Getting Ready To Preach

Don't forget!

1. Email Matt your text!

2. Turn in your outline, exegetical idea, homiletical idea, and purpose.

3. Sermons must be from 7-10 minutes.

Thanks! 

Let me know if you'd like any help!

Chapter Two - the Ground of Preaching

First, a word on "comments."  Perhaps I was unclear (incredibly possible).  I would love it if we could post our own answers to some of these questions in the "comments" section under each post.  I do understand that things have been busy with the holidays.  Moving on...

Questions for Chapter 2:

What is the goal of preaching?

What are the two massive obstacles to this goal?

How does the cross of Christ remove both obstacles?

How does the cross give validity and humility to preaching?

What does all this mean for every sermon you will ever preach?

Chapter One - The Goal of Preaching

Time to dig in!  Here are some questions I'd like for us to discuss.

What kind of fruit can you expect to see from your ministry?

What do you think this means for the heart of the preacher?

Piper talks about the atmosphere of preaching on page 24.  What is the appropriate “note, theme, object, and atmosphere” of preaching?  What should everyone “take away” from worship?

If the goal of preaching is to glorify God, what is it’s aim?  In other words, what does it look like for God to be glorified in your hearers?

Where does your heart need to be for this to happen?

Actually Reading the Preface(s)

I usually skip prefaces.  That is because the few times I have read them, I am quickly bored and ready to move on.  But the prefaces in The Supremacy of God in Preaching are easily worth the price tag on their own. 

This post is to help you think through these prefaces.  I’ll as a few questions, and hopefully we can discuss them a bit in the comments.  As far as our class work goes, anyone who participates in these blog conversations will have their reading and writing obligations nearly taken care of.

Preface to the Revised Edition

According to Piper, 

How is preaching related to worship?

What are the two aspects of worship?

What implications do these two parts of worship have on the person of the preacher and the nature of his preaching?

Piper says preaching is “expository exultation”.  What does that mean?

Preface to the First Edition

According to Piper,

People are starving for something.  What is it?

What is the necessary subject matter for preaching?

What, ultimately, is most relevant?

Think of some of the preaching you have heard (or even done).  Was it eternally relevant?  Did it address the necessary subject matter appropriately?  Why/ why not?

I look forward to your comments!

Down To Business

It is but four short weeks until our first class.  Between now and then we will not only enjoy the whirlwind of Christmas but also undertake quite a bit of work in preparation for our first meeting.

Here's what's due January 10:

Students must have read and be prepared to discuss, The Supremacy of God in Preaching.

Students must turn in review/ interaction with Supremacy of God in Preaching.

Students must have listened to and turn in review of sermons 1 & 2 (by Piper and Driscoll). Be prepared to discuss.

Students must have read pages 1-50 of Biblical Preaching, turn in chapter exercises, and be prepared to discuss.

Some free advice (since no one is paying): start now.  This will help to ensure the best possible interaction with the material.

Here's links for the books if you don't have them already:

 Supremacy of God in Preaching

 Biblical Preaching

In order to get us started, I'll soon start "blogging" through The Supremacy of God in Preaching a chapter at a time.  This will hopefully help to keep us on track and start digesting the material together.

Godspeed!

Welcome!

Hello Everyone.  My name is Matt and I will be your instructor for LDN class, Biblical Preaching.  

The little man preaching in the picture above is me...and I love preaching.  As a pastor I know both the glories and frustrations that go with preaching, and it will be my honor to do whatever I can to help you (and join you) further develop the heart and skills of a preacher.  

Since we only meet three times and most of our work is on an individual basis, I've created this humble blog to help us connect relationally, hopefully engage in some discussion, offer different resources, and answer questions.  You'll notice the syllabus with sermon links up on the left.  Please study that syllabus and let me know of any questions.  

As for now, please leave a comment (click on the "__ comments" link below) that includes the following:

1. Your name

2. Family situation

3. Occupation

4. Church you attend

5. Favorite preacher

6. What you hope to gain from this class

Thanks!  I look forward to hearing from you, meeting you, and growing as a preacher with you!