The Worst Sermon Ever Heard

Anyone who’s tried to preach has had the experience of a message that went all wrong.  I’ve had a few.  I’ve read the wrong scripture.  I’ve suffered a few embarrassing slips of the tongue (don't ask).  I’ve told a story or two that seemed like a good idea in my head, but crashed and burned in the worship service (really don't ask). 

No one hits a home run every time in the pulpit, but I believe that the worst sermon ever heard comes from the pew (yours and mine) when we fail to take our place in God’s house on the Lord’s Day.  I know that life is complicated.  I know that our culture doesn’t care about Sunday worship and offers countless competing and conflicting events.  But think about what you are saying when your place in God’s house is empty: 

Forget the Sabbath!  I’ll keep it for myself.

I follow Jesus, but only part-time!

My children don’t need to learn about Jesus and His love for them. 

Many things in my life are just more important to me than God.

The church doesn’t need my help—they’re doing fine!

I have nothing to thank God for this Sunday. 

My teenager knows it all about friendship, dating, college life, and dealing with temptation. 

Lost people don’t need my example to lead them to the place where the gospel is preached and God’s love is shared. 

Jesus is the Lord of my life—when I have nothing else to do!

Pretty bad preaching, don’t you think?  We’re called to do better.  Make the message of your life a positive invitation to find life in Jesus Christ and live for Him. 

Sunday’s coming.  Good luck with your sermon.