Last week, I listened to a sermon from a very well-known minister in Houston, Texas. I have, over the years, listened to his sermons a few times but can’t say that they particularly “ring my bell” for he appears more as a Motivational Speaker than a Pastor. Personally, I appreciate stories that assist us to apply Biblical truth but not as the primary content of what is referred to as a “sermon.” On the day in question, I listened and discovered, within a 25 minute session on television, there were only two Scriptures referenced and virtually no attempt to allow those words to guide the content of his personal direction for his sharing. My only point is to say that you and I must always be vigilant and discerning of who it is that we allow to bring truth into our hearts and minds. Not all ministers or messages are created equal and, while in our search for personal spiritual growth/depth, let us seek God’s best teachings for us. Not all sermons are funny, enjoyable, entertaining, or even well presented by a pastor but God’s Word has life and is eternally valuable to us. As with eating certain foods, not all vegetables taste good to us but some may be very helpful in developing our growth and maturity. May we all be patience learners who hunger after the righteousness of God.
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懂得辨别。。。
上周，我听了一位在德州休斯顿很有名气的传道人的一篇讲道。过去这些年，我听过为数不多的几篇他的讲道，但是他的信息与其说是牧师讲道，不如说是更偏向于励志演讲。对我个人而言，我感激如何把圣经真理运用在生活中的信息，“讲道”不应该是只有励志的内容。那天，听完之后我发现在电视播放的这25分钟时间里，只有2节经文被引用，而且他并没有试图用圣经经文来引导信息内容，或他之后分享的人生哲学。我在此想分享的重点是，你和我都必须在选择谁将真理放在我们的心中这件事上，常常保持警醒和有辨别能力。不是所有的传道人或者信息都是一样的，在我们寻求个人灵命增长的同时，让我们找到上帝最好的教导。不是每篇讲道都是幽默的、悦耳的、有娱乐性的或者被牧师完美展示的；上帝的话语是有生命的，并且是对我们有永远的价值的。就如同饮食一样，不是所有蔬菜都好吃，但是有些是对我们的身体很有帮助的。愿我们都饥渴于上帝的公义，成为谦虚的学习者。