As a preacher, I meet and talk to lots of preachers: pastors, youth ministers, seminarians, evangelists, sunday school teachers, etc. They have lots of questions for me, but one of the most common things they want to know is how I study for sermons and what my outlines look like. I talked with a para-curch ministry leader just this week who wanted me to send him some of my outlines just so he could see what I actually preach from on paper.
So in an effort to help those of you who do stand and proclaim the Word of God to audiences of 10 to 10,000, I submit to you the actual sermon outline I will be preaching from tomorrow at my home church. This outline took shape over the course of several weeks as I studied, consulted commentaries, plugged in illustrations and applications, and prayed for clarity. This is exaclty what I will be looking at during my message tomorrow.
I have handwritten notes in the margins of my Bible and most of the material is in my head. The outline acts as a catalyst to move me from one main idea to the next, reminding me of what I have studied and read in preparation. There is always a question that leads to personal application for the listener. And like all my sermons, I "take it to the cross" and ask the audeinces to consider the gospel and repent and believe in Christ for salvation. So...here you go...I pray this helps you in some way.
1. We often see God most clearly in times of loss, grief, and confusion.
2. God's presence doesn't automatically guarantee comfort and safety.
3. When we see God, the revelation demands a response.
4. We begin to know and follow God when we are humble and obedient.
5. Deaf ears, blind eyes, and calloused hearts bring destruction. Repentance brings restoration.
"Neither words of persuasion nor threats of castagation will have any effect. Something greater than prophetic words, namely, an eschatalogical event, will be necessary to silence the arrogance of men." Abraham Heschel, Jewish Theological Seminary, New York
Comments
August 29 2010
Ken Tilley
Clayton….thanks for sharing! I’m pray for God to use you mightily! I know that He will
August 29 2010
Bill Ellison
a small remark on #4 and obedience. I get so tired of hearing Christians say “It will all be worth it if one soul comes to Christ.” I understand what they mean. But I believe that whatever we do is worth it because we are obedient. We can’t control the response but we can be held responsible for our obedience/disobedience.
August 30 2010
Ann Benson
Thanks, Clayton. You are right; the hurts are the moments remembered. And the hurts that cut the most are from the ones closest to us. Ever since I heard you preach, several years ago, at the church I am a member, I knew you were a man of God and that I could listen to you because God speaks to you. Thanks for your blog today as I try to serve my aging parents, my adult children, and my community. As a humbled sister in Christ, thanks again. Ann
August 30 2010
John
Thanks for sharing—looking forward to more!
Make a Comment