By Vernalee
Sunday after Sunday, we gather to hear a message from God. We listen as our pastors speak to us. We want to leave with a inkling of encouragement in our souls; words that will make us better; words that will uplift us; words that will shed light on our experiences; words that will help us make it successfully through another day. Some pastor are fiery, some are theatrical, and others are quiet. Some are great storytellers and others favor a more direct exposition of the scriptures. Some can sing spiritual melodies that resonate through your soul. But no matter what the style or ability of the preacher, God can work through sermons to transform people’s lives. Bible scholars agree that the Sermon on the Mount is the greatest sermon ever preached. In His discourse about “kingdom living,” recorded in Matthew 5—7, Jesus presented to His disciples the way of righteous living for those who are in God’s family. "The Sermon on the Mount is the longest continuous section of Jesus speaking found in the New Testament, and has been one of the most widely quoted elements of the Canonical Gospels. It includes some of the best known teachings of Jesus, such as the Beatitudes, and the widely recited Lord’s Prayer. In addition, The Sermon on the Mount contains the central tenets of Christian discipleship. This sermon is still applicable to us today because God’s Word is never outdated. Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword.” When we hear great biblical based sermons, we should prayerfully ask God to use His Word to speak directly into our lives. It is hopeful that the words and teachings will have the power to bring about authentic transformations in our lives.” If you think back to those sermons that left a meaningful impact, messages that transformed you – that is the emotional and spiritual place where you need to be. When I hear a sermon and it seems as if the pastor is talking directly to me as if no one is sitting in the church but the two of us, I know that it‘s the message that I need to hear. It is those times that I feel that The Lord has spoken to me through his messenger in such a manner that I could receive it in my heart. God always knows our needs! The timing and his message are always right on time and the exact nourishment that is needed for our souls. Happy Sunday! Blessings!
Photo credit: www.bristolpreaching.com; Source: www.todayintheword.org; www.en.m.wikipedia.org