Ten or 10K?
A mini-sermon by C. E. Strain
Thought; I would rather preach to ten people than 10,000 imaginary people.
Are you an actor or a minister of the Gospel? If you act like you are preaching to thousands of people, then you are acting. If you minister to the faithful few that come to your services, then you are a minister of the Gospel.
It might seem like a small issue, but is very true. Do you preach to the people who are not at Church, or do you preach to the people who are there through the rain, snow, and super bowl?
Years ago, we had a youth group in our Church organization. Each morning we would have services and take turns preaching to one another. It was great practice in speaking before people, but one day I realized that we weren't practicing, in fact each of these kids really wanted to grow in the Lord. This particular morning, I had a good message to share with the group that the Lord had giving me to study.
The leader that day open up the service for me and then stated before the congregation of about 2 dozen or more for me to "preach like you were preaching to a thousand people out there". Well that was fine and dandy, but I realized that we had a couple of dozen that were going "hungry" for a good message. I knew I needed to preach a good message to the few that were there, than to preach to a thousand that weren't there.
My point. Don't preach to the thousand that didn't get up and come to Church. Minister to the faithful few that are there with you through thick and thin.
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. John 21:15
Is this message important? Jesus asked Simon again.
He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. John 21:16
Do you get the point? Maybe not, because the Lord repeated this message the third time to Peter.
He said unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. John 21:17
Now some people will take issue and say it is preaching by faith, and that you have to have a "vision". But I would rather lead someone to Jesus in a parking lot at Walmart, than "preach" to a thousand that never showed up.
Remember, once Peter understood who Jesus is and what he was saying, the Lord let Peter stand up before the multitudes and preach a message that forever changed the coarse of Christianity.
This is what Peter told the multitudes on the day of Pentecost.
This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we are all witnesses. Acts 2:32
Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. Acts 2:33
For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, sit thou on my right hand, until I make thy foes thy footstool. Acts 2:34-35
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, who ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Acts 2:36
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Mend and brethren, what shall we do? Acts 2:37
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Acts 2:39
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Acts 2:40
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Acts 2:41
Now you may still want to "act like" you are preaching to thousands, and one day you may get your wish. But you might find yourself with a Church full of people who are "acting like" they are listening.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Rev 3:13
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