I’m Going Through 9.11.22
It’s been heart breaking for me to see so many abandon the faith lately to pursue other passions. The Scripture does say that in the last days people will be “lovers of themselves” and forsake the teachings of Christ. I guess I just didn’t expect that would include some of our congregation. One person told another member that they were “offended” by a recent message. I guess that happens when you preach the “whole” counsel of God and not just the things people want to hear. God’s truth is never popular. Actually the Bible even talks about how people will be “offended” by the true Gospel. No one said it would be easy to follow Jesus and it’s even more difficult when things aren’t going the way we might want or desire. People struggle with the Biblical message of being yielded to God and a servant to others.
If there’s one thing that I’ve tried my best to do the past 36 years, it’s to make sure that I wasn’t sharing my personal opinions or the popular message of the day. I have always tried to make sure my messages are Biblically sound and full of cross references so that I’m not in danger of just pulling out one isolated Scripture. I’ve tackled about every topic you can imagine and even though I have some personal favorite topics, I use an annual preaching calendar so that I don’t neglect any areas of the Word and to assure that I’m covering all topics.
A few weeks ago, as I was wrestling with the fact some were leaving the church, because I was preaching the Word, an old old song came to mind. One I hadn’t thought of for decades but one I remember my Mom playing on the piano and singing with my Dad. I looked it up, downloaded a version, and have listened to it multiple times. It’s my new theme song for this season of ministry. It’s called, “I’m Going Through.”
“I’m going through, yes, I’m going through; I’ll pay the price, whatever others do; I’ll take the way with the Lord’s despised few, I’ve started out with Jesus, and I’m going through.”
I’d invite you to join me and renew your commitment today to Jesus as your Lord and Savior; to the teachings of His Word; to His Will for your life; and to His way of living, that might be foolish to many but is salvation to all who believe.