This will be my first Sunday preaching since Rhonda’s untimely death. I had planned an earlier return to the pulpit at St. George’s but quickly discovered that I just couldn’t do it.
While God’s word has nourished my starving soul over the past three months the awesome responsibility to walk a congregation through a passage, showing them Jesus, proved too much. That is unless just standing in the pulpit crying for 30 minutes counts as preaching. I am profoundly grateful for the excellent preaching we have heard in my absence. Ken, Garth and Greg are godly men who walk tall in His word.
Upon prayerful reflection and seeking godly counsel I have concluded that the time has come. I am ready to open the Bible in the assembly inviting God to incarnate in His word and in the hearts of His people. When Rhonda was diagnosed and I stopped preaching for a while we were near the end of a sermon series on the 7 Outrageous Claims of Jesus in John’s gospel – the I am’s. This week I will preach the 7th I am.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:1-11
How fitting. I eagerly await Sunday. Please pray for me as I pray for you.
Lord Jesus, teach us to abide in you.
Even if your message was 30 minutes of tears, it would be a profound God-led message. So often, some people are just too busy to take the time to cry out to God. You are involved in growing. God sets the time for harvest.
Agreed with Marnie Mellish!!!!!!May the Lord contine to Bless and Guide you in Jesus Name I pray
Our family continues to pray for you and for Matthew, RD.
Continuing to pray for you & Matthew, & I know that God will strengthen you & His message will go forth on Sunday. Blessings
Praying~
Wonderful to hear that you are back “in harness” again RD. When can we hear/see your sermon?
Love & blessings Richard & Mollie, Lonely in the UK
I’ve been so touched by your sharing of your dear wife’s ‘graduation’ to heaven. I sincerely want to know how believers who are bereaved in such a seemingly cruel fashion, can recover. We were singing a song at my church on Sunday about how God always saves us, and I was searching the congregation for the face of the mother whose 18 year old son was just killed in a car accident. How could she sing those songs? How can you sing them Ray David?