I am excited to announce a new podcast of my teaching messages. This podcast is available directly from Podbean (including on their mobile Apps) or from Apple’s iTunes (including all iTunes Apps) or from within Spotify (if you are a subscriber).… Read the rest
Video Messages
From time to time, I have people asking me about where they can listen to messages of me speaking. My web site now has a page with a variety of media links – including videos of messages I have given recently at different churches and over the last few years, as well as some worship videos/audios too.… Read the rest
A Great Sermon
Here’s an old poem by Edgar Guest that's worth reflecting on, especially for all of us who teach and preach others …
A Sermon
I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I’d rather one should walk with me than merely show the way.… Read the rest
Discerning Truth and Error
Most followers of Christ understand the need to pursue truth and avoid error. Some take it upon themselves to find error and point it out to others. Most churches I know have a statement of faith and their teaching teams speak from this foundation.… Read the rest
The Ultimate Goal of Preaching (by Rick Warren)
If God’s objective for every believer is to transform us into total Christlikeness, then the objective of preaching is to motivate people to develop Christlike convictions (to think like Jesus), Christlike character (to feel like Jesus), and Christlike conduct (to act like Jesus). Every other objective of preaching is secondary.… Read the rest
Christmas Resources
Believe it or not, Christmas is only four weeks away! For followers of Christ, and especially for those of us who pastor a church or speak from time to time, Christmas presents another excellent opportunity to communicate the good news of Jesus Christ.… Read the rest
Jeremiah: Prototype for Prophets, Preachers and Pastors
Jeremiah is one of my favourite people in the Bible. He was called by God at a young age and was given a tough assignment. He lacked natural confidence but God continually encouraged him. Not everyone liked Jeremiah and he had to endure some extremely difficult circumstances.… Read the rest
Preparing to Preach …
Preaching God's Word at any time and in any context is always a great privilege and, at the same time, a great responsibility. All of us desire to speak by revelation, to believe for impartation (not just information), and to aim for transformation, as well as a demonstration of the Holy Spirit at work in people's lives.… Read the rest
Improving Your Communication Craft (Pt.2)
6. Visualise the people you are speaking to
As you prepare, think about the different types of people who may listen to your message. This would include unbelievers, new Christians, struggling Christians and mature Christians. It includes people young and old, men and women, single and married, employed and unemployed, rich and poor, as well as students and retirees. … Read the rest
Improving Your Communication Craft (Pt.1)
Here are a few tips for those of us who communicate God's Word regularly. We need to commit ourselves to developing our God-given gifts and continually seek to be more effective in bringing about change in people's lives.
1. Choose one main BIG Idea for your message
It’s better to say one thing well than to present a scattering of many things less effectively.… Read the rest
Scrivener: Great Software for Writers, Speakers and Composers
For anyone who writes or speaks, the task of preparation is part science and part art … with lots of prayer and perspiration mixed in. Some people think more intuitively. I know one speaker who prepares all of their messages in their head – never writing anything down.… Read the rest
Free Audio Sermons
As of this weekend our church is moving all of our weekend messages online and making them available free of charge. We no longer sell CDs or DVDs. Right now there is a library of about 100 messages available. Click here to visit the library.… Read the rest
The Sermon as Story
Recently, I read a book by Eugene Lowry called The Homiletical Plot: the Sermon as Narrative Art Form. It was a paradigm-shifting book as it suggests that sermons or messages should be more like stories than like a lecture presenting material in a structured and outlined manner.… Read the rest
Communicating to Change Lives (Pt.7)
The fifth and final question I ask is …
5. “How will I say it?” [The Method]
Be practical. If the goal of preaching is changed lives, then application is the primary task of preaching! Knowledge doesn’t change the world, but action does (Luke 10:37.… Read the rest
Communicating to Change Lives (Pt.6)
The fourth question I ask is …
4. “Who is talking?” [The Messenger]
This makes me have a good look at myself. In many ways, as a communicator, you are the message. How you speak is very important – your personal style.… Read the rest