Introduction This passage concludes the narrative of the book of Samuel, and it does so with a story that sounds odd to modern ears—for various reasons. Some of those reasons have to do with the coming of the gospel, and some of them have to do with us drifting away from a biblical understanding of …
Mental Markers
“In . . . extemporaneous speaking, it is practically better, though amounting to the same thing, to fix the mind on points, rather than on paragraphs” (Broadus, Preparation and Delivery, p. 351).
A True Sun King
Introduction In this passage, we have the last formal pronouncement that the great David gave. This message from David spoke of the blessing that comes from a godly ruler. Louis XIV was the Sun King of France, and his idea of it was absolute monarchy. David, by way of contrast, spoke of a sun king …
And Be Translating All the Time
“Whether the preacher be what is called a linguist or not, he ought to know at least two languages, the language of books and the language of common life” (Broadus, Preparation and Delivery, p. 343).
The Plain Truth About It
“There is prodigious power in this plainness of presentation. It is the power of actual contact. A plain writer, or speaker, makes the truth and the mind impinge on each other. When the style is plain, the mind of the hearer experiences the sensation of being touched; and this sensation is always impressive, for a …
Spiritual Gifts and Unspiritual Men
“At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16: 11) The Basket Case Chronicles #153 “But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.” (1 Cor. 12:31). Paul is now moving into his very famous chapter on love, and the last verse of chapter 12 is …
The Meaning of Blamelessness
Introduction With just a few variations, this chapter is also found in Scripture as Psalm 18. A common feature of ancient Hebrew writing is to conclude an extended narrative with a song, as Deuteronomy does, or as we see with Jacob’s prophecies at the end of Genesis. In this case, we find the narrative of …
Pulpit Smoke
“A certain grand-looking obscurity is often pleasing to some hearers and readers, who suppose that it shows vast learning, or great originality, or immense profundity. To treat subjects in this fashion is no new thing” (Broadus, Preparation and Delivery, p. 339).
Transparent Style
“The most important property of style is perspicuity. Style is excellent when, like the atmosphere, it shows the thought, but itself is not seen” (Broadus, Preparation and Delivery, p. 339).
Do All Speak in Tongues?
“At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16: 11) The Basket Case Chronicles #152 “Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?” (1 Cor. 12:29–30). Paul is bringing his extended analogy in …