Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Watch Watchers


We set forth to worship, fellowship, and hear the preacing of God's Word. Yet find our minds and our hearts wandering as we watch the watch. I am guilty of this. After a long sermon this Sunday, you could not imagine how many conversations I overheard about it. It is as if the time were ours, and God has stolen it from us if our pastor goes past 12:00. Thomas Watson writes - HE WHO LOVES GOD DESIRES HIS PRESENCE. Lovers cannot be long apart, they soon have their fainting fits, for want of a sight of the object of their love. A soul deeply in love with God desires the enjoyment of Him in His ordinances, in word, prayer, and sacraments. David was ready to faint away and die when he had not a sight of God. "My soul fainteth for God" (Psalm 84:2). Such as care not for ordinances, but say, "When will the Sabbath be over?" plainly reveal their lack of love to God.

Father forgive us.

8 comments:

Jennifer said...

This is all too often true. However, the only comments I heard this week was how great the sermon was! My youngest was "watching the watch" and when it was noon, she gave this imploring look like "WHEN is it going to be lunch time?" At the same time, my oldest commented, "He CAN'T stop NOW. He's only on the 2nd point and I want to hear the rest!" Praise the Lord for good teaching, no matter how long it takes! :)

Rob Bailey said...

I heard the good comments about sermon as well, and agree with your oldest. I also received the phone calls of those later in the day asking."what did you think of the sermon?" People wondering why there was no exhortation to pray for Winfrey. Or "was he too hard on her?" I think that we certainly should pray for her salvation, but this is an expository series through the letter to the Romans. His subject for the sermon was Romans 16, not Winfrey. She was merely an example of a false teacher.

Eric said...

I catch myself doing the old ¨slip my wrist over my Bible so it looks like I´m reading¨ trick sometimes. Lame. But now that I´m on the other side of the pulpit pretty regularly, I have to take to heart what Spurgeon said to his students: ¨if you can´t say something in 45 minutes, when were you going to say it?¨

Unknown said...

I didn't even know he had went long until after it was over and I checked my watch. It was another great sermon just like we get every week. We (BCLR) are truly blessed.

Becky Arnold said...

I was sick in bed, but all I have heard is how wonderful it was! I was waiting on his notes, but will go listen online as soon as I can. Thanks for the gentle rebuke and reminder. Oh, to love our Saviour more and with an undivided heart!

Rob Bailey said...

CTG - So glad to hear from you! (even if you do like durian) I know all too well the multi-faceted blessings/time constraints of a scheduled teaching time. It is more about the attitude of both the preacher and the hearer; than the ability to be concise or the desire to remain within a set time frame. Love the fact that you quote Spurgeon. Right on. What city are you in? Next time I'm in Thailand I'd love to see you guys. Would you be interested in teaching at a seminary in Burma? I have also made the aquaintance of a Thai soldier who leads a Bible study for Thai police and military in BK (around 175 people, professing believers); he may be a good contact in the world's largest brothel.

Spell check flags "durian."
Peter's sermon in Acts 2 takes about 2 min. to read out lod, if that.
I have been praying for you since I fond you guys online.


Stephen -
We are truly blessed, but I don't know who you are.

Eric said...

My spell check doesn't have "durian" either.

Teaching in Burma sounds interesting. The Chin tribe, right? I taught at a Bible school in the Philippines for a few years before coming to Thailand. But the work here keeps me kind of tied to the north-central Thailand area for now. Maybe someday. Thanks for the offer, and thanks very much for your prayers. When you make it to Thailand, please swing by Sawankhalok.

Re Stephen's sermon: who knows how long he would have gone if they hadn't stoned him two minutes into it...? (uh, I'm kidding of course. Hard to tell in print sometimes.)

Rob Bailey said...

mostly chin. but i'm finding a much better reception too good, biblical teaching w/ the kachin. the chin seem to have developed a culture of reliance on foreign "support." the kachin we have come in contact with only want teaching. very refreshing. they also seem to rely less on their traditions introduced by well meaning missionaries. with the chin, there is so much deprogramming to do before you can ever have a good conversation. reminds me of a sermon by CHS titled "Much Rubbish" on Nehemiah and how they had to clear away the "rubbish" before they could ever begin rebuilding the wall.