Is secret in the method?
Some say that the secret of life changing preaching lies in verse by verse preaching, and preaching through the Bible, book by book. It is still vaunted that expository preaching is the only way to change lives and grow a church. Then recently Rick Warren have popularised the user-friendly sermon. Of course, accusations of compromise and watering down of the truth swirled around this method. Preaching of the Readers’ Digest sermon with its practical “How to” themes, made sermons more accessible to unbelievers and even believers too but did it really change lives at a deeper level?
Content not methodology
I noticed a cry in the wilderness in recent years. It is a cry for preachers and pastors to preach a gospel-centered and Christ exalting message. I hear it mainly from the reformed and other charismatic pastors. They point us to content not to methodology. There is something here all preachers need to really grasp. When they do it will bring much blessing to their congregations.
Tim Keller on preaching the gospel
Listen to this teaching by Tim Keller. I first heard him at the Global Leadership Summit, Singapore. He gave a word that affirmed what God had been stirring in my heart about the need for Singapore churches to be more “indicative” in their preaching and less “imperative”, as they tend to be now. Tim Keller was speaking at a conference for pastors and the main outline of his talk is that good preaching must be (1) Gospel-centered, (2) Christ-centered, (3) Life-changing on the spot, (4) Culturally transforming. Its about an hour long, with questions and answers at the end.
Tim Keller Feb’09: Preaching the Gospel from Newfrontiers on Vimeo.
Thank you for this message. Lets bring Jesus back to the center of all our teaching 🙂
Mercy is usually defined as not receiving the bad that you deserve..
Grace is receiving the good that you do not deserve
Both, are the result of Jesus love for you!
wow,
while we are at this, can i ask all the respected elders here something?
What is difference between Grace and Mercy
FInished work- it’s more than just undeserved and unmerited (favor) ya….
haha… 🙂
Shalom
Dear Steven,
echoing your comments again,
God’s Word (Jesus Christ):
PRODUCES (GOOD) FRUIT.
ACCOMPLISH ALL GOD WANT IT TO BE (THAT’S COMPLETELY BLESSING HIS CHILDREN).
PROSPER EVERYWHERE, I SAY AGAIN PROSPER EVERYWHERE (HEALTH, FAVOR, FAMILY AND FINANCE) UNDESERVED AND UNMERITED FOR HIS CHILDREN FROM HEAD TO THE SOLE OF THE FEET!
Thousands AMEN!!!!!!!
Preachers may take heed and consider the following:
1) Only the Bible is God-Breathed not any other content added in the preaching (All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness)
2) Bible is still the most powerful book in the world to transform lives (as God has promised) even though man may try new methods of preaching.
Isaiah 55:11It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
Hi Chit Grace,
I think you misunderstood Dennis. He meant that Pastor Prince’s preaching meets at least the first 3 qualities (which Tim Keller taught in the video) of what biblical teaching should have.
Hi Dennis. Did Ps Prince credit Tim Keller?
Thanks Ps Kenny on this info. Will watch at home since my hp cannot play flash.
Ps Prince already using the first three points as outlined by Tim Keller in his sermons. I am unsure abt the fourth point till i watch the video first to get what he mean. Blessed Sunday!
sorry! meant “much” food for thought.
Thanks for posting this video, Blogpastor. I enjoyed listening to Tim Keller speak and he gave me must food for thought.
Dear Andrew,
Amen!
I do not think that it is just content. Yes, content is definitely important, but two preachers can be preaching exactly the same Christ-exalting message, yet one has more results than the other. I believe that the anointing and/or calling plays a huge part too. Your words have got to be oiled by the Holy Spirit (it’s what He wants to say) for them to penetrate hearts and change lives.