Re: If you've heard it maybe you will remember the story about the old man who...

If you've heard it maybe you will remember the story about the old man who...

attended every church meeting and said 'Amen, give it to 'em preacher, tell 'em about it!

The preacher was teaching and preaching about sinfulness and backsliding. Every sermon, every time he would raise his voice a bit and cry out to God that everyone in his flock would repent. Every sermon was dedicated to returning to God, our creator and the old man continue to say 'AMEN!

As the weeks drugged on the congregation was filtered and the pews began to be bare. The old man continued 'Amen, give it to 'em preacher, tell 'em about it!

At last only the choir and the old man remained. 'Talkin' to the choir, preacher, Amen, give it to 'em preacher, tell 'em about it!'

Finally the choir disappeared and the preach delivered the same sermon. "REPENT, humble yourself, return to God!"

The only one in the church except for that preacher was the old man. I think the sermon might have been from Ezekiel 36:

"31 Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations."

I got that sermon this morning and it's just me and God here. Read the chapter for context and remember, We are Israel! It has a spiritual application for us just as it has the fleshly application for the them during those days.

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Apr 11, 2025, 1:27 AM

We had similar days.

As you were getting that sermon, i had my attention called to Acts 8, Simon the sorcerer. Simon had made a name for himself, but came to faith when Phillip told Samaria about Jesus. The church sent Peter and John to check it out, and they led the Samaritans to receive the Spirit. Simon offered money to be given that same ministry. Peter said: "You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”

It reads like a straight up condemnation of Simon, but as I considered it, it now seems more therapeutic. Peter perceived that Simon's bitterness is what led him to want to manipulate others, to appear important. Simon's unforgiveness had made him captive to the sin of pride. I cant know this, but I imagine Peter and Simon had a longer conversation about this. Simon appears to have listened.

A little bit counter intuitive, I think. We expect Peter to be angry or dismissive of Simon. We expect God to do something to Simon for trying to buy His favor for selfish reasons. But Peter revealed a redemptive outcome. Simon was not a bad guy. Maybe his family life had been condemning and harsh. Maybe bullied as a kid. Maybe a woman done him wrong. Whatever it was, the answer was for Simon to forgive. His prideful attitude would leave along with the weight of bitterness. I spent the day thinking about how much unforgiveness I am carrying, and what effect that is having. Not a fun exercise, but one with promised redemption. I am Simon.

So, yes, I hear you: those stories are about each of us.

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I'll tell you how God deals with my pride.

If you've heard it maybe you will remember the story about the old man who...

Re: If you've heard it maybe you will remember the story about the old man who...

I'll tell you how God deals with my pride.

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