mgpcpastor's blog

P had a rough day in ministry yesterday. Another of many.
Remember this:
John Newton in a letter to Rev. Thomas Jones (October 20, 1767): “As to myself, if I were not a Calvinist, I think I should have no more hope of success in preaching to men, than to horses or cows.”

The pastor’s job demarcation: we’re not the Holy Spirit, we don’t make change; we are the agents who preach and teach the biblical content which the Spirit uses to change people.
Don’t preach angry, don’t preach to score a point, don’t preach for personal vindication.
Preach God’s forgiving love all the more where you see it least reflected.
At least you know how much it’s needed.

Also, God’s grace is sufficient for you. Your experience of it helps you preach that it’s sufficient for them.

HT for the Newton quote: Kevin DeYoung.