There were a couple of links that drew significant interest this week from Monday’s post. Here is the second, sharing the top 10 preaching mistakes (in the author’s opinion). It’s interesting to me that this post garnered so much interest, but I’ll share the link and offer a few comments.
A few thoughts:
1. Our human nature is to justify ourselves.
It’s easy for me to look at this list and say to myself: I don’t do any of these! That makes the day easier, and it feels better to say that article must be for someone else. Pride comes calling, we don’t want to admit the hint of any thought of weakness. C’mon . . .
2. For me, I struggle the most with . . .
Assuming and confusing (and probably all of these at times). I probably assume too much knowledge of the text and therefore fail at times to give proper context and help. Regarding being confusing, I have felt confused by my own messages some weeks so I’m sure there can be a tendency on others’ behalf to lack clarity in following the message from the starting point to its conclusion. These are things I’m aware of and think about on a regular basis. Other honest and helpful feedback is welcome. Seriously! I’d just rather you e-mail than comment publicly. Please e-mail burkholder.kevin@gmail.com
3. What do you expect of the preaching you listen to?
Don’t expect entertainment, a certain length of message, or for the message to be “just the way you would do it”. Those are mistakes we can all say we’ve made. But here is the one thing you should do: come ready to hear God’s Word and apply it to your life. Listen as if you are trusting the message has been prayed over and labored over. Listen as if you know the pastor wants nothing more than for God to use his message that day. And even though it might not be exactly what you would do or apply to you in every way, pray for its application to be vivid and active as the Holy Spirit works among those who are hearing it.
Have a great Friday everyone!
IPAD 2 CONTEST: My two year anniversary of writing this blog is coming up. To celebrate, for those who read this blog my wife and I will be giving away an iPad 2. The drawing will be November 7. The contest and rules will be available next Monday October 31. You will have one week to complete a 20 question quiz about the past year of blog entries. Those e-mailing at least 15 correct answers will be entered in a drawing for a new or refurbished iPad 2. Winner will be notified November 7. There will be no restrictions for who can win (other than my wife!). If you don’t prefer the iPad 2, we will help directly pay a bill that would help you out. This contest is nothing more than a challenge to freely give away something I really want. I really hope whoever wins or gets some free help is truly blessed by it!