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Here it is Tuesday already. I’m filling in for a minister in another city who is in the hospital this week. At this moment, I don’t know what subject I’ll be speaking on. One thing after the other comes to my mind but nothing seems to be appropriate. I usually have some inspiration and have been doing preparation by now. I'm sure it will come...it always does but I thought it would be interesting to see what others think.

What do people need to hear about today…in these times? What is ultimately important? I always talk of Jesus Christ and His saving grace. What else?

Since we're on Revelation, I wrote a sermon once I called "Counsels of the Sevenfold Spirit," based on the seven churches from the standpoint of what lessons the present-day church can learn from them. It's a topic that gives you (and the Spirit) a lot of latitide in what to present, and an interesting framework.

Hmmmm.... interesting question Clint..

Not being a super religious person, I usually turn to music.. in this case perhaps looking at Bob Marley's tune.. One Love/People Get Ready.. lyrics that could be pretty applicable to todays world situation... and then take into consideration his upbringing, goals in life, and what he accomplished in such short life...

I think people need to hear, that faith demands they take charge of their selves and rebuild family bonds, put strenght back into the family system. And from there grow.

People need to hear how to listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit within them, and how to discern and test what they've heard so that they can build up their confidence in knowing when they are hearing from God. Many people do not know what it means when you tell them to listen to what the Spirit is saying to them, and how will they be able to be guided by the Spirit if they can't even recognize when He is speaking to them?

Good one Minks! And this sermon could apply of course to all affected by Katrina obviously, but with a reminder to all listeners that not just Katrina victims should take this advice....but everyone. Even people not immediately affected by the hurricane devastation which is just a simple reminder of what ALL need to do!

Clint wrote: Here it is Tuesday already. I’m filling in for a minister in another city who is in the hospital this week. At this moment, I don’t know what subject I’ll be speaking on. One thing after the other comes to my mind but nothing seems to be appropriate. I usually have some inspiration and have been doing preparation by now. I'm sure it will come...it always does but I thought it would be interesting to see what others think.

What do people need to hear about today…in these times? What is ultimately important? I always talk of Jesus Christ and His saving grace. What else?
Choices Clint, and how the choices that people make will affect their life. It's one of my favorite discussions. Many like to credit extrinsic things for why or why not thus and so happens, when in fact it is more often the choices they have made.

Lon wrote: Choices Clint, and how the choices that people make will affect their life. It's one of my favorite discussions. Many like to credit extrinsic things for why or why not thus and so happens, when in fact is more often the choices they have made.


Accountability

Pump 'em up! Stay on the optimistic tip. Tell them about the blessing of wonderful feelings that flood your soul when you help another. These are the times to look at what we have and express gratitude for our own blessings by carrying blessings to others. It doesn't have to be Katrina victims, and it doesn't have to be a check. Go to the local retirement home or children's home, if you have one, and play. Find a house that needs a little TLC and give some! It's even better if it's a stranger. The sweat will run sweet, and the stiff muscles will actually feel good. :-6

These are great. I'm hearing a perspective that is very valuable. The message ultimately comes from the Holy Spirit who can and does speak through each of you.

I have to agree with so many of the above suggestions. Personal accountability, family values, social morality. I hear so much blame these days..........what can I do make things better for me, my family, my neighbors and my community. I am not a very religious person myself but I have always felt it was best to live a life I could take pride in........don't ignore myself, family or neighbors, don't allow the rage and degredation of an out-of-control society of lost souls enter my life - if it does get those people some help. Try to laugh every day.

Clint, if you need some help with the music for the service, let me know. I am interim Music Director for my church and have loads of hymns/choruses built around Biblical themes. I think in terms of what people need to hear, as the music that praises God prior to the teaching of the Word. The preaching is up to people like you!

Every one of you had inspiring thoughts. I was struck by the diversity of ideas. It reminds me of how different we are from each other and how that brings about struggles and the tendencies we have to exclude others because of differences or perceived and actual sins.

I’m going to use Matthew 18 in its entirety. I’m going to tell them how God loves the little children. I’m going to tell them we are all little children and that He doesn’t want to lose any of us. I’ll talk about how He instructs us to draw the one that is straying back into the fold. I’m going to make sure they know we are forgiven just for asking and that because of that forgiveness we must forgive others (7 X 70). I will emphasize that we are to be about restoring each other in mercy, building up and pulling together, rather than fragmenting and holding wrong doing over the heads of others.

Thank you all.