As I get older, I’ve discovered, somewhat surprisingly, that my tastes are more eclectic than I would have thought. Yes, I still have my favorites, but the range of my selection has expanded. In music, for example, ten years ago I wouldn’t have given much thought to listening to jazz. Now I’ve downloaded several selections on to my iPod® so that I might have a little variety while I workout. On the other hand, Beethoven and friends are right up there with gospel music, Southern Gospel and the like. With regard to reading, my selections have expanded in the last ten years as well. I’m sure that my field of interest could increase further, but for now: history, the Puritans, works by Frank Boreham, biographies of great leaders (Christian and secular), mythologies (especially by CS Lewis) and biblical geography have been added to my Bible and theology tomes. I’ve even become fascinated with art and art history; subjects I astutely avoided in college. Strange what age does to someone. And then there are preachers and preachers. I have read countless biographies of and sermons by many different great preachers in (mainly) the English speaking world. This past week, though, I was forwarded a website that contained a four minute clip of a black pastor energetically speaking on the subject of “Jesus is King!” I loved every second of it. This man preached like there was a fire in his belly! Contrast that to a sermon which was originally recorded on wax disc (I’m convinced!) and remastered digitally that AW Tozer spoke decades ago. Same fire in the belly, just not burning as brightly! And then there are the Puritans. No live recordings here, but plenty of in depth and theologically profound written manuscripts:”and thirty-fourthly…” they would go on! You had to have disciplined conduct just to stay with them. All of this reminds me of what the Apostle Paul said, Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice, yes, and I will rejoice. Enjoy good preaching and good preachers, no matter what variety they may come in!