The Great One That Got Away (standard:Inspirational stories, 916 words)
Author: Godspenman	Added: Feb 20 2005	Views/Reads: 3755/2325	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Most people don't realize ministers are obligated to prepare and preach one great sermon in their career. In looking over my record of sermons, I noticed many "good" sermons, but an obvious lack in the list of a single "great" sermon.

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My system did not so much leave much to be desired as to be nonexistent.


I remember this sermon now. It was a special Sunday in our church and
the worship program was filled with guests, including a group of 
singers who were to perform at our service. 

I worked for weeks on this sermon and had it worked out pretty good.
Everything that belonged to a great sermon was in this sermon. I 
reworked it until it was as close to perfect as I could possibly make 
it. 

The Sunday arrived and I anxiously anticipated delivering my great
sermon. Everything seemed to go right that Sunday. Even the weather 
cooperated by delivering a splendid day. 

Looking back, however, I overlooked one thing. Concentrating so much
time in preparing my sermon, I forgot others were participating in the 
service. 

My sermon, as is usually the case, was the last thing on the program.
The service started on time and everything progressed very nicely. 

Then the musical group got up to sing. They were simply marvelous and
the harmony was heavenly. In fact, they were so good they received a 
standing ovation. 

As the custom is, they responded appropriately by singing another song.
Again, they received a standing ovation, which in turn resulted in 
another song ... and another song ... and another song. 

By this time, I was nervous. Time to preach my great sermon started 20
minutes ago and there was no indication the musical group sensed the 
time. 

When the last strain of music faded and I stepped to the pulpit, it was
time to give the benediction. With as much graciousness as I could 
command, I pronounced the benediction and dismissed the people. 

To this day, nobody knows (except you) that my great sermon got away. 

"And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How
beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and 
bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans 10:15 KJV.) 


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