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Abstract

I believe the Holy Spirit leads in a variety of mysterious ways. I believe He leads as much in the pastor's study as He does in the pulpit. This sermon came as a surprise to me in my study. It was on a Thursday as I was praying about some very difficult family and marriage issues going on in my church. I felt the Holy Spirit leading me to cancel the "regularly-scheduled sermon" and bring a different message that would address some of these items. I sought the counsel of my elders and pastoral staff, and they all agreed it was fitting to do something different.

The last time I had canceled a sermon in the middle of the series was Sept. 16th, 2001, following the 9-11 tragedy. But we have just as significant of tragedies occurring in our own churches today-worthy of delaying a sermon series. This sermon calls for a time out. It serves to warn us in the same way a caution cone alerts a driver. The red "check engine" light in your car is flashing. Some of your lives a screaming for a U-turn. Many others of you are on the wrong road altogether. According to C.S. Lewis, "If you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; and in that case the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive man."