Here is a wonderful quote by Art Katz. This is why listening to him preach or reading his books is like a refreshing wind of the Spirit. This quote is from his book "Apostolic Foundations."
Quote:
A preacher who thus intentionally voids himself in trust for a word of God to be given experiences a suffering in measure akin to that of the crucified Christ. He is dying to his own ability to speak, and becomes foolish in a humiliation like the Savior's unto death. This is the heart of all true speaking. The man speaking sees to it that his own ability will not be his dependency. He is the humble recipient of something that is to be given. There is a suffering, a humiliation and a death in the speaking that releases the same quality of power that took place at the Cross, and will again, in every reenactment of that event. God does not want the faith of men to be established on eloquence, but on the basis of the power of God, which is released through the one who is willing to suffer the terrible humiliation.
The preaching that is power comes when a man abandons himself, and will not lean on his own expertise or ability. Pulling out that plug is death. It is something one can never get used to, but is to be tasted again and again. It is as terrifying, contradictory, and mortifying as if you had never done it before. Every occasion is a fresh experience in death, an only one who is dead to himself will bear it. Who is there that is willing to taste that death? Who is willing to abandon his trusted ability and confidence, and trust that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead will now raise the speaker and his message?
CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR ART, THIS IS THE LATEST UPDATE ON HIS HEALTH FROM HIS WEB SITE:
Jan. 1st, 2007
Art was released from the hospital yesterday (Dec. 31). His condition seemed to have improved significantly this morning. His shortness of breathe has improved remarkable; his breathing is close to normal.
Thank you so much for standing in prayer with our brother.
Ben Israel Fellowship
www.benisrael.org