Sunday, Monday, Wednesday—Sunday. That’s often the rhythm of a preacher’s week. Other tasks can be postponed, but the sermon will happen, one way or the other. This issue of Leadership helps with two important aspects of applying the Scriptures to daily life.
Preparing the sermon
Veteran preaching instructor Haddon Robinson claims the application of a sermon contains more room for error than the exposition. Read how to keep application accurate in our feature interview, The Heresy of Application(p. 20).
Some sections of Scripture are more difficult to preach than others. In From B.C. to 11 a.m. (p. 52), Montana pastor Steven D. Mathewson offers practical insights on preaching Old Testament narratives. Then biblical scholar Elizabeth Achtemeier busts a few myths about preaching prophetically in Preaching the Prophets with Honor (p. 57).
In today’s world, certain doctrines of Scripture don’t receive a ready hearing. New York City pastor Tim Keller explains that when Preaching Hell in a Tolerant Age (p. 42), we must know if we’re speaking to traditionalists or postmoderns. In The Ever-More-Difficult Marriage Sermon (p. 60), preacher Bob Russell shows how to uphold lifelong commitment in an age of divorce and remarriage. Susan Maycinik, editor of Discipleship Journal and a single adult, explains the needs of singles and steps to Creating a Singles-Friendly Sermon (p. 65).
Finally, in Smoothing out the Landing (p. 39), E. K. Bailey relates how to conclude the sermon with polish and power.
Preparing the preacher
What do you do when your motivations for preaching aren’t 100-percent pure? In Freedom from Less-Than-Perfect Motives (p. 28) Craig Brian Larson dares to examine our temptations and shows the higher road.
Questions you ask Before You Preach (p. 35) can save your sermon later. Preaching Today editor Ed Rowell offers a checklist of questions that give focus, relevance, and passion to the sermon.
With humor and insight, Pastor Kenneth Quick shares ways he overcame My Um, Um, Annoying Pulpit Mannerisms (p. 49).
—The Editors
1997 by the author or Christianity Today/Leadership Journal. For reprint information call 630-260-6200 or contact us
