Monthly Archives: September 2007

by | September 20, 2007

How Not To Preach Every Inspired Word

As preachers of the Bible it is important that we hold a very high view of God’s Word. Verbal plenary inspiration is the doctrine that affirms the inspiration of the specific words (verbal), every last one of them (plenary). Any … Continue reading →

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Filed under Homiletics, How to . . . ?, Preaching, Stage 2 - Passage Study, Stage 4 - Passage Idea, Stage 8 - Message Detail

by | September 19, 2007

Preachers and Their Books

If you’re like me, you are more than happy to receive amazon.com gift vouchers for Christmas. While others may love their cars, guitars, guns or fishing rods, many preachers are in love with their libraries. If you, like me, are … Continue reading →

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by | September 18, 2007

Reading Matters

One further suggestion from Fred Craddock’s list of suggestions for a life of study is to set up your own library to function efficiently. I’ll take his prompting and share my thoughts on the subject of reading: Don’t shelve books … Continue reading →

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Filed under Homiletics, How to . . . ?, Preacher's Personal Life, Preaching, Stage 2 - Passage Study

by | September 17, 2007

Cross-Referencing in Preaching – Part 2

Cross-referencing may be a waste of energy.  Sunukjian rightly notes that often a move to another passage is a move in the wrong direction.  Having explained the preaching text, the preacher should then move forwards into contemporary life in order … Continue reading →

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

by | September 16, 2007

Scripture Interprets Scripture – Cross-Referencing in Preaching

You’ve probably heard the oft-used line that “Scripture interprets Scripture.”  This principle of hermeneutics seems to be the only principle for some people, but I would suggest it is one among many helpful principles.  It is right to say that … Continue reading →

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Filed under Delivery, Homiletics, How to . . . ?, New Testament, Old Testament, Preaching, Stage 2 - Passage Study, Stage 8 - Message Detail

by | September 15, 2007

A Life of Study – Part 2

Three more suggestions from Fred Craddock on the life of study, with comments: 3. Develop the ability to use small units of time. When you only have a few minutes, redeem the time with brief journal articles, checking biblical references, … Continue reading →

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Filed under Homiletics, How to . . . ?, Preacher's Personal Life, Preaching, Stage 2 - Passage Study, Stage 4 - Passage Idea

by | September 14, 2007

A Life of Study – Part 1

Fred Craddock, in chapter 4 of Preaching makes a series of suggestions for cultivating and guarding a life of study. I’ll share five of his ten suggestions in these two posts, with comments added: 1. Inform your congregation of your … Continue reading →

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

by | September 13, 2007

Topical Preaching – Part 2

More food for thought on the issue of topical preaching.  As I wrote in part 1, it is possible to preach a sermon that is both expository and topical.  Yet generally speaking I urge people to stay in one text.  … Continue reading →

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

by | September 12, 2007

What About Topical Preaching?

When I’ve taught preaching either in a course or a seminar, I’ve regularly encountered a certain question. “Why do you focus on preaching a single passage so much and not give instruction on preaching topically?”  My response is hopefully balanced … Continue reading →

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Filed under Homiletics, How to . . . ?, Preaching, Stage 1 - Passage Selection, Stage 2 - Passage Study, Stage 7 - Message Outline

by | September 11, 2007

Where to Place “The Reading” – Part 2

In part 1 we considered the importance of establishing and underlining the biblical authority of a message.  We underlined the importance of a commitment to expository preaching and the need to reinforce that commitment through attitude and action throughout a … Continue reading →

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Filed under Delivery, Homiletics, How to . . . ?, Preaching, Specific text, Stage 4 - Passage Idea, Stage 7 - Message Outline, Stage 8 - Message Detail