I just wanted to remind everyone again about the importance of preaching in the life of an individual Christian and in our life together (Matthew 11:1-6; Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 24:44-51; 2 Timothy 4:1-4; Acts 10:34-42;1 Corinthians 1:17-31; Romans 10:1-17). Preaching is an essential means by which God has chosen to make Jesus Christ known and liberate us from our natural desire to put our trust in false idols (i.e self, wealth, power, prestige etc). You will get the most out of your relationship with Jesus Christ and become a more faithful disciple when you do the following:
- Pray that God would lead you to hunger and thirst for the things of God: “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation– if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good (1 Peter 2:2-3).
- Strive to apply your life to the scriptures by meditating and acting on the text in the days before the sermon.
- Talk and pray with others about the text and the sermon after church.
- Get in the habit of seeking answers to any questions that are triggered by the text. When in doubt just give me a call!
- Hold me (and all preachers) accountable to keep the sermon Christ centered and Cross focused. Ask yourself…and ask me….How does this sermon draw us to acknowledge the centrality of Jesus Christ? Who is driving the important verbs in this sermon .. God or humans? Does this sermon celebrate God’s grace or human effort? What does this sermon reveal about our sin that requires redemption? What does this sermon reveal about God that provides redemption? How does this sermon highlight the centrality of Christ’s death and resurrection for salvation? Are you being invited to respond in a way that points others to the glory God revealed in Jesus Christ and brings blessings to the lost and the needy?
I am striving to be ever more faithful in my preaching and teaching so your feedback is essential. I would encourage you to tell me what questions you would like addressed in sermons. If you have any ideas for sermon series (books of Bible, themes, or topics) please let me know. I also want to encourage you to give me negative feedback if you think it is warranted, especially when you think I have said something confusing or contrary to what you see elsewhere in Bible. Remember, I struggle with sin like everyone else and I love doing what I have been called to do, so it’s natural that I might get a little defensive, but I’m a "big boy" who is dependent upon God’s grace and by God’s grace I will get over it!
