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). It is not possible to publish podcasts on Google Play from Australia yet. Every … Continue reading New Podcast
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 … Continue reading Video Messages
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. The eye’s a better pupil, and more willing than … Continue reading A Great Sermon
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. They believe that the Bible is inspired by God and is … Continue reading Discerning Truth and Error
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. At the end of the sermon, if people … Continue reading The Ultimate Goal of Preaching (by Rick Warren)
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. But how do we share this timeless message in new and fresh … Continue reading Christmas Resources
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. Yet he remained faithful in bringing God's word … Continue reading Jeremiah: Prototype for Prophets, Preachers and Pastors
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 … Continue reading Preparing to Preach …
Some Tips for Preachers
It's Tuesday and Sunday's coming. For those of us who preach or teach at church on a regular basis, that can be a bit daunting. But it's encouraging to know that every message or sermon begins with a blank page. We all have to start somewhere. Over the years, I have written a vareity of … Continue reading Some Tips for Preachers
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 … Continue reading Improving Your Communication Craft (Pt.2)
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 … Continue reading Improving Your Communication Craft (Pt.1)
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. Others write out their ideas, sometimes word … Continue reading Scrivener: Great Software for Writers, Speakers and Composers
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. Messages can be downloaded for listening to either on your computer … Continue reading Free Audio Sermons
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. When Jesus was asked about who a 'neighbour' … Continue reading The Sermon as Story
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. James 1:22). Interpretation of the Bible (what it means) is … Continue reading Communicating to Change Lives (Pt.7)