There are literally thousands of different subjects and topics that preachers and teachers expound on each Sunday of the week.  Alcohol, adultery, anger, commitment, heaven and hell, gossip, money, etc. are all hot topics. Not to dismiss these issues as insignificant by any means, there is a tendency within the pulpit and the classroom to major on the minors.  Certainly congregations need to be exhorted and corrected on issues dealing with personal conduct and morality but it seems to often we miss out on the most electrifying of all subject matter.  In the words of Anne Graham Lotz, “Just give me Jesus.” 

Jesus said “But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself’ (John 12:32).  When Jesus is exalted and proclaimed in the sanctuaries people are drawn to Him.  And when people are drawn to Him their lives begin to radically change.  The closer we draw towards Jesus, the less likely we are to struggle with envy, strife, pornography, etc.  While it is important to deal with the issues that choke the life out of us, it is tantamount that we discuss the only person who can set us free from those same suffocating struggles. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).

As for me, give me less messages about marriage and more about the Messiah.  Preach a thousand sermons on Jesus to every one preached on jealousy.  Exalt the Savior more often than condemning the sinner.                                                           

Don’t get me wrong, I need plenty of correction in my life.  But more than anything else, I need Jesus. rpcrosswords@gmail.com