Before the coffee cools and the Scriptures are opened once again. This week’s edition is centered on the weighty, joyful work of shepherding God’s people with reverence and intention. From shaping Sunday gatherings that engage both mind and heart, to preaching the Word with clarity and care, to standing firm as cultural pressures press in, today’s read is meant to encourage you in the ordinary rhythms of faithful ministry.
Do you wonder how you can make your Sunday's more transformative? This week, join host Dave Stone as he sits down with Nancy Beach to talk about creating worship services that engage both the mind and heart. From sermon prep to leading creatives and leaving room for the Spirit's movement, Nancy offers wisdom every pastor needs.
The preacher’s task is to present “the mystery of godliness,” the divinely revealed Word of God recorded in the Holy Scriptures (I Timothy 3:16; 2 Timothy 3:16). He does this by preaching the Word through a sermon, a spiritual discourse designed to explain the Scriptures and apply them the to the preacher’s audience (2 Timothy 3:16; 4:2; Titus 1:9).
This is no small task to assign to any man. He must understand the lofty thoughts of God and His will and then communicate them to a sinful world by explaining and applying the Word of God to each heart (cp. Ezra 7:10; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Peter 3:16). The chief requisite in Biblical preaching is clarity. The preacher must be clear in his comprehension of the text and his explanation and application of the text. The latter task calls for the use of illustrations.
Gathering together for worship is an indispensable part of your family’s spiritual life. It is a means for God to reveal himself to you and your loved ones in a powerful way.
If you haven’t watched Truth Rising yet, we’d strongly encourage you to make time for it. It’s a timely discipleship tool for today’s cultural moment. As confusion and compromise grow louder, this film will help your congregation recognize the deeper forces shaping our world and inspire them to live out their faith with courage and clarity. It’s well worth your time.
