Do You Really?

As I was driving to the airport on Monday, I happened to catch a portion of a sermon by the late D. James Kennedy. Unfortunately I just heard the end of the message. Although brief, it was very powerful. Apparently during the service the congregation had sung "I Love to Tell the Story" (a hymn written by Katherine Hankey in 1866). The direct and penetrating statement Dr. Kennedy made was, "many of you have lied here today by singing I love to tell the story. We sing this great hymn but DO YOU REALLY love to tell the story."

He went on to say, "Many of you have gone this entire year without telling 'the story' to anyone. In fact some of you sitting here today have never told "the story" to one person in your entire lifetime." I am sure a few folks in the congregation must have felt very uncomfortable. What about you? Do you LOVE to tell the story? I thought I would include the words of the song so you can evaluate what you mean when you sing, "I Love to Tell the Story."

I love to tell the story of unseen things above,

Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.

I love to tell the story, because I know 'tis true;

It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.
I love to tell the story, 'twill be my theme in glory,

To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

I love to tell the story; more wonderful it seems

Than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams.

I love to tell the story, it did so much for me;

And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.
I love to tell the story, 'twill be my theme in glory,

To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

I love to tell the story; 'tis pleasant to repeat

what seems each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet.

I love to tell the story, for some have never heard

The message of salvation from God's own holy Word.

I love to tell the story, 'twill be my theme in glory,

To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

I love to tell the story, for those who know it best

Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.

And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song,

'Twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.
I love to tell the story, 'twill be my theme in glory,

To tell the old old story of Jesus and his love.

The story of Jesus and his love is a powerful, life-changing, God-blessing, abundant- living, eternity-certain message. You need to love to tell it! If you have never heard we would love to share it with you. Please send an e-mail.

stay off the paved road ... --craig