Monthly Archives: July 2007

by | July 21, 2007

The Preacher & Prayer

Sometimes the obvious needs stating. Preachers should be pray-ers. While it may be possible to follow a procedure and produce a sermon, we must never lose sight of the fact that it is not possible to achieve life transformation unless … Continue reading →

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Filed under Homiletics, How to . . . ?, Preacher's Personal Life, Preaching

by | July 20, 2007

Pointers for Points

The preacher’s outline is a representation of his thought structure.   It is the skeleton on which the flesh of the preaching content lives.  The main chunks, or movements, in a message are often referred to as the “points” of the … Continue reading →

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Filed under Homiletics, How to . . . ?, Preaching, Stage 7 - Message Outline

by | July 19, 2007

Good Preaching Isn’t Just Bible Explanation

The importance of relevance and application in preaching can hardly be understated.  I recently came across this quote that I feel is worthy of our attention: Good preaching begins in the Bible, but it doesn’t stay there. It visits the … Continue reading →

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Filed under Homiletics, How to . . . ?, Preaching, Stage 5 - Message Purpose, Stage 8 - Message Detail

by | July 18, 2007

BBB Seminar for Preachers in SE England

For those preachers who live in south east England / Greater London area, please read on.  If this does not apply to you, then I hope I will be able to offer this seminar closer to you in the future. … Continue reading →

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by | July 18, 2007

Is Application in the Preacher’s Job Description?

Some people mistakenly suggest that the preacher has to “make the Bible relevant.”  While this suggestion may be well-intentioned, it is unhelpful.  The Bible is relevant.  The preacher has to “demonstrate the Bible’s relevance.”  Expository preaching, by its very nature, … Continue reading →

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Filed under Delivery, Homiletics, How to . . . ?, Preaching, Stage 2 - Passage Study, Stage 5 - Message Purpose, Stage 8 - Message Detail

by | July 17, 2007

Question: Should We Cover More in Our Sermons?

Following on from yesterday’s post, I want to address the issue of “covering more.”  Here’s the question again: In the Church today, we find that most preachers preach for 30-60 minutes on one topic or passage. Indeed, many will take … Continue reading →

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Filed under Homiletics, How to . . . ?, New Testament, Preaching, Specific text, Stage 1 - Passage Selection, Stage 5 - Message Purpose, Stage 7 - Message Outline

by | July 16, 2007

Question: Do We Labor Points Too Long?

Question submitted to the site last week by Peter P: In the Church today, we find that most preachers preach for 30-60 minutes on one topic or passage. Indeed, many will take a few verses and preach on them at … Continue reading →

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Filed under Delivery, Homiletics, How to . . . ?, Preaching, Stage 1 - Passage Selection, Stage 7 - Message Outline, Stage 8 - Message Detail

by | July 15, 2007

Review: The Art of Preaching Old Testament Narrative, by Steven D. Mathewson

There are many preaching books, but only a handful I recommend wholeheartedly.  This is one of them.  Mathewson’s passion for the many narrative passages in the Old Testament is contagious.  His passion for the effective preaching of these passages is … Continue reading →

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Filed under Homiletics, Old Testament, Preaching, Review

by | July 14, 2007

Purpose and Preaching

Defining the purpose of a message is not an easy task. It is important, but generally neglected. Let me share three steps that may be helpful, followed by a quote from someone in the know. 1 – Study the text. … Continue reading →

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Filed under Homiletics, How to . . . ?, Preaching, Stage 3 - Passage Purpose, Stage 5 - Message Purpose

by | July 13, 2007

Purpose-Driven Preaching

Sometimes a term is used so much that it loses its sparkle. We live in a day when everything seems to be “purpose- driven.” However, many sermons are still preached without a clearly defined purpose. Jay Adams begins his book … Continue reading →

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Filed under Homiletics, How to . . . ?, Preaching, Stage 3 - Passage Purpose, Stage 5 - Message Purpose