Video – Finding a Text for Preaching
Submitted by Sherman Haywood Cox II on March 25, 2008 – 7:59 pm2 Comments
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How can preachers navigate the three intertwining stories we must exegete if we are to preach powerful sermons. Elder Cox addresses this issue in this audio.
Download the audio at this link.
H. Beecher Hicks in the second chapter of his book Preaching Through a Storm has a sermon entitled How to Silence a Preacher; or, Shut Your Mouth!. Rev. Hicks preached this sermon at the ordination …
The sermon should begin by telling the story of the man who brought his son to be healed by Jesus. The story should be told completely and in a way that people can feel, see, and touch the story. I would say that you tell the story from the centurion stopping Jesus up until Jesus told him that his servant shall be healed. Then give the three points. After that pick the story back up on the way home for the celebration.
Lowell Erdahl, in the book Best Advice for Preaching, quotes someone who said: “There are two kinds of preachers–those who have to say something and those who have something to say!” A preacher gains …
This past weekend I listened and looked on the internet to a preacher who was preaching without notes. The preacher simply stated everything that came to his mind on the subject or not on the subject. He had highs and lows, but there was no rhyme or reason to the sermon. Then the preacher ended with a whimper and sat down.
At the end of the sermon it was difficult to remember any points from the sermon. There were a few “flashes of brilliance” but largely it was a long “stream of consciousness” without purpose. What went wrong?
Thank you so very much for this very helpful site. I know that you created this under the unction of the Holy Spirit. I lack formal education as a minister. I have put in many hours on my own and at the feet of my Pastor, most importantly in meditation with my Father in heaven. While sitting at the computer I led to Google creating sermons. I was led to your site. The bottom line is take me back to where I first believed (when I converted from orthodox Islam) because I had grown lazy in my studies which affected my walk with God , which limited my preaching ability. I look forward to the “Relighting of my Fire” !
Elder C.E. Bell Jr.
Pastor
Keeping it Real Ministries
I think it would ease some of our minds if we let ourselves know if we get that invite to do an annual day with a theme, that’s preaching themes can be easy. Dependent upon it not being short notice.
But themes in advance are much easier to deal with I have found.