"Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued the message until midnight....And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead."
Acts 20:7, 9
Beware, those who sleep in church. Your life is in danger! Actually, I know about sleepers in church. When I was pastoring, there were people who habitually slept during my sermons. In one church, there was Brother Fisk; he sat on the first row and was a nodder. Sister Howard sat on the last pew; she was a sprawler. And in between were other assorted dreamers. But I've not had anyone die during my preaching, unless you count Sister Fink, who had a stroke during the offering before I began preaching. I imagine Paul closed his sermon many times before midnight, but then kept on preaching. A favorite phrase in Paul's writings was "Finally, Brethren." In fact, he used the phrase two times in his letter to the Philippians. I try to avoid saying, "Finally," or "In conclusion," lest I raise the audience's expectations of a quick ending. Even though Eutychus died while sleeping in church, God was gracious and restored him so he could sit through another sermon.
Today's Thought: God is gracious, even to those who sleep in church.
Have an awake day. Love you.
Acts 20:7, 9
Beware, those who sleep in church. Your life is in danger! Actually, I know about sleepers in church. When I was pastoring, there were people who habitually slept during my sermons. In one church, there was Brother Fisk; he sat on the first row and was a nodder. Sister Howard sat on the last pew; she was a sprawler. And in between were other assorted dreamers. But I've not had anyone die during my preaching, unless you count Sister Fink, who had a stroke during the offering before I began preaching. I imagine Paul closed his sermon many times before midnight, but then kept on preaching. A favorite phrase in Paul's writings was "Finally, Brethren." In fact, he used the phrase two times in his letter to the Philippians. I try to avoid saying, "Finally," or "In conclusion," lest I raise the audience's expectations of a quick ending. Even though Eutychus died while sleeping in church, God was gracious and restored him so he could sit through another sermon.
Today's Thought: God is gracious, even to those who sleep in church.
Have an awake day. Love you.
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