It’s what I do, when I can
November 15, 2010 (Monday)
My friend Mack Caffey had emergency surgery last week and spent the week in the hospital. He’s home now, and recovering well. Our prayers are for him, his wife, and their loved ones. He is Interim Pastor at Bethel Baptist Church in Ingleside. The church asked me to fill in for him until he is able to return to the pulpit. Yesterday I preached at the church in the morning and evening services.
I became their interim pastor twelve years ago and served there about one and one-half years, so I know some of the folks. I enjoyed preaching there yesterday, seeing old friends and meeting new ones. I also baptized a mother and daughter at the close of the morning service.
Unless I become disabled in some way, I will preach as I have opportunity as long as possible. Few people ever really retire fully from the gospel ministry. The prophet Jeremiah said there was a fire in his bones when he tried to remain silent. I think I know what he was talking about. The ministry is not something a person does; it’s what he is. Even when he is retired and no longer able to preach, in his heart he is still the person God called to serve Him.
What did I preach about yesterday? In the morning I preached on Acts 16:31, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” In the evening Bible Study I presented a message about the importance of church attendance in a believer’s life, reminding the congregation that Jesus’ custom was attending worship services on the Sabbath (Luke 4:16).
The subject matter was basic stuff and the presentation was straightforward. That’s pretty much what I’ve done since I started preaching 62 years ago.