closetojesus.org » Worship

Seven Things to Remember in Your Sermon

Mike — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:22:57 +0000

I am reading a book called The Soul Winner by Charles H. Spurgeon. As with all Spurgeon it is a great book. I just finished the chapter called Sermons Likely to Win Souls. In it he expounds on seven points to remember for your message. if you want to win people for Jesus. I’m listing them here for handy reference.

First, they are those sermons which are distinctly aimed at the conversion of the hearers.
If the people are to be saved, it must be by sermons that interest them.
The third thing in a sermon that is likely to win souls to Christ is: it must be instructive.
Fourthly, the people must be impressed by our sermons, if they are to be converted.
Fifthly, I think that we should try to take out of our sermons everything that is likely to divert the hearers’ mind from the object we have in view.
Sixthly, I believe that: those sermons which are fullest of Christ are the most likely to be blessed to the conversion of the hearers.
Lastly, brethren, I think that: those sermons which have been prayed over are the most likely to convert people.

I close with this encouragement from Spurgeon:

May the Holy Spirit anoint every one of you, and richly bless you in winning souls, for our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake! Amen.

God bless, Mike

Side By Side

Mike — Sun, 17 Apr 2005 20:21:31 +0000

Here is a short poem that I read in The Heartbeat of the Remnant, a publication of Charity Christian Fellowship. Enjoy!

Side By Side
They lie on the table side by side
The Holy Bible and the TV Guide
One is worn and cherished with pride -
Not the Bible, but the TV Guide.
One is used daily to help folks decide.
No, not the Bible, but the TV Guide.
As the pages are turned, what shall they see?
Oh, what does it matter, turn on the TV.
So they open the book in which they confide.
No, not the Bible, but the TV Guide.
The Word of God is seldom read.
Maybe a verse before they fall into bed.
Exhausted and sleepy and tired as can be.
Not from reading the Bible, from watching TV
So then back to the table side by side,
Lie the Holy Bible and the TV Guide.
No time for prayer, no time for the Word,
The plan of Salvation is seldom heard.
But forgiveness of sin, so full and free,
Is found in the Bible, not on TV.

Author unknown

Sing Praises to the Lord!!

Mike — Sun, 11 Jan 2004 17:50:10 +0000

It always amazes me when a day is going wrong, how much music can turn it around. I think this happens because music is a form of worship. When we start to sing unto the Lord, this act of worship can bring us closer to God. When we are close to God in worship, our troubles have a way of disappearing.

Where does the music come from when we are in need of a song? Quite often it comes from your memory. Unfortunately, most of the music in my memory I learned before I was a Christian. When a song gets stuck in my head, it is usually not a good one. I have to put forth extra effort to recall a wholesome song.

In Colossians 3:2 we read “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” (KJV) Paul expands on this topic in Colossians.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
teaching and admonishing one another
in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Colossians 3:16 (KJV)

This verse is nestled in the middle of a great chapter on Christian living. It teaches us how we are dead to sin and alive in Christ. In this chapter, we are told to put off many sins and bad behaviors. To replace that, we are told what we should put on: mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering, forgiveness, and most of all charity. “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” Colossians 3:15 (KJV)

What does this all have to do with music? All of these thoughts lead up to verse 16, which speaks of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Interestingly, psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs are for the purpose of “teaching and admonishing one another.” We all probably know that teaching means instructing. Admonishing is a word that you may not be familiar with.

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines admonishing as “reproving; warning; counseling; directing.” Ordinarily, we may not think of songs having the purpose of teaching and admonishing. But this is what verse 16 is teaching! This begs a question. What kind of teaching and admonitioning do the songs you listen to, do? Is it Biblical teaching? My pastor spoke recently about Bach’s two-question test for music. First, does the music seek to glorify God? Second, does the music seek to refresh your soul? These are good questions to test music with. I might add a third. Does the music teach and admonish you?

O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of his grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of thy name.

Glory to God and praise and love
Be ever, ever given
By saints below and saints above,
The Church in earth and heaven.
Charles Wesley 1707-1788

There is a rich heritage of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Much can be learned there and hidden within your heart, and in the heart of your family. Sing praises to the Lord!

God bless, Mike