One of the most difficult aspects of preaching is to offer a new word or perspective on familiar passages of scripture, especially around the Christmas and Easter season. It is my desire to offer "fresh bread" each week as I stand in the pulpit. In my opinion there is no greater smell or taste than that of fresh bread. When I was in college studying for the ministry, there was a bread factory about a mile from the school. Occasionally, when the wind was just right we would get a whiff of the smell of the sweet aroma of fresh bread. Believe me, there was nothing like it! What makes fresh bread so satisfying is that it takes time to prepare, bake and rise. Once fresh bread is offered to us we simply find it irresistible.
As a preacher I want the words I speak to have that same impact. When the Word of God is offered like fresh bread, it has the ability to transform and satisfy like no other.
There are some valuable benefits to serving fresh bread each week;
- Fresh bread helps the church grow in spiritual maturity.
- Fresh bread helps the minister to grow personally.
- Fresh bread honors Christ.
- Fresh bread pleases God.
In a world that is so accustomed to quick fixes and instant answers i.e., like "Brown and Serve" rolls, may we as preachers be willing to spend the time to prepare and offer fresh bread each week.
When we deliver fresh bread we honor the words of Jeremiah 15:19 (nlt), If we speak good (fresh) words rather than worthless ones you will be my spokesman.
So this week, prepare, bake and let the word rise!
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