Sunday Sermons

Lots of study, lots of prayer, and a mad rush on Saturday to get it written.

 

Jacob,

Over 50 odd years, I must confess that my methods changed. In the early days, I preached textually, but only worked on sermons from Friday night to Sunday afternoon.

What I learned in time, was to keep alert to the needs of that congregation and that community. I then searched for an appropriate scripture dealing with those problems, and preached on that text. Some call it topical preaching, but I think that is a misnomer.

On the actual writing of the sermon, I liked alliteration and worked very hard at that. It helped me to remember the sermon, with minimum notes, and it helped the people to remember the message as well.

Whilst I have not mentioned prayer and study beforehand, I presume you know that is essential to preparation. I have no use for lengthy sermons or long services. I should rather preach on one point that might be remembered and stick like a fish hook, than be known for lengthy sermons that often cloud the intent of God.

Cheers. We advance more in preaching when we prepare on our knees than all the book-learning known to humankind.

Jim

 

Jim1999;
You nailed it!
If any given preacher is not getting his sermons "on his knees" then he ought not to be preaching, IMO.

In HIS service;
Jim

 

O.K. here's my method. Of course I pray first and ask God what my subject should be. then when He begins to give it too me, I start to take notes, and when He is done, I do an outline, just to keep me on track.

Sometimes of course, He gives me something else to add in during the preaching.

I don't have many notes, just the outline, and the scriptures that go with the sermon.

This method works fine for me, because that way, the Holy Ghost does most of the work!!

Blessings,

Tam

 

Jacob,
Since people are focused on the human seasons, it is valid to preach around that topic. To alter the topic is to invite distraction. Take advantage of everything humanly possible to keep the audience's attention. This is why we tell stories and use illustrations in preaching.

Like it or not, we must perform in the pulpit if we are to win the people. I seldom go astray from my prepared message. I believe the Holy Spirit gave me the message in my study and He does not have last minute thoughts during the delivery. He did a complete job in my study.

Cheers,

Jim

A story I have told before about the preacher who forgot his sermon notes for the morning service. He apologized that he forgot his notes and he should have to depend on the Lord for the message. He went on to say, He would be better prepared in the evening service.

This is the sort of garbled gook we often employ when we ad lib in the pulpit.

 

Sometimes I pull thoughts off the 'net. Not whole sermons.
www.biblebb.com
www.bible.org
www.sermonindex.net

PRayer is essential. Without it the best of message will be a dud, with it the Lord can take a lousy message and yield the greatest results.

I prefer to do exposition - working through a book of Scripture. That way, I never run out of material.

 

I also prefer expositional preaching. I agree that every sermon should be bathed in prayer. But I would also emphasize the need of study in the preparation of any sermon. Those who stand behind the pulpit and simply "ad lib" it, are not worth their salt as a "preacher" and shouldn't be in the ministry.

I have a library of about 2,000 books (yes, Jacob--mostly bought and paid for over a long period of years). But entirely apart from that there are literally thousands of books, sermons, and other resources that are available on-line.

On a site related to Hyles Anderson there was a sermon posted on the text "Quit you like men." If I remember correctly the sermon was about men quitting or giving up. Ignorance is one thing, but to display it to all the world is outright foolishness. The Bible rightly says in 2Tim.2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God."

What does it mean: "It is easier for a camel to go through an eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter in the kingdom of God." Considering the fact that the stainless steel sewng needle had not been invented yet.

What did Peter mean when he said: "Gird up the loins of your mind." How does one "gird up the loins of their mind?"

One cannot satisfactorily answer questions such as these without outside sources, sources outside of the Bible, thus the necessity of buying "other preacher's books." (Commentaries, Reference materials, etc.)

How many hours do I put into my sermons? Oh, maybe 20 to 30 years or more plus all the hours of the week that I spend. I have spent my lifetime studying the Bible.
DHK

 

Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

The Holy Spirit leads in all that I do. I depend on Him each step of the way.
DHK

 

After spending time in prayer, I usually sit down and plan the next 6 months to a year of series, topics and sermons. Some think this is not relying on the Spirit, but the same Spirit that directs from week to week can direct for a long range goal for change. This will give me more time for study and less time looking for a sermon in the long run. After I know what I'm preaching I keep it simple. Star twith observation and interpretation, move on to cross referances to get the counsel of the rest of Scripture, look for the "big idea", and then form my sermon around that Idea. One of the best books on sermon prep I have used in classes is Haddon Robinson's "Biblical Preaching"

 

I once heard a sermon at a neighbors church that I had read on the internet the night before. and no I didn't say anything to my friend.

 

Acts 6:3-4 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.