Some years ago in an article written by the great expository preacher Stephen Olford, he said that the challenge of preaching is not what to say, but what to leave out. There is so much in the word of God, and I believe that somewhere in the world there is still a church that enjoys three- and four-hour sermons. It reminds me of Paul's preaching in Troas, where Paul preached all night long and into the next morning (taking a break to resurrect Eutychus and to share a communion meal).
Expository preaching is often enhanced by the use of alliteration. This past Sunday's sermon incorporated a number of alliterations, as well as metaphors: to help us understand what was revealed in the scriptures, and to remind us that we are given opportunity to repent and live for God- particularly in light of the fact that each one of us will give an account before Him.
Pastor Sam asked some questions at the end of the sermon. There is much to consider, so I'll only mention the alliterative questions for today and we'll use tomorrow's blog to pick up on some of the metaphoric questions.
Are you really in Christ? "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation" (Second Corinthians 5:17). Being in Christ means that we no longer live for ourselves (5:15) and we no longer regard people from a wordly point of view (5:16).
Are you a representative of Christ? If I am representing someone, I am speaking on their behalf and of necessity will not promote my own agenda. Second Corinthians 6 encourages us not to be a stumbling block and not to discredit the ministry (6:3).
Are you a reflection of Christ? "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all" (First John 1:5). If we are reflecting Christ, then we cannot simultaneously be "mixed up" in things that are common to the dominion of darkness (Second Corinthians 6:14-17).
I hope that this is not merely an intellectual pleasantry for you, but that each of you will really pause to consider your standing in Christ. Time is short.
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