“Now in respect of skill, preaching is an art; and while art cannot create the requisite powers of mind or body, nor supply their place if really absent, it can develop and improve them, and aid in using them to the best advantage” (Broadus, Preparation and Delivery, p. 25).
Basic Capabilities
“The preacher needs the capacity for clear thinking, with strong feelings, and a vigorous imagination; also capacity for expression, and the power of forcible utterance” (Broadus, Preparation and Delivery of Sermons, p. 23).
Clothed in New Power
“A preacher . . . shall hold on to the old truths, and labor to clothe them with new interest and power” (Broadus, Preparation and Delivery of Sermons, p. 22).
Not for Triflers
“Eloquence is a serious thing . . . The speaker who is to deserve this high name, must have moral earnestness” (Broadus, Preparation and Delivery of Sermons, p. 21).
State of the Church 2013
INTRODUCTION:Near the beginning of every calendar year, it has been our custom for some years now to have a message that addresses the “state of the church.” Sometimes we have addressed the state of the national church, and sometimes of this local congregation. It all varies . . . depending on the state of the …
Because Something Must Be Done
“Eloquence is so speaking as not merely to convince the judgment, kindle the imagination, and move the feelings, but to give a powerful impulse to the will” (Broadus, Preparation and Delivery of Sermon, p. 20).
Grace and Culture Building II
INTRODUCTION:Last week we considered the important distinction between the qualifications for fellowship (sheer grace) and the qualifications for the various forms that leadership takes (grace manifested in and through performance). Not surprisingly, it is a topic that takes a good bit of careful thought, and hence another message on it. THE TEXT:“Let nothing be done …
Natural Law in a Gel Cap
Try to set aside (for the nonce, as we say) the various systematic formulations of natural law that you may have encountered. As I have stated before, for various reasons I prefer to talk about natural revelation, over against natural law. Those interested in more can listen to this exchange I had with Dr. J. …
Grace and Culture Building
INTRODUCTION:As a community of Christians we were all called and shaped by radical grace. One of the things that grace does (and which law cannot do) is build a culture with standards—which then presents a potent threat to grace. We are called to understand this dynamic because if we don’t, we will be continually frustrated. …
Two Great Views
I was recently struck by a comparison and contrast of a couple of mountains. In Matt. 4:8, the Lord Jesus was taken up to an exceedingly high mountain, and was there shown all the cities of men, and the glory of them. In Rev. 21:10, the apostle John was taken up to a great high …