Arduous and Glorious

I've been reading a fantastic book by Al Mohler called He Is Not Silent, and I am stunned that one man can say so many incredible things so close together. I think I've underlined half the book so far!

Just grabbing a quote at random, I give you:

"Preaching did not emerge from the church's experimentation with communication techniques. The church does not preach because preaching is thought to be a good idea or an effective technique. The sermon has not earned its place in Christian worship by proving its utility in comparison with others means of communication or aspects of worship. Rather, we preach because we have been commanded to preach."

And later...

"True preaching is never an exhibition of the brilliance or intellect of the preacher but an exposition of the wisdom and power of God."

That last one is especially good, as I am several watts short of brilliant. The real burden, though, is far greater. There's no pressure, you see, to be brilliant or intellectual; where the responsibility lies is in properly handling the Word of Truth.

Quoting Mohler again:

"Those who preach from some other authority or text may speak with great effect and attractiveness, but they are preaching 'another gospel,' and their words will betray them. Christian preaching is not an easy task. Those who are called to preach bear a heavy duty. As Martin Luther confessed, 'If I could come down with a good conscience, I would rather be stretched out on a wheel and carry stones than preach one sermon.' Speaking on the basis of what God has spoken is both arduous and glorious."