He Knows My Name

“He Knows My Name”

Enon Baptist Association Pastor’s Conference

May 19, 2003 Robert S Hightower

I know as pastors you have tried to help people and it just doesn’t seem to work sometimes…

For some of you that was just yesterday and for some that will be today And I know how frustrating that can be

One day a kindergarten teacher was helping one of her students put on his cowboy boots? He asked for help and she could see why. Even with her pulling and him pushing, the little boots still didn’t want to go on. Finally, when the second boot was on, she had worked up a sweat. She almost cried when the little boy said, "Teacher, they’re on the wrong feet." She looked down and sure enough, they were. It wasn’t any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on. But she managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on - this time on the right feet. And it was only then that he announced, "These aren’t my boots." She bit her tongue rather than scream, "Why didn’t you say so?" like she wanted to. And, once again she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off his little feet. No sooner had they got the boots off then he said, "They’re my brother’s boots.

My Mom made me wear ’em today. "Stifling a scream, she mustered up the grace and courage she had left to wrestle the ill-fitting boots on his feet again. Helping him into his coat, she asked, "Now, where are your mittens?" To which he replied, "I stuffed ’em in the toes of my boots." The article ends by saying - Her trial starts next month.

Sometimes that’s what it feels like dealing with church members Well I hope that we don’t let them intimidate us or cause us to act in anyway but CHRIST LIKE but I know at times it is tempting

Coming here today is a little intimidating for me, standing in front of a bunch of preachers and bringing a Word from our Lord! What an awesome privilege and responsibility

I have only been in the ministry for 5 years and have not preached much the last year, and I am nowhere as qualified as most of you to stand here and tell you anything But the message I bring to you today is not mine I’m just the messenger boy I don’t know how many of you remember your first sermon but I do, mine was actually when I was 16 (that was like 10 years ago or something)

I was afraid I was going to run out of time when I got started But it was over in 7 ½ minutes and it started here goes and finished well that’s it

Some people have suggested that I go back to that style and time frame

And while my opening and closing may not be much different I have figured out how to add time in the middle So here goes and hopefully by lunch time I can say well that’s it The other night I was at a dinner and this verse was shared and I thought what a great place to start and finish today!

The scripture is found in 1 Cor 2:1-5 and it says

1 When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.

2 For I resolved to know nothing while I am with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4 My message and my preaching are not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.

Three things I trust that I will do this morning

· PREACH JESUS CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED

· COME IN MY OWN WEAKNESS

· DEMONSTRATE THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPRIT

I HAVE A FRIEND THAT REMINDS ME QUITE OFTEN IT’S NOT ABOUT ME AND IT’S NOT ABOUT US BUT IT’S ALL ABOUT HIM

· When we get discouraged

· When the church isn’t growing

· When the people aren’t following

Let me encourage you that

· if you are Preaching Jesus and Him Crucified

· if you are Preaching in His power not yours

· if you are Becoming less and He is Becoming more

It’s all going to be okay! No matter what’s going on with you right now! Because it’s not about us

It’s not even about our church It’s not about how we feel It’s all about Him

BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN HE’S NOT CONCERNED WITH YOU! OR THAT HE DOESN’T KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON WITH YOU IN YOUR LIFE Just the opposite is true