A Sunday Challenge

Here's a challenge to the person in the pew for Sunday services:

Clear your mind of clutter and let yourself worship God as you sing praises and hymns to His Glory.

REALLY listen to the sermon and follow along in your Bible. Don't allow yourself to get tripped up if the pastor isn't using the version of the Bible that you are. God's Word is just that - God's Word. Take notes. Jot down references.

When you get home and have a few moments of quiet time, look up those references and look over your sermon notes.

Here's what I've seen over and over again with the normal person in the pew. He/she takes for granted every word that comes out of the pastor's mouth. Now, I'm not at all saying that the pastor cannot be trusted. I'm saying this:

The Bible says to test everything by the Scriptures. Preachers can be wrong at times, and if they're good pastors, they will welcome anyone who is willing to discuss the sermon with them.

The Bible is an open book for anyone to read. The pastor doesn't have all the answers; he's just a man like you and me. He's answerable to the same God. In most cases you'll find that he truly wants to preach the Truth.

Pray for your pastor and don't be afraid to challenge him with your questions.