…the stimulus of Christ…” (Philippians 2:1 Moffatt)
Christ incites, excites and ignites initiative, action and passion. James Moffatt used the word “stimulus” because the Greek word paraklesis can mean exhortation, as in a passionate address that stirs or quickens a person to action. Very interesting, I just read an article about boring preachers. Should boring preachers be fired? Our churches are in desperate need of a stimulus. Paul told the Romans that it “comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”. And then added God has used the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe (1 Corinthians 1, 21) .Isaiah adds that man has little incentive within himself, “And there is none that…stirs up himself to take hold of thee…” (Isaiah 64:7) Because of that inaction there must come a rousing, and excitement or incitement from the pulpit.In the secular that rousing often takes the form of a pep rally or some contest where you win a cruise to the Bahamas. In the religious world it is called a revival which has become a forgotten word in our churches today. The stimulant, however, invariably dies down and more gasoline has to be thrown on to keep the fire burning. Pastors should be igniting fires instead of constantly having to put them out. There has to be a better way.
Promotional campaigns, giveaways and “go get ‘em” pep talks are all external and therefore cannot be sustained. Christ came “a quickening spirit” (1 Corinthians 15:45). His stimulus package is consistent and enduring. He continues “after the power of an endless life” (Hebrews 7:16). Paul called it “regeneration” (Titus 3:5), that is, the generator never stops producing. Other intoxicants have a short shelf life. I mean alcohol only buzzes brain and body for a few minutes with an accompanying emotional thud after it’s over. A jump off the bungee cord deck is exhilarating, but the stimulus is over in around fifteen seconds, costing twenty-five to thirty bucks a pop. Exciting night-life too only lasts the quick night. The woman at the well returned each morning with empty buckets, a testimony of how earthly stimulants can only last a short while, “the pleasures of sin for a season” (Hebrews 11:25) The Holy Spirit isn’t a momentary “high”; He’s the Mighty High! “Don’t get your stimulus from wine…but let the Spirit stimulate your souls” (Ephesians 5:18 Phillips).Oh dear.
So what's in it for me preacher? The stimulus of Christ comes from within, “…out of their bellies shall flow rivers of living water…” (John 7:38) What’s inside can’t help but stay there.I couldn’t write these messages without that flow. There is no creativity without the Creator. Oh, Edgar Allan Poe and guys like that did their best work high on morphine, but read their works and ask whether what stimulated them rouses you to your highest and best. Yes, there are unnatural ways to enhance performance but the results are always toxic, to the body for sure and most likely to the soul as well. Then Paul writes of “the stimulus of Christ”. He is a manufacturing plant of invention, ideas, wisdom and record-setting abilities. Those who lean on Him and live by Him win in the long run. Serving Christ doesn’t always win the medal for the short sprint, but it wins out when all the accomplishments of life are added up at the end. His stimulus creates younger looks than can the plastic surgeon. He grants a possession called “life, and that more abundantly”, a state of euphoria that never leaves a hangover or a bad morning aftertaste. So again should boring preachers be fired? If they can't provide the stimulus of Christ....Yes.
Nuff Said,
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