Pathways to the Biblical Truth

There are few sermons I remember any better than the one titled “The Law.” I delivered it one cool October Sunday morning in 2010, to a packed sanctuary. I was more nervous than any previous sermon, even the eulogies, nuptials, and even baby baptisms, as the fear of dropping a baby weighs heavily on one’s mind. I worked my way through the sermon, nearing the end, where I was to deliver my most potent points, when I heard the familiar voice from the crowd, Sal. Somehow I knew Sal would be the one. Sal was recovering from just about every addiction, but never tackled the know-it-all problem he had. It was the first time I was heckled. Sal began talking over me, uttering the all-familiar Apostle Paul, getting louder and louder. Frankly, I have never seen a Pastor interrupted before, and was now experiencing it first-hand. To my surprise, Don cut in from behind me and stated that I was technically correct in what I was stating. I didn’t know to which person’s statements I should faint to. Sal and I had been chit-chat buddies for some time and agreed on many aspects of theology, but differed on some as well. We never once let a difference of opinion become a point of contention, but now there was. I managed to regain the pulpit and complete my sermon, but to the blank stares and confusion of the audience. The call I made repeatedly was that “I believe there is something here that we should investigate further, together.” The normal handshaking line was surprisingly thin this particular morning, and I noticed a few departing, rather quickly, out the back door to avoid any contact with me.