I have been told indirectly that I offended someone this past Sunday (August 19) while I was preaching on "Loving Jesus" from John 14:15. Evidently at one point in my message, while attempting to illustrate professing Christians who do not obey the commandments of Christ, I said something to the effect:
"Brother so-and-so does not tithe and sister say-and-say does not...".
Of course, I used real names instead of the "so-and-so" and "say-and-say" and I guess I used the name of someone sitting in the assembly at the time.
First, if I did offend or embarrass anyone this past Sunday, please accept my apology and my plea for forgiveness. That was never my intention.
Second, I actually do not remember what I said verbatim. I do recall saying something like this but I can't even remember what names I used.
Third, please understand that I rarely "plan out" my illustrations. Most of them I grab while I am preaching. I can assure you that was the case with this specific illustration. I never gave any thought ahead of time of using such a statement and I certainly did not consider what names I would use at the time. Maybe I should have!
Fourth, I have absolutely no idea who in our congregation tithes and who doesn't. I intentionally distance myself from the money. I do not handle it or count it. I receive no reports on who gives what and I don't want to receive such reports.
Fifth, the only person in our congregation who might know if a specific member tithes would be our treasurer. He must track individual giving throughout the year for tax purposes. He and he alone knows how much you give to Christ's work. However, the only way even the treasurer would know if you tithe or not would be if he knows how much you earn. So, in reality, no one but you and the Lord really know if you tithe or not.
Sixth, I realize I am not the best preacher in the world. At times I am tongue tied. At other times my mind wanders. Then there are moments when my mind thinks one thing and my mouth says something else (I think that may have to do with my age!). Do not be surprise if I make the same mistake in the future.
Finally, if I EVER say anything in a message which disturbs you, embarrasses you, or offends you, PLEASE come and talk with me about it.
