The Preacher's Fire

Not every day the preacher's soul is fired,
But when the spark is there, foundations quake
And mountains move. Then sinful hearts inspired
By judgment fears, to penitence awake.
Spirit anointed, most imperfect clay
Becomes a golden vessel for God's Word,
Which, overflowing, heals and cleans away
Black doubt and hindering fear. Then Christians stirred
Know rushing mighty wind, baptising fire,
Speaks such a preacher with a prophet's tone,
By love consumed, revival his desire,
Blessed beyond measure, pulpit then a throne.

Give to this preacher now the heavenly pow'r
My people wait. Make this the shining hour.

Bob Jones

It has been my joy to have had the privilege of preaching the Gospel of Christ for 46 years. I grew up in a time when there was great preaching in my local church. My pastor, and many of the men he brought into our services, were men of God. These men were greatly used by the Lord to preach with mighty power. Oh! how blessed I have been to have seen those mighty men of God being used by the Holy Spirit to touch lives and to bring souls from death to life.

This poem by Bob Jones has been on my desk through all of these years. I have quoted it and prayed it to the Lord nearly every Sunday when I have gone forth to preach. 

On our pulpit at Berean Baptist Church I have a plaque with these words inscribed,  "Lord, in mercy, open the eyes of my people's souls, that they might see their need of Jesus." I want those who preach at our church to be reminded that we are utterly dependent upon the Lord to open the minds and hearts of those who hear the Word of God.

May the Word of God continue to go forth from the pulpit at Berean Baptist Church for many years to come!