I once heard a famous pastor say to a group of ministers, “we all preach a better message than we live.” At first glance, this statement may make some of you cry “HYPOCRITE!” But as someone who has been involved in vocational ministry for nearly a quarter of a century, I think that pastor had it right. Even more important … IT HAS TO BE RIGHT – or at least it should be. The Gospel is always grander than my proclamation of it, because God is greater than I can reflect in my life or describe in my words. A hypocrite is only a hypocrite if they want to pretend (or act) like they have it all together. So, in an effort to preach a better message than I live AND not be a hypocrite, I have a confession to make …
This past week has been hard. I have been discouraged, depressed, anxious, irritated, and annoyed. I could keep going, but you get the idea. And yet, what passage of Scripture am I preaching this Sunday?
Philippians 4:4-9
Those verses not ring a bell for you? Let me quote it:
“Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice … do not be anxious about anything … whatever is honorable, pure, lovely … think about these things.”
Gulp …
Can anyone relate to my dilemma?
And yet, in the midst of this madness, I am drawn to this passage and find great hope in it for you and for me. This passage of Scripture not only tells us where to go … but it also draws a map for how to get there.
This Sunday, I will not be preaching “me” — a notion that should inspire all of you to stand up and say AMEN!!! Instead, I will be preaching about the One who is so much GREATER THAN ME. This passage lets us know that when we turn to God in prayer, not only do we get the peace of God … but (even more importantly) we get the God of peace.
Can’t wait to look at this passage with you on Sunday at Wildwood as we are in part 2 of our “(Your World) Peace” sermon series in one of our 3 morning services:
- 8:00 AM – Outside in our parking lot
- 9:30 and 11:00 AM – Inside in our Worship Center
- 9:30 AM – Livestream at wildwoodchurch.org/live
Hope to see you Sunday as we follow Jesus together to the glory of God.
Thank you Pastor Mark! I have a couple of personal issues that make me feel like Covid 19 is just a minor nuisance. Your acknowledgement of feeling depressed, frustrated, irritated, etc., means more to me than the message you will deliver. Why? All of the words you used to describe yourself apply to me along with guilt and several others. It is encouraging to know that we are all human and I should not be so critical of myself when I feel my faith being tested.
Thank you for your encouragement! Praying for you today!
I am so looking forward to hearing more this morning. This is such a powerful passage and yes, I can definitely relate to not being able to live up to it by any means.