 |
|
|
In the March 9 edition of his Turning Point Daily Devotional, David Jeremiah talks about a well-known Old Testament scholar who spent the summer in Jerusalem as part of a team of scholars working on a new translation of the Bible. When he returned to the classroom in September, he told his students it had been a carnal, spiritually dry summer. His students were shocked. Weren't they studying God's Word all day? He replied, "It became a project instead of a passion. We became so familiar with the intricacies of the text that we stopped seeing its grandeur." Jeremiah adds, "Is it possible to study the Bible in a carnal fashion? Apparently so. Maybe when you read the professor's testimony, you said to yourself, 'That's happened to me.' You don't have to be a scholar or translator to lose sight of the inestimable privilege of reading God's Word. It can happen when you become so faithful with your quiet time that it becomes a routine -- something to check off your 'to-do' list for the day." This is a danger pastors and church leaders face on a constant basis. As we dig through God's Word developing sermons, lessons and other presentations, it is all too easy to begin treating Scripture as a resource to use in our work, losing sight of the incredible treasure God has given us in His Word. As you pick up your copy of God's Word today, take time to meditate on its power and its unique value. Take time to thank God for allowing you to handle His precious Word, and ask Him to help you discover new riches in those remarkable pages. As A.W. Tozer said, "The sacred page is not meant to be the end, but only the means toward the end, which is knowing God Himself." Michael
Duduit, Editor
The need for topical expository sermons In a recent newsletter from PreachingTodaySermons.com, Timothy Warren writes about discovering the need for topical exposition: "I entered my first pastorate with enthusiasm, confident I could preach for several years using paragraph-by-paragraph, through-a-book exposition. I'd start with Ephesians. That would take a good year, maybe longer. Ephesians was theologically solid and relevant. Then on to 1 Corinthians. That would take two years at least . . . "Then reality visited, an incident that demanded church discipline. I should have known. Ours was a new church plant and had no experience in or policy for discipline. It was simply in the bylaws that church discipline would be practiced in a biblical manner when necessary. "Ready or not, it was time for a topical theological expository sermon. Our congregation needed a biblically based message on what church discipline was, why we practiced it, how we would do it, and what we could expect as a result. Since no single text or paragraph covered all those questions, I preached several passages topically. "A few weeks later, as prelude to a baptismal service, I preached a topical message on baptism. I pulled together a unified sermon based on several passages dealing with the subject, a topic no single text or paragraph covered exhaustively. I was learning not only the necessity of preaching topically, but also how to preach a topical theological sermon expositionally. "Exposition takes a preacher progressively through an exegetical understanding of a text/paragraph, through a theological interpretation of the passage, through a homiletical application, and into practice. Topical expository preaching is a subset of exposition that takes two or more passages through the same process. "I divide topical exposition into three kinds: theological, biographical, and contemporary issue. To address what the Bible says regarding a theological topic -- church discipline, baptism, marriage, divorce, temptation, trials, forgiveness, and hundreds more -- I use topical theological exposition." (Click here to read the full article.) By the way, Timothy Warren will be one of the featured speakers at this year's National Conference on Preaching. Click here to go to the NCP website. http://store.yahoo.com/pttranscripts/topronthth.html
Puritan preaching -- 'plain and searching' The Winter 2006 edition of Christian History contains an interview with J.I. Packer in which he discusses the life and influence of the English Puritans. Discussing their preaching, Packer comments that they "devised a style of preaching that England had never experienced before. It was expository, but it was plain and searching, whereas the preaching of Anglican divines was more often than not a way of showing off their learning. Here is what the Puritans did best -- preaching the Bible, preaching the gospel." Packer also comments on the Puritan concept of the pastor as a "physician of the soul." He notes, "A physician's business is to check, restore, and maintain the health of those who commit themselves to his care. In the same way, the minister should get to know the people in his church and encourage them to consult him as their soul-doctor. If there is any kind of spiritual problem, uncertainty, bewilderment, or distress, they are to go to the minister and tell him, and the minister needs to know enough to give them health-giving advice. That's the Puritan ideal. "Just as a physician must know physiology, the Christian minister must know what spiritual health is. It's pure knowledge of the will of God, the true gospel of God. It's regular praise and regular prayer. It's acceptance of responsibility in the family, in the church, and in the larger community where you do business. That's spiritual health. And falling short of that calls for intervention, rebuke, correction, and instruction in righteousness. "Puritans believed that an educated conscience is absolutely necessary to spiritual health. This meant knowing the moral requirements of God so that your conscience supports you when you are doing right and condemns you when you are doing wrong." (Click here to read the full article in Christian History.) http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/2006/001/1.12.html
Prophetic preachers needed Speaking to a recent conference at Baylor University, Tony Campolo argued that prophetic preaching represents "a struggle against principalities and powers," which he defined as potentially demonic social institutions including governments, industries and mass media. "But if you're going to speak prophetically, first realize you're not a prophet," Campolo said, drawing a distinction between biblical prophets who spoke divine revelation and modern preachers who seek to explain and apply that revelation. "You don't have a direct word from the Lord. There's room for dialogue. Entertain the possibility that you could be wrong. You can't afford to abuse people from the pulpit." Ministers struggle with two conflicting roles -- the pastor who seeks to unify the congregation and the prophet who speaks troubling words, Campolo acknowledged. Guest speakers and "unpaid clergy" enjoy a freedom denied to pastors who depend on the support of their congregations, he noted, but someone needs to take up the prophetic mantle. "We live in perilous times. We need prophets who will speak to principalities and powers," he concluded. (from The Baptist Standard, 2/24/06. Click here to read the full article.) http://www.baptiststandard.com/postnuke/index.php?module=htmlpages&func=display&pid=4584
ILLUSTRATION: Service Victor Pentz tells of attending commencement ceremonies at Stanford University last June when Professor David Kennedy was speaking "of the old West, where in the regions where the railroad had not yet reached, people traveled by stagecoach. Stagecoach lines in those days offered three levels of ticket: first class, second class and third class. "If you bought a first class ticket, you were guaranteed (or your money back) you would arrive on time after a comfortable ride and have all the amenities. A second-class ticket guaranteed arrival, but also said that in case of difficulty en route -- a mudslide that might have closed the road or a broken axle on the wagon -- you might be asked to stand aside by the road for a period of time until the problem was fixed. A third-class ticket carried the stipulation that in case of difficulty, the holder of such a ticket would be expected to get out, go to the back of the coach and shove it through the mud, use a shovel, or lift the cargo out if need be. "Then Professor Kennedy said, 'Even though you have a first class education from a first class college, don't take the first class or even the second class route through life.' Go third class. Get out and make things happen. Put your shoulder to the wheel. Do the heavy lifting, roll up your sleeves, spit on your hands and get to work. In fact, Jesus said that if you want to have a first class life, the only way is to travel third class." (from "Glamour is not greatness")
ILLUSTRATION: Expectations H.B. London writes that the pundits and late night television hosts are having a field day at the expense of Olympic skier Bodie Miller. Perhaps some of it is deserved. He is still one of the finest skiers in the world and even had some good runs in Torino. But Bodie Miller's problem was he didn't live up to all the hype that surrounded him. He failed to meet expectations. Miller was touted as America's great hope for several medals. He was the cover boy on magazines such as Time and Newsweek, and now the shine has gone off of his image. Why? He did not medal in the Winter Olympic Games. Some say he didn't take his responsibilities seriously enough. They alleged he was drinking late into the night and playing basketball rather than training. Who knows? What we do know is Bodie Miller failed to live up to the expectations of others and, most likely, his own. . . . The one thing I see when I read the Bible stories of great men and women is that they all found courage when they realized God's expectations for them were greater than their own. We may think we lack what we need to accomplish all God has in mind for us. But God can turn that weakness, that caution, into strength. . . . Don't "pull a Bodie." Don't live with the regrets of "if only" or "what might have been." Seek God's direction and go for it! I talk to so many who operate in the world of excuse after excuse, who never know the thrill of exceeding their expectations to find the applause of God cheering them on. Bring
glory to the Father -- reach beyond your grasp. Live up to His
expectations! So, buckle up. You're in for quite a ride. "Better
to run the risk of running out than rusting out." (H.B. London,
Pastors Weekly Briefing, 3-3-06)
Strengthen
your creativity at the "Preaching Creatively" is the theme of the 2006 National Conference on Preaching, scheduled for April 24-26 at Fellowship Church in Grapevine, TX (suburban Dallas). (Visit the new and expanded conference website at www.preaching.com/ncp.) Learn about creative preaching in a postmodern age, how to do creative exposition, ways to use story, and much more. A remarkable team of speakers will be on hand for NCP 2006, including: Ed Young, Jr., Haddon Robinson, Calvin Miller, Dieter Zander, Jack Graham, Doug Pagitt, Steve Wende, Bryan L. Carter, Mike Glenn, Leroy Armstrong, Jr., Rick White, Timothy Warren, David Allen, Reg Grant, Oscar Lopez, Calvin Pearson, Steven Smith and many more. You'll draw insights and encouragement from the theme-related addresses on preaching creatively, plus great sermons and many practical workshops. Mark your calendar now to be part of the conference. Click here for additional information or to register (or call 800-288-9673). Don't wait -- hotel rooms are filling up fast! A request to Texas readers: We are looking for one or two churches in the Dallas-Fort Worth area (or within driving distance) that would be willing to provide a mini-bus or church bus for shuttle service during the National Conference on Preaching April 24-26. (We'll cover your costs.) If you might be able to help us, drop me an email (michael@preaching.com) or give us a call at 800-288-9673. Thanks!
ILLUSTRATION: Spending, Debt In his TIPS newsletter, Philip Humbert recently observed that "the financial news reported that Americans are saving at the lowest rate since the Great Depression in 1933. We are actually saving a negative 0.5% of our income! "Instead of investing for the future, we are dipping into our savings to buy cars, vacations, and appliances. What struck me is that we aren't spending our money to buy assets like real estate, stocks or antiques. We're spending it on depreciating items like cars. "The last time Americans dipped into their savings at this rate (in 1933), the money went for food, clothing and shelter. Today, it goes for a vacation or a new television." (TIPS newsletter, 2-5-06; www.philiphumbert.com)
ILLUSTRATION: Teaching The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. Tom, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued: "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?" He reminded the other dinner guests that it's true what they say about teachers: "Those who can: do. Those who can't: teach." To corroborate, he said to another guest: "You're a teacher, Susan," he said. "Be honest. What do you make?" Susan, who had a reputation of honesty and frankness, replied, "You want to know what I make? I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I can make a C+ student feel like he won the Congressional Medal of Honor, and an A- student feel like a slap in the face if the student did not do their very best. I can make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall in absolute silence. I can make parents tremble in fear when I call home. "You want to know what else I make? I make kids wonder. I make them question. I make them criticize. I make them apologize and mean it. I make them write. I make them read, read, read. I make them spell 'definitely' and 'beautiful' over and over again, until they will never misspell either one of those words again. I make them show all their work in math and hide it all on their final drafts in English. "I elevate them to experience music and art and joy in the performance, so their lives are rich, full of kindness and culture, and they take pride in themselves and their accomplishments. I make them understand that if you have the brains, then follow your heart -- and if someone ever tries to judge you by what you make, you pay them no attention. "I make a difference, Tom. And what do you make?" (from Mikey's Funnies)
"Only alone can I draw close enough to God to discover His secrets." (George Washington Carver)
A pipe burst in a doctor's house, and he called a plumber. The plumber arrived, unpacked his tools, did mysterious plumber-type things for a while, and handed the doctor a bill for $600. The doctor exclaimed, "This is ridiculous! Even I don't make that much as a doctor!" The plumber waited for him to finish and quietly said, "Neither did I when I was a doctor." (Cybersalt Digest)
"If a window of opportunity appears, don't pull down the shade." (Tom Peters)
'Preaching Truth' conferences resume in May A new series of Preaching Truth in a Whatever World events are planned for May 2006. These one-day preaching conferences explore strategies for effective biblical preaching in a postmodern world. Led by Preaching editor Michael Duduit and a variety of guest speakers, these conferences offer a valuable time of insight and refreshment for those who proclaim the Word. Preaching Truth conferences will be held in the following cities: Upland
(Ontario), CA -- May 2 For
more information or to register, call (800) 288-9673, or visit the
website at www.preaching.com/truth
ILLUSTRATION: Insensitivity, Pregnancy The room was full of pregnant women and their husbands, and the class was in full swing. The instructor was teaching the women how to breathe properly, along with informing the men how to give the necessary assurances at this stage of the plan. The teacher then announced, "Ladies, exercise is good for you. Walking is especially beneficial. And gentlemen, it wouldn't hurt you to take the time to go walking with your wives!" The room really got quiet. Finally, a man in the middle of the group raised his hand. "Yes?" replied the teacher. "Is it all right if she carries a golf bag while we walk?"
"Beware of the one who reminds you that you can't take it with you. He'll try to take it with him."
What they say after they read you your rights The following officer comments were reportedly taken off of actual police car videos around the country: #15: "Relax, the handcuffs are tight because they're new. They'll stretch out after you wear them awhile." #14: "Take your hands off the car, and I'll make your birth certificate a worthless document." #13: "If you run, you'll only go to jail tired." #12: "Can you run faster than 1200 feet per second? In case you didn't know, that is the average speed of a 9mm bullet fired from my gun." #11: "So you don't know how fast you were going. I guess that means I can write anything I want on the ticket, huh?" #10: "Yes, Sir, you can talk to the shift supervisor, but I don't think it will help. Oh, did I mention that I am the shift supervisor?" #9: "You want a warning? Okay, I'm warning you not to do that again or I'll give you another ticket." #8: "The answer to this last question will determine whether you are drunk or not. Was Mickey Mouse a cat or a dog?" #7: "You want me to be fair? Listen, fair is a place where you go to ride on rides, eat cotton candy, and step in monkey doo." #6: "Yeah, we have a quota. Two more tickets and my wife gets a toaster oven." #5: "In God we trust, all others we run through NCIC." #4: "Just how big were those two beers?" #3: "No sir we don't have quotas anymore. We used to have quotas but now we're allowed to write as many tickets as we want." #2: "I'm glad to hear the Chief of Police is a good personal friend of yours. At least you know someone who can post your bail." #1: "You didn't think we give pretty women tickets? You're right, we don't. Sign here."
And finally . . . He should have brought a map. When Michael Chapman stole a car out of the driveway of Norma Harris in Hopedale, Ohio, he drove a few miles, then stopped randomly at another home to ask directions. The resident gave Chapman directions, then went inside to call his daughter, Norma Harris, since he thought that looked a lot like his daughter's gold 2001 Buick LeSabre. A patrol officer spotted the car about 25 miles away near Smithfield and chased it. The driver pulled into a driveway, got out and ran away, but was found hiding behind an auto sales office and arrested, according to a March 9 Associated Press story. He was being held last week on charges of car theft, drunken driving and driving without a license -- not to mention having the worst luck of any man on earth.
Not a current subscriber to Preaching magazine? Why not share PreachingNow with a friend? Missing
an issue of PreachingNow? Problems
with links? Received
this by mistake? |
|
PreachingNow
is a publication of American Ministry Resources. Editor: Dr. Michael
Duduit. |