Wednesday 28 May 2008

Knowledge or Jesus?

Read an interesting post on Fools Gold talking about why it's ok if you can't remember last Sunday's sermon.

Quoting Jonathon Edwards as saying

“The main benefit that is obtained by preaching is by impression made upon the mind in the time of it, and not by the effect that arises afterwards by a remembrance of what was delivered”

the writer argues that remembering the 'five points' of a sermon at some stage in the future is no where near as important as whether or not it causes us to "see Jesus" at the time of hearing.

I think there's a problem within some circles (myself included in this) of seeing sermons at times only as an academic exercise, and rating pastors on their ability to essentially lecture on theology - neglecting to place any emphasis on the sermons devotional aspects. 

In todays 'myspace culture' its easy to sit under the teaching of high profile pastors like Driscoll, Piper or Bell whilst living on the other side of the planet. But when we're reading whoever it is we read and spending time downloading sermons etc. what are we looking for?

The same applies to those of us who preach a bit - when we're preparing our messages what are we trying to achieve? Are we trying to show people what we know? Or are we trying to show people Jesus?

d

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Yeh, I heard Matt Chandler recently say that if someone cannot show Jesus in the text - any text, they aren't ready to preach!
Pretty challenging, but absolutely makes sence!