I have finally realized why some sermons impact me and satisfy my spiritual hunger more than others. those sermons that are written around a topic and have scripture fit into them never leave me with a contented feeling. I find that those sermons feel artificial somehow and they don't delve deep enough into the Bible. It's like going for a long run in the hot sun and coming inside for a glass of water only to find that it's warm: you might not get dehydrated, but it's not as satisfying as a cold glass of ice water. However, those sermons that are crafted to explain a specific passage of scripture help me to gain some understanding of God's words and the way that He wants me to live. After those sermons end I feel like I want more, even if it means sitting in an uncomfortable chair for hours.
Today I decided to listen to a sermon online. I haven't listened to this particular series before, but I have enjoyed other sermon series from the same church. I can't believe that I haven't listened to these sermons before. They are exactly the kind that I like. Currently they are going through the book of Acts, one chapter at a time. having a focus point is nice because I can orient myself in the bible and not have to constantly flip pages to keep up. It also brings to my attention more verses that just me reading would have. Not that I'm saying that topical sermons are bad, but they are often done in a way that forces me to lose focus. I don't understand why some think that you have to skip all over the bible to get enough material for one topic. If one were to think about it, most chapters of the bible have a main topic going throughout them.
In any case, one of the topics this morning was the stuff that the church needs, which could also be though of as the stuff that we need to know to live a life as a Christ follower (aside from loving Jesus). There was one verse that stuck out to me, Acts 20:24 "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I many finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." I deeply respect all who are abel to accomplish this and continue to do God's will no matter what. I know that lately I have been having some anxieties about this summer, if I'll have a job, how I'll pay for my classes, if I'll be able to buy some clothes, etc. I have also been thinking that I might have been mistaken coming all the way to Newfoundland, but this verse does give me some hope. Paul knew that he was going to face more opposition, even more jail time and beatings, but he went where God wanted him to go and as long as he was doing God's will he would do anything. I guess that being broke isn't as bad as that and stuff is just stuff, so if this is where God wants me to be to accomplish His will for me, then I'll make it somehow. I just pray that one day I'll be able to say with confidence that I have run the race and look forward to finishing it with joy.
