Author: Administrador

It was one of those moments when faith meets faith. Such moments move us to search for the mighty or the magnificent. When we think of them, we may think of the heroines of the faith doing heroic acts, or look for champions performing dauntless deeds.But today, if we look for the magnificent moments of … Continue reading “Advent/Faith: When Faith Meets Faith Luke 1:39-55”

A recent issue of the Washington Post contained an item about an internship program that places National Football League players into congressional internships during the off season.In a recent letter to his fellow lawmakers, former Seattle Seahawks star (and now Congressman from Oklahoma) Steve Largent said, “NFL players have tremendous attributes that are not limited … Continue reading “From Gridiron to God”

Paradox is unsettling. Having pieces of truth scattered across the table without knowing where they fit in the puzzle can be threatening. It is doubly threatening, of course, when others tell us all the pieces should fit smoothly (and that their puzzles have been assembled for years)!Paradox is also draining. Paradoxes demand that we wrestle, … Continue reading “Preaching Paradox in a Give-it-to-Me-Straight World”

Fred Craddock tells of preaching a Lenten sermon on ways in which we deny Jesus. Late in the sermon he recounts an incident that took place late one night in Nashville in the early 1960s. Craddock, a student at the time, was seated in the corner of a diner. He watched many white people be … Continue reading “Changing Assumptions for Preaching in the New Millennium”

John Maxwell is one of the contemporary church’s leading authorities on leadership. For many years a pastor, today Maxwell’s ministry focuses on writing and teaching about Christian leadership through his organization and tape series, Injoy. He was interviewed recently by Preaching editor Michael Duduit.Preaching: Your ministry focus has become leadership and leadership gifts. You are … Continue reading “Leading Through Preaching: An Interview with John Maxwell”

Probably the two most significant new books in homiletics that were released in 1997 were Mike Graves, The Sermon as Symphony: Preaching the Literary Forms of the New Testament (Judson Press) and the late Lucy Rose’s Sharing the Word: Preaching in the Round-Table Church, (Westminster / John Knox Press). Graves gives helpful insight into the … Continue reading “Adding to the Preacher’s Bookshelf: The Year’s Best Books on Preaching”

When Paul wrote to Timothy requesting that he come quickly, he also asked Timothy to bring his books and parchments. Any preacher will understand this urgent request, since books are such an important staple of our work. Indeed, most ministers amass a library which is as important to their work as any other earthly possession.Given … Continue reading “The 1998 Annual Review of Books for Preachers”

It’s nearly time to preach and I can’t find my trousers! Frantically, I run through the church trying to locate them. The pulpit hymn is coming to a close! It’s time! I’m up! Unfortunately, my trousers aren’t. It’s a nightmare!Over the years, I’ve had a similar dream numerous times. Since I turned 40, however, I’ve … Continue reading “A Narrative Nightmare”

Whatever may have gone wrong in your life, your church or your neighborhood in recent days, it’s a pretty good bet you can blame it on El Nino. After all, we’re blaming everything else on it.Truth is, these days folks just don’t want to accept responsibility for anything. Consider:– A major in the British Army … Continue reading “It’s Not My Fault”

“He taught them many things by parables …” (Mark 4:2 NIV).I’ve never watched them but I must admit understanding the fascination they hold for millions of viewers. Daytime television programs or “soaps” have captured a permanent place in America’s heart. Avid fans have VCRs permanently set to record “their” show.I used to condemn “soap” watchers … Continue reading “Why Story?”