Language in the pulpit

Over the past couple of years there has been a lot of passionate discussion about inappropriate language in the pulpit. Of course some preachers do use language they shouldn’t when preaching the word, while others aren’t using language they should (maybe we’ll make another post on that one)… My advice is simple. Be careful with your [...]

Transforming Sermons: Worshiping and welcoming

Darryl Dash has noticed a trend: Christians increasingly begin worship services with a welcome, as opposed to a more traditional “call to worship.” That trend, he notes, has consequences:  There’s a subtle shift going on here. It’s hard to argue against making people feel welcome. But everything in a worship service communicates something. The Call to [...]

John Piper on Preaching

John Piper’s Points: Preaching Is Expository - meaning that preaching aims to explain and apply, the meaning of the Bible. Preaching Is Exultation- meaning that the preacher and the people exult over what is in the Bible as it is being explained and applied. Preaching Isn’t Church, but It Serves the Church If you’re used to a twenty-minute, [...]

Use words if necessary?

A good explanation by JT (over at Between Two Worlds) which sums up why I’ve never been comfortable with the quote – attributed to St Francis of Assisi “Gospel” means “good news.” If so, then the saying “Preach the gospel at all times; use words if necessary” makes about as much sense as telling a reporter he should [...]