While I agree with a GREAT DEAL of what you're saying here - I'm not sure about this: "The sermon’s purpose is to remind the saints of God’s blessings and commands, not convert the lost." I feel like that's a little "this-or-that." Paul, in Acts 17, certainly used a "sermon" to attempt to convert the lost. If we have visitors and we're not at least introducing them to what God's plan of salvation through Jesus is WHILE THEY'RE IN OUR PEWS...I think we're risking missing an opportunity we may not have again. I guess I don't see how that negates our "reverence and awe" factor. The sermon's purpose is to address the hearts of the listeners - whoever they are. I get it - the worship assembly is for us to worship. But, in my opinion, we're missing it if we're not explaining God's offer of salvation as often as we can.
Good thoughts. I think you are on the right track. The church today, sad to say, has started to sound like the denominations. I cringe when I hear rigid prayers to "guide, guard and direct" and "separate and apart from" but "as a matter of convenience." It's like we are playing on repeat instead of having spirits drawing near to God.
While I agree with a GREAT DEAL of what you're saying here - I'm not sure about this: "The sermon’s purpose is to remind the saints of God’s blessings and commands, not convert the lost." I feel like that's a little "this-or-that." Paul, in Acts 17, certainly used a "sermon" to attempt to convert the lost. If we have visitors and we're not at least introducing them to what God's plan of salvation through Jesus is WHILE THEY'RE IN OUR PEWS...I think we're risking missing an opportunity we may not have again. I guess I don't see how that negates our "reverence and awe" factor. The sermon's purpose is to address the hearts of the listeners - whoever they are. I get it - the worship assembly is for us to worship. But, in my opinion, we're missing it if we're not explaining God's offer of salvation as often as we can.
Great word, especially about communion. I do think a sermon can be both edifying to the saints and convicting to the lost.
Great word, especially about communion. I do think a sermon can be both edifying to the saints and convicting to the lost.
Good thoughts. I think you are on the right track. The church today, sad to say, has started to sound like the denominations. I cringe when I hear rigid prayers to "guide, guard and direct" and "separate and apart from" but "as a matter of convenience." It's like we are playing on repeat instead of having spirits drawing near to God.
We are in the time of the seventh church, Laodicea, and YAH has finger on the button. Not sure we can reset the church, but we can revive individuals.