Monthly Archives: February 2008

by | February 29, 2008

Strengthened by Sensitivity

Sensitivity can really strengthen a sermon.  If it is overdone it can also neutralize a sermon, but well-placed and well-worded sensitivity is well worth the extra thought it takes.  If the text was originally targeted at one specific type of … Continue reading →

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

by | February 28, 2008

Musts From Beyond The Schedule

It is so easy to get into ministry maintainance mode.  We do what we have to do to keep things ticking over.  As soon as one program is over, the next is looming.  And there is certainly something to be … Continue reading →

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Filed under Homiletics, How to . . . ?, Preacher's Personal Life, Preaching, Religion, Stage 5 - Message Purpose

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by | February 27, 2008

Not Commentaries, But Within Reach

One of my preaching instructors at seminary once mentioned a handful of books that he keeps within easy reach of his desk for sermon preparation.  I’ve done the same ever since and find myself referring to them often. To preach … Continue reading →

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Filed under Genre, Homiletics, How to . . . ?, Preaching, Religion, Review, Stage 2 - Passage Study

by | February 26, 2008

Commentaries – The Golden Ones

Since we’re talking commentaries, here’s another thought.  How are we supposed to know which ones to buy?  As a preacher I often note a common problem in commentaries – they tend to be atomistic.  That is to say that many … Continue reading →

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by | February 25, 2008

Rumors of Commentaries

When I get to listen to a sermon, I sometimes pick up on a commentary vibe.  That is, a sense that the preacher has been spending some time in the commentaries.  Sometimes it is overt references to “the commentators” or … Continue reading →

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Filed under Delivery, Homiletics, How to . . . ?, Preaching, Religion, Stage 2 - Passage Study, Stage 3 - Passage Purpose, Stage 4 - Passage Idea, Stage 5 - Message Purpose, Stage 6 - Message Idea, Stage 7 - Message Outline, Stage 8 - Message Detail

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by | February 24, 2008

Vulnerable Time

I recently spoke to a preacher after he had preached and thanked him for his ministry.  I asked how he felt about it.  To my surprise he said something like, “Oh, I never think about it, the job is done … Continue reading →

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by | February 23, 2008

Time for Feeding Instructions

When you start a new series consider whether it’s time to be more overt with some study instruction.  This is especially helpful when shifting to a new genre.  For instance, after spending some time in an epistle you shift to … Continue reading →

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by | February 22, 2008

Most Illustrations Need More Time

Robinson and other instructors teach a hierarchy of illustrative materials.  In a simplified four-level hierarchy the list would be as follows: Level 1 illustrations come from the experience of both the speaker and listeners. Level 2 illustrations come from the … Continue reading →

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

by | February 21, 2008

Know Your Theology and Preach Your Bible

Last week I wrote a post that spoke against theological agenda-driven preaching.  Yesterday’s post affirmed the value and relevance of theology.  Are these positions contradictory?  Not at all.  We are living in a generation where there is an increasing biblical … Continue reading →

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by | February 20, 2008

Practical Vs Doctrinal – No Contest

I was just reading a little book by a famous seminary professor.  He referred to the thousands of chapel services he has sat through in his time.  The one thing that bothered him perhaps more than anything else was when … Continue reading →

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Filed under Homiletics, Preaching, Religion, Stage 5 - Message Purpose, Stage 8 - Message Detail