A backwoods preacher once went to the editor of a village newspaper and asked him to print an announcement of his church services. Not knowing how to go about it, the minister had put nothing in writing. The newspaperman, however, took a liking to him, and, sensing his dedication and complete sincerity, suggested that he just give him the facts. He would see to it that an article would be properly prepared for the Saturday edition. This is what the pastor told him; “There’s preachin’ morning’ an evenin’. Three books are necessary: the Bible, the hymnbook, and the pocketbook. Come and bring all three.”
This uneducated man of course, knew nothing about writing “news releases,” but he did have enough sense to include in the announcement three basic elements for a good worship service. First of all, there is the Bible. Without it the church might as well not even open its doors. We are to “preach the Word”! That’s basic! In addition to the “Book of Books,” there is also a place for songbooks. Writing to believers in the church at Ephesus, the apostle said, “…be filled with the Spirit, speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:18,19. There is a third “book,” however, which is very important. It’s the “pocketbook.” The Christians in Corinth were told, “...lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him” (1 Cor. 16:2). Next time you go to church, think of these three “books.” They are all necessary!
-Dr. Richard DeHann
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It was my wonderful privilege to hear Dr. Adrian Rogers at the 2005 “Pastor Training Institute” in the Great Smokey Mountains. I was one of 120 invited to sit under this Godly man. It was his last conference. That was in September; he died the next month in October. These words came from his heart: “The sun is shining, the perfume of life laces the air, the hills surrounding us are groomed by God, the waters of the creeks and rivers dance, the song birds sing and the clouds of God’s heaven are a canopy. We must ask God to open our eyes to the details of life around us. God’s hidden fingerprints are on all that envelopes you. You have so much to live and so much to give.” We thank our God for our Godly mothers who not only gave us life but who have cared for us through life. The joys have been so many with such happiness. Thank your mom, if she is still living, for her love! Enjoy this oft told preacher's tale: Dr. Sims and I represented our church at the National Association meeting in Waco, Texas April 21-23. The meeting was harmonious as our 1400 churches continued to support missions, education, benevolent and societal needs. |
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