The Days Ahead

Yesterday I finished my sermon series on the Book of Acts. It was something I had wanted to do for a while, and I believe it was what was called for during those weeks. Now, however, we turn our collective gaze to the days and sermons ahead. Let me announce, then, for the first time, what the next sermon series is:

There isn't one.

Series are great for what they do, and what they do is systematically cover books or topics addressed in Scripture. Since I've been at RSCC, I've preached through four books (Exodus, Mark, Judges, and Acts) and hit a variety of topics. The ability to preach a well-crafted series is considered the mark of a mature minister. And, quite frankly, it's easier to prepare a sermon each week if you've already planned some things in advance.

With that said, it's easy to get lost in what's planned and forget that God laughs at our plans. Each week God wants to say something to each person in every congregation the world over, and that word may not be what the preacher preaches. I am making a deeper commitment -- doubling down -- to listening each week for the word that needs to be preached. I am making a deeper commitment to evangelism from the pulpit, to sharing the gospel more than I do now. Nothing is more important than that (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).

While they may not be in a series, these sermons will have a common theme: "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2).