Text, Galatians 6:6, KIV: 6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
Not long ago I had lunch with a pastor friend. We talked about several different things but when I mentioned something I had seen on Sermon Central, he was alarmed!
He asked me, “What on earth are you doing on Sermon Central?”
My reply, kind of defensive, was “Posting stuff, like messages and illustrations!”
He thought for a moment and then, with a bit of humor, came back with this: “So, you’re an enabler, then!?
Keeping it light, I said, “Thank you!!”
Now, I can understand his concern. Let’s face it, the temptation is there for anyone to search and find a message from anybody on Sermon Central and attempt to deliver it as his or her own. I know this personally—that temptation is one I’ve encountered many times! The Lord is my witness, though, that I have never knowingly copied anyone’s message as my own.
But the thing to remember is that there is an incredible amount of material on sites like Sermon Central. It’s refreshing to see the insights our Lord has given other preachers. Believe me, I don’t have a monopoly on sermons, messages, outlines, illustrations, or much of anything else!
So, thanks to everyone who shares what the Lord has given them with others. I mean, most of us will only reach a handful of people with our messages. Some churches have average attendances of 12 people or fewer, but they need the Word as much as a church with 12,000. Even so, Sermon Central gives a forum where we can share with others and maybe give a cup of cold water or a few loaves of bread to those who hunger for God’s Truth.
Well, then, if that makes me an enabler, again I say thanks!
Scripture quotations taken from the King James Version of the Bible (KJV).