Perhaps few roles are as encompassing and have an individual wear so many hats as that of preaching. Differing expectations of preachers occur on a congregational basis, leadership basis and even on an individual basis. And then there’s also the personal expectations of the preacher himself! Recent evidence suggests that the average congregation expects, based…
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3). Blessed, blessed, blessed! Ephesians 1:3-14 is one long sentence in the original language. Notice how in verse 3 Paul deals with the source of real blessing – The…
It’s not about being morbid, sad or cynical. It is an important but often neglected area of preaching. In 35 plus years of full-time preaching, the count stands at 342 – funerals, that is. I’ve done funerals for babies who were born premature and for people who were almost 100, for AIDS victims and for…
Church fights almost always are the result of at least someone being too friendly with the world. At least, that’s what James 4:1-6 says. If envy, jealousy and selfish ambition fill the hearts of Christians (the wisdom from below – James 3:13-18), then wars and fights are bound to occur in churches (James 4:1-3). James…
For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both…
The word fellowship carries with it the idea of a common bond and commitment in Christ to the will, work and walk of God. There is a profound sense of identity (“a common bond and commitment”), belonging (“in Christ”) and participation and sharing (“to the will, work and walk of God). Fellowship is vertical –…
In this passage, our Lord articulates aspects of true discipleship. Consider these 6. True Discipleship is Conditional – “If.” It is a choice that can be made, or one that is chosen not to be made. True Discipleship is Universal – It is available to “all” or “anyone.” True Discipleship is Personal – “Deny self.”…
Irony is a literary technique by which the full significance of one’s words and actions are clear to the audience or reader but unknown to the character. A state of affairs occurs that seems directly contrary to the truth of the matter. The biblical account of the arrest and trials of Jesus seems to be…
Dan Winkler recently retired after 47 years of local work. However, far from being sedentary, he continues teaching at Freed-Hardeman University, where his classes are always full, as well as preaching and teaching at an incredible variety of venues from gospel meetings, lectures, seminars, workshops and of course, Polishing the Pulpit. Here are 5 questions…
Being religiously “conservative” is not necessarily the same as being sound in the faith (Titus 1:13; 2:2). The two are not synonymous terms. Without any doubt, there are many areas in which Christians are to be, and must be, conservative. But this is not always so. Rather, we must always endeavor to be sound. Of…