“We don’t need more methods on file,” said Vance Havner, “we need more men on fire!” It’s true, the modern church has learned how to create a pretty effective religious experience; lights, visuals, sound, slides, screens, smoke, stage, mood, and atmosphere all play into the state-of-the-art modern worship service.  The problem, however, is that in spite of all the wonderful, sensational, and extraordinary experiences we have, very seldom does the church have actual encounters with God.

Nothing, absolutely nothing, can duplicate, replicate, or authenticate the presence of God except for the presence of God.  There are no substitutes.  But substitutes …

Isn’t it ironic that with all of our time-saving devices we are still in a hurry?  Don’t get me wrong, I like our microwave, electronic-banking, do-everything-on-the-cell-phone, pay-at-the-pump society. I appreciate convenience for convenience’s sake, but I wonder what we lose in the process of so much progress?  We certainly are not gaining any extra time. Everyone I know seems to be in a rush in spite of using modern, time-saving devices.  We go from one stop to the next without blinking an eye. We hurriedly check items off the proverbial list just so we can get to the next thing.  …

Why did the monkey fall out of the tree?  Because it was dead.

I will confess: it is stupid, and doesn’t make much sense, but whenever I hear that old joke, it makes me laugh; sometimes really hard.  And laughter these days is a valued commodity.

I certainly agree that we have much to be concerned over during these turbulent, wavering times; but in spite of all the heralded doom and gloom, the church needs to reclaim its joy.  Sometimes I wonder if people resist salvation simply because of their fear of becoming like the calloused and miserable Christians they …

TEXT: 1 Corinthians 11:24-34

Introduction:

The Corinthian church was abusing the communion tables using it as a means to satisfy their flesh.  Paul details the meaning and the necessity of communion and sets in order the purpose of the ordinance.

I. We are to Remember (v24-27)

A. The Body of Christ- “Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me”

B. The Blood of Christ- “This is the cup of the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me”…

When Jesus gave the parable of the Good Shepherd, He not only described His love and affection toward humanity, He established a pattern for pastoral care. When sheep hurt, the inclination of the shepherd is to aid and assist in any way possible.  A legitimate shepherd will go to any lengths to find his sheep.  In the iconic parable, Jesus said the shepherd fought the elements of the rugged wilderness to find the one who strayed from the fold.  Even as Christ came to minister to the weary world, the pastor is to love, care, and comfort his members during …