There is a great deal of truth in the fact that our attention should not be so much on the speaker (his flashy sport coat, wild shoes, or trembly voice), but on the message which is spoken. Second, although such an introduction contains an element of truth, it also suggests something which it does not seem to convey. Yes, sir, I think I might preface an introduction of John with a disclaimer, too. For example, can you feature John doing a 30-second spot on the ‘I Found It’ campaign? Or can you envision an interview with John on the Johnny Carson show? I find it difficult to even feature John standing behind the pulpit on a Sunday morning. I can’t even conceive of him fitting into the contemporary Christian scheme of things. I mean, you have got to admit John the Baptist was a unique individual.
First of all, I think that might be the way I would have introduced John the Baptist had the occasion ever arisen. But, when I got up to preach, I found it difficult to miss the humor in it all, so I said, “What our brother meant to say was, ‘Here’s Bob, he’s not much, but he’s all we’ve got.’”Īs I have been preparing this week’s message, I’ve found my mind turning back to that introduction for several reasons. I knew my brother too well to misunderstand his meaning and loved him too much to take offense. It doesn’t matter if the man’s shoes are shined, or if he has a new suit, it’s the message which should be paramount.” He then went on to say, “And now the man with today’s message is Bob Deffinbaugh.” It’s not the man, but the message that counts. “There is too much emphasis these days,” he began, “on the instrument through whom the Word of God is proclaimed. Well, my dear brother had had just about enough of all that, so in introducing me he took a moment to put things in perspective. During the week, there had been considerable press coverage of a famous preacher who was referred to as ‘the man with the silver tongue’ and so on. I was about to preach when a man whom I greatly respect stood to introduce me to the audience.
BIBLE WORD COUNTER FULL
16 In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure." 17 When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces. 15 You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a good old age. 14 But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions. 13 Then the LORD said to him, "Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. 12 As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him. 11 Then birds of prey came down on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away. 7 He also said to him, "I am the LORD, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to take possession of it." 8 But Abram said, "O Sovereign LORD, how can I know that I will gain possession of it?" 9 So the LORD said to him, "Bring me a heifer, a goat and a ram, each three years old, along with a dove and a young pigeon." 10 Abram brought all these to him, cut them in two and arranged the halves opposite each other the birds, however, he did not cut in half.
" 2 But Abram said, "O Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?" 3 And Abram said, "You have given me no children so a servant in my household will be my heir." 4 Then the word of the LORD came to him: "This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir." 5 He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars-if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." 6 Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness. I am your shield, your very great reward.
Bible Gateway Genesis 15 :: NIV Genesis 15 1 After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram.