Jocks

My brother lived his dream for about two handfuls of months. He wanted to jock on an easy listening station, and he did so in Anchorage. I was driving around town recently and caught a little more talk radio. The news-talk jock hash that I hear from time to time attempts to coat the airwaves with analysis and commentary about the political landscape in America. Confession time. I rarely trust the work of the spin-grins, even the big boys. I rarely trust them because it's man's opinion and man's spin. I am from Missouri when it comes to accuracy, faithfulness, integrity and the whole banana from the guys behind the mic.

G. Mark Sumpter

Preaching Application

This quote and the next remind the preacher to be working at application in the sermon in ways that bear on the specific concerns and opportunities of the very day and generation of his very parishioners:

Martin Luther, the German Reformer, 1483-1546:

“If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God except precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at that moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christ. Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved, and to be steady on all the battlefields besides, is more flight and disgrace if he flinches at that point.”

G. Mark Sumpter

Preaching Application

A Second Quote...

Westminster's February 1645, Directory for the Public Worship of God:

“(The minister) is not to rest in general doctrine, although never so much cleared and confirmed, but to bring it home to special use, by application to his hearers: which albeit it prove a work of great difficulty to himself, requiring much prudence, zeal, and meditation, and to the natural and corrupt man will be very unpleasant; yet he is to endeavor to perform it in such a manner that his auditors may feel the word of God to be quick and powerful, and a discerner of the thoughts of the heart; and that if any unbeliever or ignorant person be present, he may have the secrets of his heart made manifest, and give glory to God.”

Evangelistic Study

When you meet your neighbor and you're building a friendship, it's not too long and the matter of needing good discussion material comes up. Here's an excellent way to explore solid teaching together and open up conversation about the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel.

Go here to Christianity Explored.

Christianity Explored, for you Oregonians, will be offering training in Estacada, just outside of Portland in November 2009.

It's definitely worth your time, and take four or five along with you from your home congregation.

G. Mark Sumpter