“Is there a place in your preaching for such strong language? . . . In brief, in Scripture such language is designed to elicit from the hearer or reader an emotional reaction — laughter, revulsion, terror, etc. — which corresponds to the spiritual nature of the thing being described . . . Such language is …
For To This End . . .
INTRODUCTION: We are continuing on the same theme so that we might remember the importance of loving our brothers and sisters in the faith, but doing so in a very spacious context. Learning the extent of that context will be what enables us to live rightly with one another in close quarters.
Types of Preaching
Preachers need to remember that the way to the heart is through the head, but the preacher is to take that route and drive toward the heart without stopping. Too many turn aside at the head to eat bread and drink water, and that is why a lion kills them (1 Kings 13:9-10). Too many …
Paul is the Key
When something gets off kilter, and we react to it, we generally fix it wrong. Previous reaction fixes are probably the reason things are off kilter now, and a new reaction fix is just rearranging the problem furniture — and not fixing the problem furniture. I have been preaching in Romans for over a year, …
Fully Persuaded
INTRODUCTION: As we work through this chapter of Romans, we will find ourselves reinforcing the same principle over and over—love your brother, while keeping the big deals big, the middle deals middle, and the small deals small. Keep a sense of proportion—and as you monitor these things, look to your own sense of proportion first …
A Potent Place
“Indeed, if you preach well, a great deal of counseling, and even church discipline, goes on from the pulpit” (Wagner, Tongues Aflame, p. 298).
Imperfect Students of an Imperfect Book
“You must study your congregation with the same diligence you use in searching the Scriptures” (Wagner, Tongues Aflame, p. 289).
Love is Not Relativism
INTRODUCTION: We are the beta test for the new humanity, but this might require some explanation. Jesus Christ is the perfect man, but we are not yet grown up into that perfect man (Eph. 4: 13). So, as far as we go, we are the working prototype of what God is up to. There are …
Sacrifices, Burnt Offerings, and a Major Cash Gift
“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your …
Direct Appeal
“The point to note and remember is that direct, personal appeals in preaching will evoke a response from your audience. As we have argued, if you never use that approach you will miss a very important element in effective preaching” (Wagner, Tongues Aflame, p. 271).