Tag: speak

Do You Understand?

Carl Pollard 

Sometimes we struggle to truly understand what we hear. It’s so easy to misinterpret conversations, especially over text. According to psychologist Albert Merabian, approximately 93% of communication is considered nonverbal, with 55% conveyed through body language and 38% through tone of voice. This means that only 7% of the message is conveyed through the actual spoken words.

Have you ever misunderstood a text message? Without the benefit of tone and body language, it can be challenging to discern whether a response is conveying sarcasm, boredom, or excitement. Even simple phrases like “oh wow” can be interpreted in vastly different ways.

Communication is hard, especially when we have a million different ways to say a word that can convey an entirely different message. We aren’t the first ones to struggle with this. The apostles asked Jesus around 200 questions that are recorded for us, often saying “huh?” when He spoke. Yet, Jesus asked over 300 questions – not because He was ignorant or unaware, but to get people thinking and truly understand.

Similarly, we sometimes treat Scripture like Einstein’s theory of relativity – we can memorize the words, but if we don’t understand them, what’s the point? Scripture is more than just words on a page; it’s the word of life. To commit it to heart and truly understand requires more than a superficial reading.

To be a follower of Jesus, faith in Christ is essential. 1 John 5:5 says, “Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” It’s not the rich, the president, or the preacher – it’s the one who believes in Jesus as Lord. John 3:16 reminds us that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

Faith in Christ isn’t found on a day when everything in life is perfect. Trust is built by enduring difficulty. As George Muller said, “Faith doesn’t operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man’s power ends.”

To be a follower of Christ means living a life of faith in Jesus. It’s not about gambling or taking a chance, but putting our trust in the sinless Savior of the world, who has been in the saving business forever. When we truly understand what it means to be a Christian, we will live like Christ.

PREACHER FAN

Neal Pollard

Frankly, some preachers are or can be a pain! There are various reasons for this, but I would hasten to say that such are in the minority.  As I sit in our Future Preachers Training Camp listening to our teachers speak to the next generation of preachers, I am in admiration. Their passion, knowledge, experience, wisdom, and, knowing them, their character leave me in grateful awe. Others who have filled the pulpit or taught classes this week take their place alongside the others I mention.  Their work and life are incredibly noteworthy. While some would not use this word of them complimentarily, preachers are “special” men.

To go into this field of work requires some distinct traits:

  • A willingness to have your life on display
  • A desire to spend your life full-time in ministry
  • An understanding that some will not respect your occupation
  • A willingness to have people disagreeing with what you say, though you know it’s important
  • A humility to care and minister to others, even the difficult and unpleasant people
  • A willingness to enter a profession that may have an economic ceiling

The gospel preacher knows these and other circumstances may often exist, but he sees so many enriching aspects of the life of preaching. Soul-winning, serving, developing, aiding positive change, learning, and much more epitomize the fringe benefits available to a man who preaches the Word. Those wise enough to see this find these things more than sufficient to offset whatever perceived challenges accompany this life.

Watching tomorrow’s preachers absorbing, questioning, thinking, and working excites me. I’m thankful that they are able to find sound, qualified men to provide well-reasoned, Bible answers, but I’m as thankful they are interested and desirous of exploring this life. In a bad-news world, watching quality young men trying to stretch and grow themselves in leadership and preaching is some of the best possible news. Seeing works like preaching camps, schools of preaching, brotherhood activities featuring gospel preachers make me so thankful for men who dedicate themselves to this wonderful life. Please pray for every man who endeavors to aspire to and live this life. Each of us need God’s Word, wisdom, and strength to do this work adequately.

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