By: Mike Riley
In the congregation that I was a part of growing up in the 60’s, we could often hear an “Amen” being audibly heard at the end of the preacher’s statements that gave emphasis to important declarations of God’s truth that was being proclaimed. The excitement generated by these “Amens” not only inspired the preacher, but also encouraged us as hearers to listen more intently. I could hear “Amens” flowing just as spontaneously at the end of prayers being offered as well as at the end of some of the hymns we sang.
One could tell the whole congregation was alive in their vibrant praise to the God of heaven. It is sad to say, but we do not hear too many “Amens” anymore in congregations of the Lord’s people. Have we ever wondered why that is?
Is it because we have lost the excitement we once had when we heard God’s word being proclaimed, or is the world too much with us? (1 John 2:15- 17). Brethren, it’s something to seriously think about.
The New Testament church was characterized by hearty “Amens” in its worship services (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:16). In fact, the term “Amen” in the Greek appears some 229 times in the New Testament. Jesus used it often to give emphasis to important declarations of truth (i.e., “verily, verily” – KJV).