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You Preach First

I read this tonight as a part of my sermon during the InterMission Service. Something to think about.

You Preach First

The first sermon preached each Sunday is not by the minister, but by you.

You preach a message about respect when you arrive to the service on time. You preach a message of joy when you say "good morning" to those you meet in the parking lot, in the classrooms, and in the sanctuary.

You preach a message of welcome!—"We have room for you" when you slide over in the pew instead of forcing others to squeeze in front of you. You preach a message of hope and joy when you sing enthusiastically during the song service.

You preach a message about the power of prayer when you fervently enter into the time of prayer together.

You preach a message of love when you smile, say hello, and introduce yourself to guests. You preach a message about trust when you bring your tithes and offerings. You preach a message about the importance of the Scriptures when you open your Bible to the day's text.

Many messages are preached before the minister stands up to bring his message. If your message is positive and consistent, then the message given from the pulpit will be much better received!

Come Sunday morning prepared to preach your best sermon.

—Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations

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