Titus 1:9 (NIV)
He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has
been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those
who oppose it.
A famous Methodist evangelist named Peter Cartwright was
known for his uncompromising preaching. However, one day when the President of
the United States, Andrew Jackson, "Old rough and ready," came to
Cartwright’s church, the elders warned the Pastor not to offend the President.
In those days, the President had great power to influence a denomination for
good or bad. Content, that their Pastor would not say anything to discredit
their church, the elders retired to the back of the sanctuary.
When Cartwright got up to speak, the first words out of
his mouth were, "I understand that President Andrew Jackson is here this
morning. I have been requested to be very guarded in my remarks. Let me say
this: "Andrew Jackson will go to hell if doesn't repent of his sin!"
The entire congregation gasped with shock at Cartwright’s boldness. How could
this young preacher dare to offend the tough old general in public, they
wondered.
After the service, everyone wondered how the President
would respond to Cartwright. When Andrew Jackson met the preacher at the door
he looked at him in the eye and said, "Sir, If I had a regiment of men
like you, I could conquer the world!" When we appreciate the power of the
word of God and the Holy Spirit speaking from the lips of people with
conviction we will make eternal differences.
Will you make a difference today? Will you stand with
your convictions and conquer the world for Jesus?
Dear Lord, we pray today that we would be bold and stand
for what we believe. Help us share that with others today. In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
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