Sand Mountain Sermonette 72
Matthew 25:36; Matthew 25:36; Mark 12-28-31
"I solemnly charge you in the presence of god and of Christ Jesus...preach the word..." 2 Timothy 4:1,2
"...I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me." Matthew 25:36
When I was a young boy there were two preachers to whom God was using on my journey to becoming a United Methodist minister in later years. These two ministers were: Reverend "Bill Ray" Cash and Reverend Hoyt Hambrick. Now, don't get me wrong, there were many other pastors I loved and who ministered to my heart over the years, but these two stand out.
Bill Ray Cash was the first minister I ever knew as a young kid while attending my hometown church, "Hewett Memorial United Methodist Church" in Albertville. I still remember being glued to his pacing back and forth across the stage with a Bible in one hand and a folded white handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his brow in the other, as he passionately delivered the message on Sunday mornings. Billy Ray loved God's word and he shared it passionately, truthfully, and consistently, every Sunday! And I love to share God's word from the pulpit too!
The other pastor was Reverend Hambrick who had a heart to visit his congregation at home and in the hospital as well as attend to the grieving and troubled in spite of his being confined to a wheelchair due to his being wounded in World War II. He, like Reverend Cash, was a very kind and humble man. Many years ago God confirmed a fresh calling upon my life for caring for the bereaved among the other ways to care for my congregation through visitation, etc.
Who has or is being used of God today, to speak to your heart regarding your loving Him and others with fiery zeal of the Holy Spirit burning brightly within your soul? As clergy and laity, we often complicate the sharing and the living of the gospel within and without the walls of the church building. But passion for Christ and a sacrificial love and care for others in His name is at the heart of Jesus' teaching (Mark 12:28-31).
Who do you know who needs to hear the gospel of grace and who do you know who could use a phone call, a card, or a visit as well as your prayers?
As we serve the Lord passionately as one Body!
Pastor Louie