“The oration, in this view, is not so much a product of the man, as it is the man himself, — an embodiment of all his faculties and all his processes . . . The sermon is designed to produce an effect upon human character; and this, not upon its mere superficies, but its inmost …
On Christian Disobedience #3
Introduction: We continue to consider the increasingly relevant subject of Christian resistance to tyranny. But as we look to the Scriptures, beware of the danger of excitement over “right-wing red meat.” If ever a conflict with the magistrate comes, it must be a plain matter of submission to divine authority, and not an obvious example …
Never Forget the Point
“The eternal salvation of the human soul, through the presentation of divine truth, is the end of preaching” (Shedd, Homiletics and Pastoral Theology, p. 43).
Resurrection Practice
“At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16: 11) The Basket Case Chronicles #193 “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the …
Substance First
“Those who master a subject are seldom at a loss for language” (Matthew Henry, on Hosea 14)
Pentecostal Boldness
Introduction: On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit of God was poured out in abundance. That initial baptism of the Holy Spirit was followed, throughout the book of Acts, and throughout church history, with repeated fillings of the Spirit. When the Spirit fills a man already Spirit-baptized, the result is power, authority, logic on fire, …
Strictly Biblical Spirit
“The proper function of the preacher is to put strictly revealed doctrine into oratorical forms for popular impression, and to imbue all discourse in the sanctuary . . . with a strictly Biblical spirit” (Shedd, Homiletics and Pastoral Theology, pp. 34-35).
Transformation in an Instant
“At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16: 11) The Basket Case Chronicles #192 “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In …
Ascension Humility
Introduction: On Ascension Sunday, we mark and remember the coronation of the Lord Jesus Christ. This crowning was the coronation of the ultimate example of humility. Now the Bible teaches us that in Christ, we are kings and priests (Rev. 1:6; 5:10). We will rule with Him, and in Him (Rev. 2:26-27). And the Scriptures …
For Good or Ill
“Say what men may, it is doctrine that moves the world” (Shedd, Homiletics and Pastoral Theology, p. 26).