Here is the latest Bethke video. This time it's about marriage. What I find encouraging about the video--besides it's content--is that here is a young man who is not yet married yet is championing what it means to pursue a God-centered committed marriage in Christ; here is a young man who is being shaped by the gospel, grace, and redemption before he says I do!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Emergent Preaching: Wisdom and Warnings
Emergent Preaching Wisdom
Preaching With Humility
Homiletical humility represents a cardinal virtue for the emergent preacher and his preaching. This personal attribute and attitude toward preaching is honorable, commendable, and, most importantly, biblical. Scripture is replete with the call for Christian humility—preachers being no exception (Acts 20:19; Phil 2:3–4, 5–8). There simply exists no place for any form of homiletical haughtiness in the interpreting and/or proclamation of Scripture. Therefore emergents are right to criticize any form of preacher ethos that embodies a prideful, arrogant, know-it-all, infallible mentality. Rather in the tradition of the prophet Isaiah, John the Baptist, and the apostle Paul, let all preachers proclaim Jesus out of a heart of humility knowing that none of us are worthy or omniscient for the task that has been given us (Isa 6:4, Luke 3:16, 1 Cor 2:1–5).
"Scripture is replete with the call for humility"
Preaching As Story
Emergents embrace the Bible as story; storytelling represents their primary staple for preaching. For them this approach offers many advantages from what they describe as modernistic homiletical elements that are hyper-fixated on analysis (strip-mining the text for abstract propositions and principles) and reductionistic methods that deplete the storyline of its intrigue and mystery. The benefits they claim include protecting the text from proof-texting by honoring the context, conveying the truth of Scripture in the most effective means possible, and speaking the language of the postmodern culture. Put simply, preaching as points and principles—all alliterated to the tune of five p’s and complemented with a poem—is out; preaching in like fashion to a Garrison Keillor Lake Wobegon monologue is in.
If narrative is the most copious genre of the Bible, and if Jesus often taught through story, then maybe emergent preachers are on to something in calling for a homiletical resurgence of narrative proclamation. After all, benefits to narrative methodology are plentiful and it is not just emergent preachers who hold this position.
Preaching As Dialogue
Interactive proclamation where the voices of the people are heard as part of the sermonic event can have its advantages. Sermons that offer listener participation aid in providing opportunities to clarify biblical truth and/or refute biblical error, increase and/or personalize insights about the text and its application, and edify the body by offering chances to hear how God is working through His Word in the lives of His people. Often these benefits are associated with small group discipleship gatherings. However, do they necessarily have to be relegated to this setting alone? Emergent preachers would undoubtedly say no.
Is it possible that while Paul expounded the text to the Jews in Rome that he might also have entertained some of their questions, listened to some of their voices, and benefited from his interaction—without losing his heralding edge about the “kingdom of God,” “salvation of God,” and the person and work of Jesus Christ (Acts 28:23–28)? If so, maybe certain elements of emergent dialogical preaching are worth considering or reimagining. Maybe it is not about heralding less, but simply pausing to converse a little bit more—as a means to converting sinners and edifying the church—even sometimes in a corporate setting.
Emergent Preaching Warnings
Preaching With Humility
Emergents call for humility, transparency, and genuineness in preaching. I agree. No one appreciates a condescending preacher with an errant sense of infallibility. However my concern is when the meaning of humility and other related preacher ethos traits get redefined or couched as uncertainty—a noticeable trend among emergents. Instead of preachers submitting themselves to God, his Word, and the call He has placed on their lives to preach with certainty, clarity, boldness, and power (1 Thess 1:5)—in humility—many emergents, in an effort to connect with postmoderns, are choosing to cloud their preaching in ambiguity—while calling it humility.
John MacArthur warns of this emergent homiletical trend by stating that this movement has made uncertainty “the new truth” and the one “dogma” they will tolerate; thus, he writes, “doubt and skepticism have been canonized as a form of humility.” This is more than unfortunate; this is a cancerous postmodern preaching philosophy that if left unchecked will destroy both the preacher and his message. Sure, to claim to be called a spokesman for God would speak of unmitigated arrogance if it were not for the fact that God has spoken and called preachers to preach. Yet He has, but not in humility cloaked in uncertainty—that would be unbelief—but in the confidence of God breathed Scripture (2 Tim 3:16). If Scripture consists of truth (John 17:17), and preachers are to preach Scripture (2 Tim 4:2), then preachers are to proclaim truth, not with uncertainty or ambiguity, but with humble and bold perspicuity (1 Cor 2:1–5; Eph 6:19–20).
"No one appreciates a condescending preacher with an errant sense of infallibility"
Preaching As Story
Who does not love a good story? Can you imagine Paul experiencing a fourteen day, five hundred mile, sunless, dark, starving, cyclonic, ocean voyage across the Adriatic Sea during the first century—without any modern day navigation equipment? Who would not want to hear this story shared in a captivating and unbroken way that could enable you to visualize, if not experience, the turbulent ocean swells and smell the salty sea wind smacking you in the face (Acts 27)? Preaching as story can be powerful; however, it can also be pointless.
Preaching as story becomes pointless when the big idea of the original author’s story is not honored and transferred to the listener. The mere telling of a fascinating story, be it from Scripture or life experiences, is not the point of preaching; the point is to display the glory of God and grasp what He wants us to know, understand, embrace, submit to, apply, and experience in our own lives as a result of His story proclaimed and explained. This means that narratives have a propositional element that cannot be ignored. Therein lies my concern with some emergent storytelling—the telling of biblical stories detached from authorial intent and propositional truth. Can you imagine the prophet Nathan not saying to David, “You are the man” (2 Sam 12:7)? Preaching as story requires hermeneutical integrity where the narrative sermon serves the text, not just takes the freedom to use it.
"Preaching as story can be powerful; however, it can also be pointless"
A narrative method could be creatively employed to help a postmodern story soaked culture get the sense of, share in, relate to, imagine, and experience the biblical story and/or the story in which they find themselves. Yet if not careful, it could be done with no allegiance to a definitive (authoritative) biblical plot, principle, or precept derived directly from the text. In other words, it could leave out the point of the story, which means it would be leaving out the point of Scripture—Jesus. Paul’s fascinating sea voyage from Caesarea to Rome that included a shipwreck, sea swim, and snake bite, was quite a story, however neither Paul nor the events were the end focal point. Ultimately the story was about the faithfulness of the Savior—Jesus—who was fulfilling His promise through the Spirit to spread the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome (Acts 1:8; 23:11).
Preaching As Dialogue
As already stated, interactive preaching has its place, but it also has its defined boundaries. Disconcertingly, I see no orange cones from the emergents being placed around the biblical model for the preacher or the preaching event. Rather I observe many scriptural restrictions being removed. Put plainly, the priesthood of believers does not mean the preacherhood of all believers. Would it not be unwise, confusing, and distracting if everyone in a congregation got a shot at playing the drums during corporate worship? On a far more serious note, could the same not be said about dialogical preaching? Most importantly, it is simply not God’s design. The call to teach God’s Word is not given to every believer, and stern warnings and consequences come with the responsibility (Jas 3:1; Jude; 2 Pet 2)—not to mention time-tested qualifications (1 Tim 3:1–7).
Furthermore, Scripture presents a different vision for proclamation than merely a corporate talk, fireside chat, or community share time—where a host welcomes everyone’s voice at the homiletical table. When the preacher’s task is relegated to that of a mere facilitator it undermines his prominent homiletical role as herald, guardian, and emblazoned messenger of the good news—the gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Tim 2:7; 6:20; 2 Tim 4:5).
"I see no orange cones from the emergents being placed around the biblical model for the preacher or the preaching event"
What To Embrace?
I am grateful for the homiletical wisdom that has emerged from emergent conversations; I also have a few grave concerns. Stating the obvious, the same emergent preaching traits I classified as wisdom to embrace, I also listed as warnings not to evade. Why so? What I have discovered is that for each insight of preaching wisdom found within the emergent movement, there is an equal or greater weakness associated with the same homiletical principle.
It has been said that any strength pushed to an extreme can become a weakness. I think this statement aptly applies to most emergent preaching trends. This is particularly true when a preaching philosophy or methodology is held captive by theological presuppositions wed to culture, not Christ and the sacred text. When this happens, dire ramifications await the church and the culture. Since God has chosen that “through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe” (1 Cor 1:21 ESV) and to establish the church as the “pillar and buttress of the truth” (1 Tim 3:15 ESV), preaching then is of vital importance to both. Therefore choose wisely when discerning what preaching counsel to embrace from the emergent community, in the context of this emerging yet passing culture.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Church Announcements: If We Can’t Kiss Them Goodbye, Then Let's At Least Use Kiss Principles
Have you ever sat through a Sunday morning church announcement that was ill prepared, poorly timed, and/or unnecessary? I know that I have; even worse, I know that I have probably been the messenger of such an announcement. If you are in church leadership, you have most likely wrestled with this issue of announcements—when to do them, how to do them, who should do them, what should be said, and what should be left unsaid. You may have even decided out of frustration (or preference) to delete them all together from Sunday morning gatherings.
However if you are like me, you still find it valuable (and exciting), whether it is you or someone else doing the communicating, to publicly share—from the pulpit—some of the ongoing ministries of the church. Sure, at times, you may feel like kissing announcements completely good-bye for a host of good reasons but practically speaking you realize their importance and necessity.
One insight I have discovered about church announcements when they do go wrong is this: the announcement itself is usually okay but the preparation of the announcer to deliver the announcement is not. So drawing from a old pithy acronym I learned in business, Keep It Simple Silly (KISS-the softer version), here are my five KISS principles for improving church announcements.
1. KISS- Keep It Structured & Specific-Have a detailed plan; have a specific plan. Who hasn’t heard the old adage that says “people don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan.” The reason these old sayings stick like mental gorilla glue is because they are so true and so simple to remember (hey, that sounds like good advice for giving announcements). Well, this simple truth additionally applies to announcements. So before broadcasting your next ministry reminder, take a few minutes to plan what you want to say (content), how you want to say it (delivery), and when is the best time to say it (timing).
2. KISS- Keep it Simple & Substantive- First, keep announcements simple. Don’t make your announcements complicated; rather work at making them easy to remember, which means the fewer points the better. If you have more than one or two points to share about an event, then make the second or third point about pointing the hearer where to go in order to get further information (handout, website, contact person, booth, and/or display). Enough said, if I don’t stop now this simple point is going to get way too complicated.
Second, keep your announcements substantive. Establish the main objective you want to accomplish in giving your announcement and then stick to it. Preachers call this “the big idea” in writing and delivering sermons. Just as it is important to establish the “big idea” of the text and sermon and then deliver that message in a clear and precise manner, the same can be said of giving an effective announcement. If you veer too far from the essential elements of your announcement, the “big idea,” then you more than likely will stray from point number one—keeping it simple.
3. KISS- Keep it Saucy & Sassy- Yeah I know, that’s corny and I’m stretching it to stick with my acronym and alliteration (something I would never recommend for preaching) but I think you will get the point. Most announcements are about future and ongoing missional ministries that have at their core to exalt Christ—to either edify the church in Him or to proclaim Him to the world. That’s exciting! Therefore, why not deliver announcements with life, excitement, enthusiasm, and an expectant flavor.
Our church spends a lot of time at our local Mexican hang out—especially on Sundays. What I have observed is that no one eats their chips or burrito platters sauce-less. Be it hot or mild, everyone likes to add a little flavor and liven up their food to make it more tasty, inviting, and enjoyable to eat. Well I don’t know about you, but I find it a hard to stomach when an announcement about the ongoing work of King Jesus through the local church is given with no flavor of abundant life in Christ. Therefore the next time you give an announcement be sure and add a little sauce to liven up your message by centering your excitement on the one who needs nothing added—Jesus Christ.
4. KISS- Keep it Saviorfull & Safe- Is saviorfull a word? Not exactly, but here is where I am going with this. Since the church is ultimately about Jesus, then our announcements about the church should ultimately be about Jesus. Put another way, announcements in the church should be full of the Savior. Obviously this doesn’t mean that every word or sentence is going to mention Christ and/or His attributes. It would come across rather foolish or trite to stick the name of Jesus in a reminder to bake a green bean casserole topped with roasted onions for the next food fellowship. However, the point is not to lose sight of Jesus being at the center of every activity and event in the church (Col 3:17).
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
So what about keeping it safe? How can an announcement be unsafe? That’s simple, when an announcement becomes more about the announcer than the Savior then that’s a problem. Announcements are to be given in such a way that they draw attention to the ministry not the announcer. Therefore play it safe by keeping your announcements Saviorfull and out of the hands of anyone who struggles with the need for attention, acceptance, and/or a platform to cast their personal piety within the church.
5. KISS-Keep It Silent until Servable- If the message is still in the oven, then don’t call people’s attention to it until it is ready to be served. When an announcement is given with a “we are still working on the details” kind of vernacular, it’s probably best to hold back the delivery until those details are confirmed. This goes back to KISS principle number one, until you have a specific plan then plan on not sharing the announcement. If the announcement is so important that the news must be delivered quickly, then take the time to finish the details and serve it done and piping hot—not half-baked or luke-warm. The former will be better received and it will guard against the announcer or church leadership from appearing ill-prepared, which can, if repeated often, cause the hearers to lose their appetites for the message.
Here is a recap:
Keep it Structured and Specific
Keep it Simple and Substantive
Keep it Saucy and Sassy
Keep it Saviorfull and Safe
Keep it Silent until Servable
If the church is called to do everything as an act of worship unto the Lord Jesus Christ then the giving of announcements is no exception. So the next time you think about kissing your announcements good-bye, reflect upon these KISS principles instead and then deliver the exciting, ongoing work of the Lord as an act of worship unto Him!
However if you are like me, you still find it valuable (and exciting), whether it is you or someone else doing the communicating, to publicly share—from the pulpit—some of the ongoing ministries of the church. Sure, at times, you may feel like kissing announcements completely good-bye for a host of good reasons but practically speaking you realize their importance and necessity.
One insight I have discovered about church announcements when they do go wrong is this: the announcement itself is usually okay but the preparation of the announcer to deliver the announcement is not. So drawing from a old pithy acronym I learned in business, Keep It Simple Silly (KISS-the softer version), here are my five KISS principles for improving church announcements.
1. KISS- Keep It Structured & Specific-Have a detailed plan; have a specific plan. Who hasn’t heard the old adage that says “people don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan.” The reason these old sayings stick like mental gorilla glue is because they are so true and so simple to remember (hey, that sounds like good advice for giving announcements). Well, this simple truth additionally applies to announcements. So before broadcasting your next ministry reminder, take a few minutes to plan what you want to say (content), how you want to say it (delivery), and when is the best time to say it (timing).
2. KISS- Keep it Simple & Substantive- First, keep announcements simple. Don’t make your announcements complicated; rather work at making them easy to remember, which means the fewer points the better. If you have more than one or two points to share about an event, then make the second or third point about pointing the hearer where to go in order to get further information (handout, website, contact person, booth, and/or display). Enough said, if I don’t stop now this simple point is going to get way too complicated.
Second, keep your announcements substantive. Establish the main objective you want to accomplish in giving your announcement and then stick to it. Preachers call this “the big idea” in writing and delivering sermons. Just as it is important to establish the “big idea” of the text and sermon and then deliver that message in a clear and precise manner, the same can be said of giving an effective announcement. If you veer too far from the essential elements of your announcement, the “big idea,” then you more than likely will stray from point number one—keeping it simple.
Our church spends a lot of time at our local Mexican hang out—especially on Sundays. What I have observed is that no one eats their chips or burrito platters sauce-less. Be it hot or mild, everyone likes to add a little flavor and liven up their food to make it more tasty, inviting, and enjoyable to eat. Well I don’t know about you, but I find it a hard to stomach when an announcement about the ongoing work of King Jesus through the local church is given with no flavor of abundant life in Christ. Therefore the next time you give an announcement be sure and add a little sauce to liven up your message by centering your excitement on the one who needs nothing added—Jesus Christ.
4. KISS- Keep it Saviorfull & Safe- Is saviorfull a word? Not exactly, but here is where I am going with this. Since the church is ultimately about Jesus, then our announcements about the church should ultimately be about Jesus. Put another way, announcements in the church should be full of the Savior. Obviously this doesn’t mean that every word or sentence is going to mention Christ and/or His attributes. It would come across rather foolish or trite to stick the name of Jesus in a reminder to bake a green bean casserole topped with roasted onions for the next food fellowship. However, the point is not to lose sight of Jesus being at the center of every activity and event in the church (Col 3:17).
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
So what about keeping it safe? How can an announcement be unsafe? That’s simple, when an announcement becomes more about the announcer than the Savior then that’s a problem. Announcements are to be given in such a way that they draw attention to the ministry not the announcer. Therefore play it safe by keeping your announcements Saviorfull and out of the hands of anyone who struggles with the need for attention, acceptance, and/or a platform to cast their personal piety within the church.
5. KISS-Keep It Silent until Servable- If the message is still in the oven, then don’t call people’s attention to it until it is ready to be served. When an announcement is given with a “we are still working on the details” kind of vernacular, it’s probably best to hold back the delivery until those details are confirmed. This goes back to KISS principle number one, until you have a specific plan then plan on not sharing the announcement. If the announcement is so important that the news must be delivered quickly, then take the time to finish the details and serve it done and piping hot—not half-baked or luke-warm. The former will be better received and it will guard against the announcer or church leadership from appearing ill-prepared, which can, if repeated often, cause the hearers to lose their appetites for the message.
Here is a recap:
Keep it Structured and Specific
Keep it Simple and Substantive
Keep it Saucy and Sassy
Keep it Saviorfull and Safe
Keep it Silent until Servable
If the church is called to do everything as an act of worship unto the Lord Jesus Christ then the giving of announcements is no exception. So the next time you think about kissing your announcements good-bye, reflect upon these KISS principles instead and then deliver the exciting, ongoing work of the Lord as an act of worship unto Him!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus by Bethke: From Lesser to Greater
Good
If you have been messed up by the grace of Jesus then you will most likely appreciate and connect with this viral video--as have some thirteen million others. Bethke's gratitude for his salvation in Christ alone, by grace alone, is real and inspiring. In short, it is a good video worth watching.
Great
Yet as much as Bethke's video is good, I would have to say that Kevin Deyoung's critique of the video is even greater. Kevin graciously points out some of the dangers of pithy, religious-esque type banter that does not always mesh with biblical truth. It is a lengthy read, but it’s worth the invested time.
Greater
As much as Bethke’s video is good and Deyoung’s critique is better, I think the greater blessing of the two is the conversation that transpired between both men after the release of Deyoung’s critique. I won’t spoil the read for you, which this time is short, but what an encouragement to be exposed to this type of exchange between two brothers who both love Jesus and the church!
If you have been messed up by the grace of Jesus then you will most likely appreciate and connect with this viral video--as have some thirteen million others. Bethke's gratitude for his salvation in Christ alone, by grace alone, is real and inspiring. In short, it is a good video worth watching.
Great
Yet as much as Bethke's video is good, I would have to say that Kevin Deyoung's critique of the video is even greater. Kevin graciously points out some of the dangers of pithy, religious-esque type banter that does not always mesh with biblical truth. It is a lengthy read, but it’s worth the invested time.
Greater
As much as Bethke’s video is good and Deyoung’s critique is better, I think the greater blessing of the two is the conversation that transpired between both men after the release of Deyoung’s critique. I won’t spoil the read for you, which this time is short, but what an encouragement to be exposed to this type of exchange between two brothers who both love Jesus and the church!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Colossians: Ten Themes about God, Christ, & the Church
1. God calls us to Prayer (1:1, 9; 4:2, 3, 12).
2. God calls us to Discipleship (1:9; 2:2, 7; 3:16).
3. God calls us to Freedom (2:20-23).
4. God calls us to Holiness (3:12-15).
5. God calls us to Honor the Family (3:18-21).
6. God calls us to Honor Work Relationships (3:22; 4:1).
7. God calls us to a Christ-Centered Life Philosophy (2:8; 3:17).
8. God calls us to God-Centered Time Management (4:5).
9. God calls us to be Encouragers (1:2; 1:29-2:2a; 4:8).
10. God calls us to Jesus (1:20-22, 28; 2:11-14; 3:1-4, 16-17).
2. God calls us to Discipleship (1:9; 2:2, 7; 3:16).
3. God calls us to Freedom (2:20-23).
4. God calls us to Holiness (3:12-15).
5. God calls us to Honor the Family (3:18-21).
6. God calls us to Honor Work Relationships (3:22; 4:1).
7. God calls us to a Christ-Centered Life Philosophy (2:8; 3:17).
8. God calls us to God-Centered Time Management (4:5).
9. God calls us to be Encouragers (1:2; 1:29-2:2a; 4:8).
10. God calls us to Jesus (1:20-22, 28; 2:11-14; 3:1-4, 16-17).
And whatever God calls you to do, "in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him."
Preaching & Applications: Dobetter Versus TrustGod Language
What type of language should preachers use to call people to apply the truths of their sermons? Wayne McDill believes the answer is the use of indicative statements that highlight God’s credibility. He asserts that when preachers call attention to who God is (His character), what God can do (His capabilities), what God will do (His intentions), and what God has already done (His record), it connects their sermon applications to the trustworthiness, power, and strength of God, not man.
McDill refers to this type of homiletical language as trustGod preaching or preaching for faith. TrustGod language differs from the more common imperative mood style of preaching—a form of heralding that McDill calls dobetter. Dobetter preaching aims at straightening out or fixing the hearer and can typically be identified by application language that uses terms such as must, ought, should, and need to.
In contrast, trustGod preaching uses the term can as a means of preserving the indicative language while challenging the hearers to action and greater faith. McDill writes that “whereas ought, must, and should give obligation, can gives promise”—encouraging people to have faith that change and/or action is possible based on what God can do in and through them. Using the word can instead of the imperative options mentioned above, though subtle, helps focus the listeners on the character, capabilities, and credibility of God—not their own weaknesses and/or inabilities to fulfill an obligation.
For example, note the difference if a pastor were to say, “You ought to love your neighbor” compared with “You can love your neighbor.” It is a minor change, but McDill believes this change is significant. The can language places the emphasis on faith in God’s capabilities, not the hearers.
To further illustrate McDill’s point, I am providing (below) two lists of application points derived from a sermon on Colossians 4:12-18. The first list uses dobetter preaching language while the second list emphasizes trustGod vernacular. Imperative language does have a place in preaching otherwise you would not find it in Scripture. However McDill’s concerns are warranted when preaching places burdens on listeners while rarely drawing them to greater faith in God. Does any preaching, be it in the indicative, imperative, or subjunctive mood that does not aim toward increasing faith in God—thus not making it about His grace (Rom 4:16a)—have any value at all?
Therefore although I do at times go imperative on myself and hearers in my preaching, “we ought to,” “we should,” “we need to,” “we must,” I think it is also imperatively important to take note of this counsel from McDill. As a pastor I want people to hear, see, grasp, and understand the greatness and glory of God and believe that they can become all that He has called them to be in Christ when challenged to put into action God’s truths (Jas 2:14). If using more indicative can language can aid in this aim, then I can do it more in my preaching for the edification of the church.
McDill refers to this type of homiletical language as trustGod preaching or preaching for faith. TrustGod language differs from the more common imperative mood style of preaching—a form of heralding that McDill calls dobetter. Dobetter preaching aims at straightening out or fixing the hearer and can typically be identified by application language that uses terms such as must, ought, should, and need to.
In contrast, trustGod preaching uses the term can as a means of preserving the indicative language while challenging the hearers to action and greater faith. McDill writes that “whereas ought, must, and should give obligation, can gives promise”—encouraging people to have faith that change and/or action is possible based on what God can do in and through them. Using the word can instead of the imperative options mentioned above, though subtle, helps focus the listeners on the character, capabilities, and credibility of God—not their own weaknesses and/or inabilities to fulfill an obligation.
For example, note the difference if a pastor were to say, “You ought to love your neighbor” compared with “You can love your neighbor.” It is a minor change, but McDill believes this change is significant. The can language places the emphasis on faith in God’s capabilities, not the hearers.
To further illustrate McDill’s point, I am providing (below) two lists of application points derived from a sermon on Colossians 4:12-18. The first list uses dobetter preaching language while the second list emphasizes trustGod vernacular. Imperative language does have a place in preaching otherwise you would not find it in Scripture. However McDill’s concerns are warranted when preaching places burdens on listeners while rarely drawing them to greater faith in God. Does any preaching, be it in the indicative, imperative, or subjunctive mood that does not aim toward increasing faith in God—thus not making it about His grace (Rom 4:16a)—have any value at all?
Therefore although I do at times go imperative on myself and hearers in my preaching, “we ought to,” “we should,” “we need to,” “we must,” I think it is also imperatively important to take note of this counsel from McDill. As a pastor I want people to hear, see, grasp, and understand the greatness and glory of God and believe that they can become all that He has called them to be in Christ when challenged to put into action God’s truths (Jas 2:14). If using more indicative can language can aid in this aim, then I can do it more in my preaching for the edification of the church.
"You can love your neighbor"
Dobetter Preaching Applications (Must, Ought, Should, Need to)
You Should Be a Person of Comfort (Colossians 4:12-18)
1. You should be struggling for someone in prayer. If prayer is work, what kind of hours have you logged on your prayer card this week or this month (v.12)?
2. You ought to be striving toward maturing in Christ so that you can know the difference between God’s will and your own (v.12b).
3. You need to “pain much” (work hard) for the church—the body of Christ (v.13).
4. You need to be known in the church and community as “beloved” not “unloving.” If you are not known as beloved, why and how ought you begin to change that perception or reality people have of you (v.14)?
5. You need to use your special gifts and skills for the kingdom. You should do all that you do heartily unto the Lord and not for men (v.14b).
6. You should not love the stuff of this world more than the Savior—Jesus (2 Tim 4:10). You need to keep an eternal perspective on your life and not be consumed by the temporary (v.14b).
7. You must use your home as a means to practice hospitality—as a resource for the church (v.15).
8. You must pass along Scripture in your home, church, and community (v.16)?
9. You need to fulfill the ministry God has set aside for you in this church and community (v.17).
10. Whose chains (burden) have you remembered lately? Whose burden have you lifted in prayer (v.18)? You need to pray more for those in need.
11. You need to stop trying to live the Christian life on your own without the grace of God. You should long for more grace (v.18b).
TrustGod Preaching Applications (Can)
In Christ, You Can Be a Person of Comfort (Colossians 4:12-18)
In Jesus Christ:
1. You can struggle for someone in prayer? You can become so passionate about prayer that you won’t need a prayer log card for accountability (v.12).
2. You can grow in your maturity in Him to the point that you become fully assured of all the will of God (v.12b).
3. You can “pain much” (work hard) for the church—the people of God (v.13).
4. You can be known as a “beloved” follower of Jesus (v.14).
5. You can use your specialty gifts and skills for the kingdom (v.14)? You can do so heartily unto the Lord and not for men.
6. You can love the Savior more than the stuff in this present world (v.14b).
7. You can use your home as a means to practice hospitality—as a resource for the church (v.15).
8. You can pass along Scripture in your home, church, and community (v.16).
9. You can fulfill the ministry God has for you in this church and community (v.17).
10. You can remember to pray for the burdens of others (v.18).
11. You can live the Christian life to the glory of God the Father by the empowering GRACE of God available to us in Christ (v.18)!
See Wayne McDill, The 12 Essential Skills For Preaching (Nashville: Broadman, 1994), 242-262.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Water's Edge Church: Grand Opening of Our New Facility
Water's Edge was excited to host visitors from the Clarksville Chamber of Commerce in order to celebrate the opening of our new facility. The event provided a great opportunity to send out a message of welcome and blessing to business leaders in Clarksville and surrounding Lake Country communities.
As God once instructed his people to "seek the welfare of the city" and to "pray to the Lord on its behalf," we too desire to see our community blessed and prosperous (Jer 29:7).
"Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare."
We were grateful for the opportunity to intercede on behalf of those communities leaders in attendance and we will continue to pray expectedly for God to show Himself mighty in our towns as we seek to align our hearts with His (2 Chron 16:9).
"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him."
As God once instructed his people to "seek the welfare of the city" and to "pray to the Lord on its behalf," we too desire to see our community blessed and prosperous (Jer 29:7).
"Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare."
We were grateful for the opportunity to intercede on behalf of those communities leaders in attendance and we will continue to pray expectedly for God to show Himself mighty in our towns as we seek to align our hearts with His (2 Chron 16:9).
"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him."
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