“Every sermon, by our definition, persuades” (Galli & Larson, Preaching That Connects, p. 49).
An Integrated Whole
“The human body, like the sermon, does many things at once . . . The sermon, like the human body, does many things at once, though this is not grasped by the novice” (Galli & Larson, Preaching That Connects, p. 47).
Because Scattered Doesn’t Remember Well
“One reason why some preachers find extemporaneous speaking so difficult is, that they do not arrange their sermons well” (Broadus, Preparation and Delivery, p. 243)
Gifts That Profit
“At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16: 11) The Basket Case Chronicles #142 “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal” (1 Cor. 12:7). Let’s begin our discussion of this passage by citing a more contemporary translation. “To each is given the manifestation of the …
The Central Square of Reformedville
Earlier today I tweeted this: “God comes to us in three books — nature, law, and gospel. Read plainly, we read God above us, God against us, and God with us.” I have been asked for additional explanation, and so here it is. The responses ranged from huh? what? to “you sound like Michael Horton.” …
Love That Leaves the Pulpit
“The first act of love in preaching is an act of self-denial — to become more interested in people than in the subject” (Galli and Larson, Preaching That Connects, p. 16).
Hauling In a Ten-Pound Fish on a Five-Pound Line
I am currently working my way through a fascinating book about Reformation-era music called Worship Wars in Early Lutheranism, written by Joseph Herl. It is a tightly-packed scholarly tome, but would be a great read for any pastor interested in musical reformation — as every pastor ought to be. Church music can be divided into …
Between Heaven and Earth
Introduction We see in this passage a stark contrast between the shrewdness of Joab and the sentiment of David. Joab was not a godly man, but he was often clear-headed about the politics of the thing. David was a godly man, but he was at times muddled by his own sense of mingled love and …
Not One Sin
This Table represents two things that the world considers inconsistent. First, it is a Table of thanksgiving. It represents an overflow of joy, and love, and peace. This is a Table of fellowship, and mutual life. That is one thing. But the second thing, just as real, is that this is a Table that proclaims …
Statements in Stone
Scripture tells us that we need to speak to our generation with clarity. One of the mistakes that we make is that of reducing faithfulness in this to words alone. There are other ways of speaking, and we need to use them all. Architecture speaks. It is not possible for human beings to live in …