomatic to say at the time. Now, the true gospel should be what we are thinking about, feeling in our heart, and be done with acceptable words, but that does not give excuse to preach from the book "I think so" or "My Opinion." The pastor does have the freedom to give opinions to the flock from time to time, but his whole sermon should not be lined with opinions or conjecture. It should be grounded on the solid Rock that does not shift or change.

Some have posed the question, "Is it acceptable for a preacher to use notes?" This verse gives about as good an answer to that question as I know. While some have used perhaps one or two notes to correctly gauge a figure or number (I knew a preacher that had one note for tough calculations...regarding hours of study in the Bible, and how long it would take to finish). This is something that I believe is tolerable, since some do not have mathematical minds to recall figures or numbers. However, this toleration does not extend to brethren that advocate preaching completely from notes or outlines. Paul says that he was going to preach what was in him.

What is in us? David says in Psalm 119:11 that he hid the word of the Lord in his heart. Apparently, the word of God should be in us. Do we carry Bibles? Certainly! As with most controversial discussions, there are extremes on both sides. There are some congregations that will not let preachers carry Bibles into the pulpit (even though Ezra, Christ, and others read from the book of the law to the assembly). Along with this discussion arises the question from some, "Do ministers need to study or should they be relying on God?" Again, a question with both options (by themselves) being extremes. Some advocate non-study. Others indicate complete study, along with notes, outlines, etc. In reality, the answer lies between the two extremes.

The Lord's ministers are required to pray for help, lean on Him, and hope that He will manifest His presence and Spirit in the preaching. However, he is not without excuse to study to show himself approved unto God. Therefore, Paul was ready to study AND look to the Lord for help and guidance. He was also ready to preach what was in him. Our ministers should be ready and willing to preach today, tomorrow, or whenever called upon. We have the word of God, we trust that we have hid it in our heart, and we need to be ready to preach that to God's hungry people.

The Lord's people are not interested in what you dreamed, why you believe you are called to preach, how inadequate you feel, how unworthy you are, or how dry you might be. If any of those things are applicable to you, they will soon know it. My father once said, "You don't have to tell the Lord's people how badly you feel. If that is indeed true, they'll soon find out when your preaching is dry and coarse." May we ever be ready to preach the gospel that is within us.

In Hope,

Bro Philip