Series: Looking for Membership in a New Local Body
Posted 07-28-2008 at 01:24 AM by danmpem
I have cease to label each entry with a day and number; there isn't enough happening, unfortunately, for there to be any value in using that particular system of journaling.
Last week I attended an SBC church I found on 9 Marks. That particular morning I was especially sad due to many things happening in my life right now, which are naturally affecting me emotionally. I entered the Vacaville Community Center in which this particular congregation meets weekly, and sat in the very back corner. As I was thinking about the words of the songs the congregation just finished singing, I heard the pastor announce that there was a guest speaker today. (I am going to refrain from giving his name, for he is a bit of a theological celebrity in some circles, and I don't wish for it to distract from the point I am trying to make.) As I heard the name, I almost dismissed it as an error on the part of my listening, as if to hear that particular name would only be wishful thinking.
I have listened to many sermons by this man, and have been blessed extensively. When I first found his sermons on monergism.com, I knew very little about him. Because of this, he had no reputation to live up to, and no expectations to meet. From the very beginning, I could feel his heart for people in his words. Not just that he loved in the general direction of others, but that he really cared and could genuinely connect with suffering people on their level.
I knew he originally pastored in a town outside the Bay Area, but I read that he moved out of state years ago; so, I never expected to ever see him in a place like Vacaville.
His sermon had everything a normal guest speaker's sermon lacks. He was clear about the Gospel; he spoke outside of common rhetoric; he took various risks with the power of his statements; and, he connected with the congregation on a very deep level. He preached for more than an hour, and only ceased because the church had to be out of the building by 1:00.
Last week I attended an SBC church I found on 9 Marks. That particular morning I was especially sad due to many things happening in my life right now, which are naturally affecting me emotionally. I entered the Vacaville Community Center in which this particular congregation meets weekly, and sat in the very back corner. As I was thinking about the words of the songs the congregation just finished singing, I heard the pastor announce that there was a guest speaker today. (I am going to refrain from giving his name, for he is a bit of a theological celebrity in some circles, and I don't wish for it to distract from the point I am trying to make.) As I heard the name, I almost dismissed it as an error on the part of my listening, as if to hear that particular name would only be wishful thinking.
I have listened to many sermons by this man, and have been blessed extensively. When I first found his sermons on monergism.com, I knew very little about him. Because of this, he had no reputation to live up to, and no expectations to meet. From the very beginning, I could feel his heart for people in his words. Not just that he loved in the general direction of others, but that he really cared and could genuinely connect with suffering people on their level.
I knew he originally pastored in a town outside the Bay Area, but I read that he moved out of state years ago; so, I never expected to ever see him in a place like Vacaville.
His sermon had everything a normal guest speaker's sermon lacks. He was clear about the Gospel; he spoke outside of common rhetoric; he took various risks with the power of his statements; and, he connected with the congregation on a very deep level. He preached for more than an hour, and only ceased because the church had to be out of the building by 1:00.
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