REFLECTIONS ON PREACHING

By Jay Barbier
Youth specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board

One of the wisest things I have ever been taught about preaching is boring people preach boring sermons.

At first thought, this can seem crude or completely non-important.

But yes, the big understanding in this theory is if you are a person that doesn’t experience life and life to the fullest, then the things you say or preach will just be someone else’s story.

Think about every time you open God’s Word and it comes alive! You know, when you start reading about Caleb and Joshua journeying to the unknown Promised Land and they see the giants!

What have you experienced in your life that relates to this? My mind goes straight to the first time I walked the streets of New York City. I was an ant! I paled in comparison to these huge skyscrapers.

I wonder if that’s why the Israelites reported to the leaders, “DON’T GO!” Did fear capture their hearts?

But seriously, what does every day of your life look like? What can you start doing to help experience life?

Think about it, maybe the next time you and your wife/child/best friend (trying to capture everyone) go on a hike! Yes, as you are walking, a snake comes up on you! How will this fit in your next sermon?

What about surprising your spouse with a trip of a lifetime? Your examples of relating the Word to your audience can be endless.

Take advantage of the life God gave you and live! Exciting people preach exciting messages.

So, don’t be boring. Live on an adventure and help make the Bible turn from black and white to full blown color in HD! B&R — Barbier is youth specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.