My dear bride of 28 years recently uncovered some old sermon tapes from my earlier years in pastoral ministry and played several of them. Hearing these old messages from the past has been a strange form of nostalgia, especially in view of the ministerial turbulence that I faced during that time. Yet, the warnings that I then issued, for my own sake and for the sake of the church, remain as a central focus of my life and ministry. Though my homiletical style has changed quite a bit and my presentation has become more seasoned with a serious tone, my core convictions still come through in these older messages. I find that God’s warnings and encouragements in His word continue to sanctify me and my family – a reality for which I am deeply thankful. One message that we listened to was delivered at Woodland Hills Bible Church in Minnetonka Minnesota (now Redeemer Bible Church) where I served as pastor for five years. The text that I addressed is Mark 12:28-31 and my exhortation dealt with the centrality of loving and serving God as the chief priority and purpose of the local church. Many of the same points expressed in this message, concerning the related text of Deuteronomy 6:4-5, are strongly emphasized in my books: Altar to an Unknown Love and All Nations Under God. So, without further delay, here is The Priority and Purpose of the Church – Mark 12:28-31, 1999:
If you are having trouble with the above audio player, here is the direct link: The Priority and Purpose of the Church – Mark 12:28-31, 1999