but on the second request, I had a temporary loss of focus and accepted an invitation for teaching a Sabbath School on the SAME day as bringing the Divine Service message.
Now for some of you, this may seem like a trivial item. What's the big deal, you've taught before and you've spoken before, and it seems like it would be a simple thing to bring them together and do them both on the same day.
While this is true that the activities in question might seem simple to some. Part of the difficulty begins with what is involved beneath the surface of each.
Those who present on a regular basis understand a few things about this:
1) We present only about 5-10% of what we study.
2) Sabbath School and Divine Service is not merely getting up and giving a talk. Presentation of Truth has much to do with its reception. At least Prophetic Counsel (i.e. Spirit of Prophecy) seems to think so. The way we present the Truth to others will have significant bearing on the way it is received.
3) We do not simple slap the truth down like a buffet dinner. It's more like a gourmet meal. Despite popular opinion, the teacher is not a facilitator. Neither is the preacher. He (or she, but it's my blog, I'm a he) is a dispenser of Truth, and it must be handled with the same delicacy one handles an item of inestimable value. The student and hearer must be led down a path, and the offer must be made as attractive as it truly is, and a decision must be appealed for. And a chance to change must be given.
And all this must be understood before the first scripture is put into place. The prayer at this point is different in that it is for the request of the hearers, as well as the instrument of dispensation, to have a heart softened to receive the Truth. For reception of Truth is neither merely intellectual nor emotional but Spiritual. And a Divine Spirit must attend its reception. And the question we each must ask as we teach or preach is, what in my own life would inhibit the Holy Spirit from moving upon the people?
This must happen every single time one gets up to speak or teach. Today this happens twice in a row.
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| Romans 15:4 |
i love how you share your thought process and thinking going into this, based on your experience, studies...the process and experience for those speaking and receiving...i also love that it is not only analyzed but experienced on an emotional AND spiritual level. i really long to develop and nurture my spirituality and would love to hear more about your journey in this. i'd also love to hear more about what you share in both services...did you say that is today?
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