If The Shoe Fits

He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. (Colossians 1:28)

​In my mind, I group sermons into different categories. Let me share some of these with you.

Beautiful sermons. 
These sermons are those which centre on the person of Christ Himself.  For example:       

   
Your eyes will see the King in His beauty.
(Isaiah 33:17)

​One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord.
(Psalm 27:4)

You can’t help but be captivated by the beauty of Christ. Watch as he heals the sick: He has ‘compassion’ on them. There is something very beautiful about compassion. Watch as He walks towards the funeral bier of a dead man, precious to his widowed mother. Again, tired and weary,  yet He does not want to turn the children away.  Whose heart would not be moved as they see Christ through such a sermon?  

 Victory  sermons
​ 

So if the Son sets you free you will be free indeed. (John 8:36)
​

These are sermons where the mighty, victorious, power of God is spoken about. They include references to the parting of the Red Sea, Elijah’s showdown with prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel and Jesus casting out a ‘Legion’ of demons . We are told that this same power can change us, transform us, set us free (a big ‘amen’ to that one).

Uncomfortable sermons

The men of Ephraim, though armed with bows, turned back on the day of battle; they did not keep God’s covenant and refused to live by his law. They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them. (​Psalm78:9-11)

Understandably, most pastors would rather preach sermons of approbation than admonishment however, sometimes sermons need to be preached that some people would rather not hear. It convicts them of their sin. It brings them face to face with choices that they have been avoiding or evading. They hear words that reveal the true state of their life. People will even evade church meetings because they don’t want God to challenge them. They anticipate uncomfortable sermons!

Some people may become angry at uncomfortable sermons, and others, sadly, may even turn away. But sometimes, reproach is necessary to bring about repentance.

Some reading this will soon be attending a week of summer camp meetings. We may hear  beautiful sermons, we may hear victory sermons,  we may also hear some uncomfortable sermons. Whether you need to have passion for Christ rekindled, your head raised from feelings of defeat, or a challenge to deal with issues you are ignoring, God knows what you need to hear.

Whatever shoe fits, put it on… and enjoy camp!
​
Pauline Ann Anderson