A problem has arisen as I prepare for this Sunday's message - How do I honorably preach the doctrine of Ephesians 1:3-6 without making it an academic exercise? Bible churches in the Maryland/Pennsylvania area have a culture centered around the expository preaching of God's Word - line by line, verse, by verse, word by word. I agree with this, but have found that if poorly preached it accomplishes the same as that of poorly preached topical messages. It becomes an academic message, a seminary lesson, that soars above the average listener. The sad result is that the doctrine of say Ephesians 1:3-6 becomes tedious and boring. The listener can find no reason to listen. Their minds wander and little is accomplished. (Now I understand that I am not including in these thoughts the role of the Holy Spirit and His use of God's Word.)That said, when I read this passage I am filled with wonder and joy. God chose me before the foundation of the world! He adopted me as a son! And He did all this, and more, to the praise of His glory! If this fills me with wonder and joy, why does it not so move the average listener? Because it is poorly communicated. We take this profound truth and boil it down the war between Calvin and Arminius; and the response is ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!
Pray for me this week as I try and find the way to best present this wonderful verse without killing the wonder and joy.
-Mark
Please visit our church at www.wakefieldbible.org
No comments:
Post a Comment