After reading this excellent article, I had to write what I was thinking to get it all out. Upon reflection, I hope everyone who hears the Word preached would be inspired to write something along these lines …
Yes sir-ee ... that's what I mean by preaching, too. Whew ... reading this made my heart race and my brow sweat. I've got real live goosebumps on the back of my neck. Thank you for communicating these things, these ... er ... standards(?). Thank you for confirming that I am not crazy to be discontent with a "twenty-minute, immediately practical, relaxed talk."Curious? Okay, just check out the original article and you’ll see what I’m raving over. (http://www.acts29network.org/acts-29-blog/characteristics-of-good-preaching/)In my case, this means cutely packaged, correct but palatable, and readily digestible; candy. I hate that.
The Word has never been these things to me. It is almost always hard tack, pemmican, and prunes. It wounds me, drives me to my knees, and prompts me to awe and revere the God of the universe.
The Word is also meat and potatoes, greens and gravy, toast and cobbler. It lifts me up and propels me forward with hope and life, not guilt and duty. It invites and engages my mind, never dumbs itself down to me, or leaves me with simple and pithy mnemonic devices. It is honey in my mouth, something that I don’t dare to swallow for the change it will bring; but is simultaneously something that I can’t bear to spit out because it is so savory, fulfilling, hearty, and warm.
This is the Word … I meditate on it day and night so that I am careful to do everything in it. So then I will, I must, expect the mouthpiece of my congregation to do the same. Yes, every word of the sermon must carry on its breath little bits of honey that hit you on the face like the spittle in your eye from a wet-mouthed close-talker (to channel Seinfeld for a moment).
Thank you for writing and compiling these thoughts. Preaching is certainly not the church, but it is a vitally important window into the eldership, vision, and overall character of a congregation.
Your compilation here has caused me to center again on truth, no, on Truth, and has released me from a sense of guilt and consternation when I don’t find it delivered on a given Sunday.
Things I’m prompted to ask myself: Are we about Jesus, or are we about self-help? Will we be changed, or will we be coddled? Will we worship, or will we waddle? Will we eat solid food or will we suckle?
Thank you for reminding me that I must pursue health in this area as I continue to pursue life, health, and maturity in my own walk, and as a husband, father, and friend. Thank you, thank you.
I pray that every sermon you preach will be immeasurably more than we could ask for or imagine … to His glory! Amen!