Every parent’s longing

One of my very first sermons was a 6,800-word Easter preach that tried to do everything.

Culture Watch Phillip Johnston

Resurrection apologetic? Check. Whirlwind tour of redemptive history? Had to. Atonement and union with Christ? Can’t have one without the other. A few personal stories chucked in for good measure? Of course. Leaving out anything felt like a sin of omission. If everything didn’t happen, nothing would. As I gathered my copious notes from the pulpit after the service, I was approached by a retired naval commander known throughout the church for his ministry of encouragement. This Sunday, however, the encouragement was charged with admonishment. ‘Next time,’ he said, ‘say everything you just said – but with half the words.’