“So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all the believers were together and had all things in common; and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need.Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their [meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:41-47 NASB)
Like the “Rocky” franchise, where you have “I,” “II,”, “III,” and probably still counting, and akin to Ali vs. Frazier I & II, this is a new release I was privy to recently. “Preacher Versus The Pessimist I.” It went something like this…
Preacher: “Good afternoon. I have not seen you at church for a while. Is everything all right?
Pessimist: “I don’t attend anymore.” I don’t believe I need to go to church like I used too.
Preacher: “Well, you are missed by the congregation. Don’t you believe we are not to forsake the assembly of the saints?”
Pessimist: “Let me reply to you in one word, ‘No!’ Now you preachers are good with alliterations, give me a few good reasons why I should.”
(At this point the preacher pauses momentarily then with the help of the Holy Spirit, he was reminded of a text above, preached by Dr. Clarence Moore of New Era Church in Indianapolis back in 1990 as a guest speaker at our newly founded church. Pondering quickly, the preacher pounces back on the pessimist with a scriptural, sound, solid punch, in the form of an alliteration as requested.)
Preacher: “Presuming you confessed Christ and were added to the church, you should attend. Participating in the fellowship of believers is beneficial to the growth of the church. Praying with the saints produces much power, as well as refers to reminders that the Lord hears our cries and delivers us. Practicing giving is another reason; giving for the church in order that it might be able to minister to those in need. Profiting from the gladness and sincerity of hearts of fellow believers is a sustaining motivator as we travel through this life, on our Christian journey. Praising God in the midst of the Lord’s special presence with those who attend church is uplifting! You get reminded that you have so much to praise God for, so much to thank God for, and so much to lift your voice in the sanctuary! Presenting your being will help others be present and potentially be added to the church. There you go! Seven “P” words, seven, which is symbolic of completeness; seven good reasons, presented in the alliteration that you requested. Will we see you this coming Sunday?”
Pessimist: Sounding like he copied a page out of Agrippa’s notes, the pessimist says, “’In a short time you are going to persuade me to make a Christian of myself.’ But now I have to get going.”
Preacher: Well, I will be praying that you are convicted to be a Christian in your heart and externally as well. We will have to continue our discussion at a later date.
To be continued (TBD) at a later date! Stay tuned! In the meantime, share “Pastor Versus The Pessimist I” with someone you know needs to read this dialogue. You know you know someone! Be blessed!
“…and ye shall be witnesses…” (Acts 1:8 King James Version)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King