Extraordinary Preachers
In the Scriptures, Christians are common people who God empowers to accomplish extraordinary acts of faith. Extraordinary is, “Exceptional in character, amount, extent, degree, etc.; noteworthy or remarkable.” (Dictionary.com) So, what makes preachers extraordinary people? The answer may lie with two common men, who achieved three realistic goals, resulting in extraordinary lives for Christ.
Their audience. Peter and John were ordinary men who became extraordinary preachers only after three years attending the University of Jesus Christ. They “had been with Jesus” although, perceived to be unlearned and unskilled (Acts 4:13). Extraordinary preachers spend much time with an audience of one—Jesus.
Their aim. Pleasing government or religious establishments was unconscionable. When challenged to stop preaching in the name of Jesus, “Peter and John answered and said to them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard’” (Acts 4:19-21). These extraordinary preachers aimed for God’s approval in their life, church and ministry.
Their attitude. Humbly and wisely they sought support (Acts 4:23-31). The late Alex Haley, had that unique picture of a turtle sitting on top of a fence post. Whenever someone asked about it, Haley would respond, “If you see a turtle on a fence post, you know that he had some help. Any time I start thinking, ‘Wow, isn’t this marvelous what I’ve done?’ I look at that picture and remember how this turtle, me, got up on that post.” Wise preachers understand the need for their “own companions” in the faith (Acts 4:23). Elisha had Elijah, Paul had Barnabas, and Timothy had Paul. You see none of us can be all we should be without the rest of us. “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Prov. 27:17).
Be extraordinary! Have a daily audience with Jesus, aim to please Him and develop the attitude that humbly and wisely seeks the support of others.
Until He Returns,
Mike
Mike Runion
About Mike Dr. W. Mike Runion is the Senior Pastor of City View First Baptist Church in Greenville, South Carolina. He and his wife, Gail, have served churches in North and South Carolina. A native of Greer, South Carolina, Dr. Runion holds degrees from North Greenville University (A.A., B.A.) and Southeastern Theological Seminary (M.Div., D.Min. in Expository Preaching). Dr. Runion has preached in churches, crusades, and revivals throughout North and South Carolina. In addition, he has served preaching alongside missionaries in foreign lands: Russia, Novgorod, and Chechulino. Romania, Cluj-Napoca, Bistrita-Nasaud, and Campia-Turzi. Brazil, Bocaiuva Do Sul. Indonesia, and Haiti.