I listen to many sermons and preachers. In much the same way as a sportsman might watch videos of someone kicking a ball, I like to listen to others who speak publicly. I listen and watch anyone who speaks to others in group settings, on television, in churches.

I’ve come to the conclusion that sometimes it is about the speaker, rather than the spoken to. In other words the preacher has thought to themself, I’ve crafted a great message here. Well parsed, context nailed, appropriate use of humour.

The issue is though that sermons are not about the preacher. They are quite simply about transformation. Information is merely a tool so that transformation might take place. Style and medium are there to aid the receiving of the message, not be an end in themselves.

If people do not hear and then be compelled to change, and are actually  transformed through the power of God, then it is not a great sermon. It may be interesting, stimulating, funny. But the word I am looking for as I prayerfully prepare a sermon is….compelling.

One at a time

Yesterday I kicked off the new series at Inglewood Church called ‘Spirituality’

I spoke on hearing from God, here are some of my notes…

How can you hear Gods voice?
well there is no easy answer…there is no five step plan. There is no key to unlock it easily…there is no pill you can take. But if you want to be that tree drawing down deep….here is what you need to know and apply.

To whom much us given much is required (hearing God)
The parable of the talents makes it really clear. The man who hid what God had given to him, had even that taken from him
If God does speak, and you ignore, or ever worse disobey it, even that small talent you have been given will be taken from you.
Imagine if the God of heaven comes to you with a specific word…and you ignore it!

If you hear the word, the logos, you need to act on and obey that word
God not into hot or cold, God did not pain the flowers in grey. There are very few grey flowers. They are vibrant colours. Because God is vibrant. He wants us to hear His word, to hear His voice…and to respond.
The very biblical principle is that if God speaks to you, dont just listen. Demons hear the voice of God…dont just listen…do.
Otherwise the consequence is that He may not talk anymore.
Some Christians who have been Christians for years, have grown tired and old well before their time, because God has spoken, but its like His voice is not as important as theirs. Gods voice is actually a pretty big deal. on the list of priorities, its actually top. But sometimes if we are honest, we act like its one of three options.

It was interesting, and as often happens, God spoke to me as I was sharing. What I then shared with the people was this thought. God loves us like a Father loves children. When He thought of us years before, dreamt up when we would enter this world, did He then also decide He would ignore us? No. He wants to speak to you today. Just as a Father loves talking to His children.

Our most successful season…no question.
A opportunity lost….no question.

As a long term member and supporter of the Fremantle Dockers, this hurts.
The joy of seeing thousands of Fremantle Supporters shouting ‘MCG” as we watched our team and crowd destroy last years Premiers at the Preliminary Final. Knowing we had made it, at last.

The joy of marching with thousands of the Purple Army march from Federation Square to the MCG

Has there ever been such a organically bound together group of supporters?
I don’t think even Richmond supporters have ever seen such scenes. Certainly their supporters and the Dockers rival each other for support of their team.
Being part of that was fun, a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The pain of watching your side miss shot after shot at goal. Knowing those hard won opportunities against a very skilled side should not have been taken for granted. Knowing even when Freo was surging, that time and opportunies were against us. Watching our two most skilled players, Fyfe and Ballyntyne, miss what they should have slotted. Opportunity lost.

Next year….next year….

Starting a new series based around the book of Lamentations….titled ‘Lament’
Most say Jeremiah wrote it as he watched the city of Jerusalem be ruined by Nebuchadnezzar.
The people lost everything. Homes, family, relationships, work. Most of all though they lost their spiritual identity as the temple was trampled on.
The Holy of Holies, God’s special place, was desecrated by their attackers.

In the midst of this tragedy they cried out to God. Where are you?
This is a legitimate question. This side of heaven we don’t always know and experience the presence of God. There is a time to lament, a time to question.

But don’t give up hope.