“Believe your own sermons.”
Allen, The Preacher’s Catechism, p. 167
Psalm 109/God Is Not Mocked
Introduction:This psalm has been a challenge to many Christians for centuries. It is an imprecatory psalm, and of the most bracing variety. Many commentators have been reduced to saying something like, “Well, we know it is inspired, but we don’t have to like it.” The great C.S. Lewis stumbled over it, saying that God put it in Scripture ...
And Neither Is the Preacher Safe
“No pulpit is safe when an idolater stands in it”
Allen, The Preacher’s Catechism, p. 155
True, Not New
If your sermon is dazzlingly original, it’s probably either heretical or terrible, or both
Allen, The Preacher’s Catechism, p. 151
As Opposed to Winging It in the Spirit
“I want to focus on one preaching sin, which is this: the sin of withholding time and energy from sermon prep instead of committing ourselves to the hard work, heart and soul”
Allen, The Preacher’s Catechism, p. 150
Not the Same
“Don’t rely on your sermon prep for your heart food”
Allen, The Preacher’s Catechism, p. 147
Psalm 108/We Shall Do Valiantly
Introduction:There is a true theological balancing act that is able to handle two very different sentiments that are both found in Scripture. The first is the response of a humble servant of Christ—“So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that ...
How’d I Do?
“The preacher who craves affirmation is an immature man who needs to go deeper into the gospel of unconditional acceptance”
Allen, The Preacher’s Catechism, p. 139
And Don’t Underestimate Odd Temptations
“Never go to the pulpit for your kicks” (Allen, The Preacher’s Catechism, p. 129).
As Uncomfortable As That May Be
“Preachers of Jesus must be like Jesus. No one will listen to a man to learn Christ if they cannot look at him and see Christ” (Allen, The Preacher’s Catechism, p. 109).