Author: Administrador

One wrongly translated word contributed to the atomic settlement of World War II. In July, 1945, many influential Japanese, including the emperor, were prepared to consider the terms of the Potsdam ultimatum. Before responding, the Japanese cabinet felt that they needed more time, so they announced that their policy was mokusatsu, meaning (1) to refrain … Continue reading “Preaching Cross-Culturally”

Although Charles Haddon Spurgeon was often called “The Last of the Puritans,” the title probably better belongs to D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981), whose strategic ministry at the heart of London spoke to the nation and impacted the entire world (and still does through his tapes and printed sermons). The “doctor” – as he was rightly … Continue reading “D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: Servant Of The Word”

The SHARP Principles While it is usually best to utilize the strongest illustrations in the introduction and conclusion, illustrations are also needed in the body of the sermon. Within the various points of the message they further explain the point, give the audience time to digest the truth that is being presented, and connect emotionally … Continue reading “Making The Point With SHARP Illustrations”

Jon Krakauer cleared the ice from his oxygen mask, hunched a shoulder against the wind, and straddled the summit of Mount Everest. It was 1:17 P.M. on May 10, 1996. Krakauer, an accomplished climber and journalist, had not slept in fifty-seven hours. He had not eaten much more than a bowl of ramen soup and … Continue reading “Moving from Concept to Sermon: The Art of Preaching Old Testament Narrative”

Are you preaching the theology of scarcity? At our house, we no longer support Christian ministries that send out those “We’re going under financially unless you send money now” desperation letters. Nor do we send gifts to those broadcast ministry appeals with a similar message. Why? Simply because their approach demonstrates a lack of faith … Continue reading “Ruthless Grace!”

Jerry Falwell started a church in his own hometown, then used it as a platform to speak to the nation. In 1956 he founded the Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia (with a beginning congregation of 35 people), and within a year was speaking on radio and television on “The Old-Time Gospel Hour.” The … Continue reading “Preaching In The Public Square: An Interview With Jerry Falwell”

Those who have been reading Preaching for a number of years know that I am a 48-year-old father of two little boys, ages 7 and 3. (Just call me a “late bloomer.”) So for the last couple of years, as my old seminary buddies were putting their kids in college, I’ve been putting mine in … Continue reading “The Perils Of Parenthood”

There is, of course, no literary break between Romans 5 and Romans 6; the one chapter continues the argument begun in the other. Paul is still dealing with the subject of sin rather than sins, but now he is going to show that Christ’s victory at Calvary liberates us not only from sin’s penalty but … Continue reading “Romans 6: Deliverance From Sin”

People reason in one of three general ways: deductively, inductively, or abductively. Assuming that one’s argument is valid in form and each individual premise is true, the conclusions of deduction are logically certain. Induction and abduction yield no such logical certainty. Induction is based upon observation of repeated experience, and thus leads one to a … Continue reading “The Case Of The Unexpected Sermon: Discovering The Value (and Dangers) Of Abductive Preaching”

The importance persuasion plays in various aspects of life was recognized by the ancient Greeks as far back as the time of Homer, and was a recurring subject through the following centuries.1 Numerous Greek writers refer to persuasion, both in formal and informal manners. Indeed, one of the Greek goddesses was Peitho, Persuasion. In our … Continue reading “The Priority Of Persuasive Preaching”