All of these I find helpful as I think about tomorrow.
Tomorrow I preach at FPC for the first time as their new pastor. Somewhere in all my studies at seminary I read the phrase, "The proclamation of the Word of God IS the Word of God." Which means, the words that I painstakingly typed, deleted, and typed some more this past week, when I get up in that pulpit and speak them, they will BE God's Word to this congregation.
I like what good old Karl Barth has to say about preaching... We cannot do it. But we must do it. Thanks, KB. Encouraging.
BUT he also says this.... When we preach amazing sermons, God does not necessarily show up. And when we preach terrible sermons, God often shows up.*
Basically, it's not about me. It's about God. And I trust and pray that no matter how wonderful/crappy this particular sermon might be, that God will indeed show up and speak.
I can't do it. But I must. Here goes nothing!
*Obviously these are not direct quotes. What, do you expect me to go read through all the Dogmatics for a little blog quote? Puh-lease.
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