The Holy Spirit & Preaching (Reading Notes)

“In the nineteenth century, a group of pastors were organizing a citywide evangelistic campaign. As they discussed who they should invite to preach, the name of the noted evangelist D. L. Moody was brought up. Reluctant to have Moody preach, one minister protested, ‘Why Moody? Does he have a monopoly on the Holy Spirit?’

The question was then followed by a long silence. Finally, another pastor spoke up, saying, ‘Moody, Moody, Moody…does Moody have a monopoly on the Holy Spirit?’ One of the others answered, ‘No, but it seems that the Holy Spirit has a monopoly on Moody.’

No greater point could be made for any preacher.

God works through His servants in whom His Spirit is mightily empowering. Regardless of a preacher’s resume or ministerial credentials, the Holy Spirit is the One who, ultimately, makes the difference in any preacher’s ministry.

When it comes to your preaching, does the Holy Spirit have a monopoly on you?” (Steven Lawson, The Kind of Preaching God Blesses)