What Makes A Good Preacher?

"A good preacher should have these properties and virtues: first, to teach systematically; secondly, he should have a ready wit; thirdly, he should be eloquent; fourthly, he should have a good voice; fifthly, a good memory; sixthly, he should know when to make an end; seventhly, he should be sure of his doctrine; eighthly, he should venture and engage body and blood, wealth and honor, in the Word; ninthly, he should suffer himself to be mocked and jeered of everyone."

-Martin Luther, Tabletalk, #397 'Of Preachers and Preaching'

Is the End of Evangelicalism Near?

In a re-posting of an excellent article from 2004, Dr. Albert Mohler discusses the current state of evangelicalism and asks a very important question about today's Christians:

Will this present generation--with its pension for political correctness, false gospel of health and wealth, and unwillingness to declare Jesus the only way to heaven-- be the death knell for evangelicalism?

Did They Think It Would Happen Today?

Ed McMahon, June 23rd

Farah Fawcett, June 25th

Michael Jackson, June 25th

Billy Mays, June 28th

Steve McNair, July 4th

"As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more." Psalm 103:15 NIV

Dear friend, do you realize how truly fragile human life is---how our lives pass like the flowers of the field? Do you really comprehend the certainty of death--- and that it comes when least expected?

What about you? Have you stopped to consider where you will spend eternity? What if it comes...today?

You're Not On Vacation From God

I know. It's absurd to think that God takes any time off, even for a moment. But while we snicker at such a thought, the real-life tragedy is that many Christians do use the "summer months" as an excuse to take a vacation from God-- be it church attendance or ministry involvement.

For too many Christians the beach, the ball field, or the backyard barbecue become greater treasures than Jesus Christ. While the sun blazes hottest in June, July, and August--- many Christians permit their hearts to grow their coldest.

What about you, dear reader? Have you been on vacation from God this summer? How is your church attendance? Are you still involved in ministry? Are you demonstrating with your summer schedule that your greatest treasure and deepest love is still Jesus Christ?

How would things go in the world if Almighty God followed your example this summer?