Preaching Renewal

This morning, I finished Tony Merida's new book, Faithful Preaching. If you have a passion to preach or hear good preaching, you need to read it. After reading the last chapter on great preachers from the past, it led me to think about our current state of preaching. Do you attend a church that has great preaching? What defines great preaching? Perhaps some would define great preaching as the following:



1. Powerful Delivery

2. Creative illustrations

3. Organized thoughts

4. Challenging points

5. Practical guide to living

6. Emotional tug of heart

7. Amazing knowledge of current topics

8. Good use of media arts

9. Structured thoughts

10. Alluring and attracting themes



I wonder if we would look at great preaching with those above in mind...mixed in with sound doctrine? I've been challenged lately to preach the Gospel with every message. It's the best way to preach! For example, last night I preached a message about the life of Joseph to my middle school students. We looked at Genesis 37 and connected it to James 1 and Matthew 5. These powerful passages combined, pointed us to the cross. God's provision for Joseph, reminds us of His provision for us in the cross of Jesus; which gives us hope in suffering (James 1:2), and blessed joy in persecution (Matthew 5:10). The message was centered on repentance, faith, and joy in God's eternal provision.

I'm not a great preacher. In fact, I'm not that good at all. All I know is the Word is alive, real, and fully relevant for each day. Sinners must repent and confess Jesus as Lord. Why can't more preachers give messages centered on that foundation? I really don't know how to teach someone how to be better with their jobs or finances. I'm clueless with relationship advice. I'm lost with practical steps in improving health. I really can't preach any topical messages, because I'm tempted and drawn away from the eternal Word. However, when the Word is opened (2 Timothy 2:15), and revealed (2 Timothy 4:3), than all authority and validity is exposed to the eternal reign of Jesus (Isaiah 55:11).

I'm renewed daily by the Word. I hope any message I preach will expose the unsearchable riches of Christ, my King. I hope your church (if you attend one) has biblical preaching. I hope you will surround yourself with biblical preaching. It is such a treasure. Away from my own church, here are some preachers I listen to weekly:

1. David Platt
2. Mark Driscoll
3. Tony Merida
4. C.J. Mahaney
(All sermons above are available for free on iTunes)

These 4 men really handle the Word! Enjoy this beautiful gift. Have a great weekend ahead.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave