If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has borne witness to his Son. He who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. He who does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne to his Son. And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who has not the Son of God has not life. 1 John 5:9–12 (RSV)
Why would any sane person pay the slightest bit of attention to a single word that I might say or write? Seriously, who am I that anyone should give a second thought to my words? I am one of the many who have spent their hour in the light, soon to be gone, eventually forgotten.
I was not the best confirmand Pr. Jolivette ever taught (I really hated memory work). A few of the old-timers who work out the world's problems around coffee might from time to time say with genuine amazement, "That Hatcher kid is a pastor? Imagine that?"
Why give any thought to what I say? What I say is the testimony the Father has given to the world concerning His Son, our Lord Jesus. It is no word of my invention. No, it is the life-giving Word that has become flesh, dwelt among us, suffered, died, and was raised for our salvation.
In the mystery of the Holy Spirit's work, the Father has sent me, and countless others, to bear witness to His Son. Listen to Gary Hatcher in the hope of your salvation, dear God in heaven, no! Listen to the Word of God a faithful pastor proclaims for your salvation? Yes, by all means, hear it and give thanks for His Word made flesh.