Good morning on this Saturday, the 13th day of December. Tomorrow's message is entitled, Defining Moments and is taken from the Book of Esther. When going the process of preparing a message, I thought you might enjoy how a message is "birthed." It is important to begin by seeking God's leadership in providing the subject and Scripture for a certain theme, topic, or principle. Once that happens, the relevant Scripture verses need to be reviewed and studied. Frequently, I search every verse in the Bible on a given topic or concept using a concordance and topical index. This provides a thorough Biblical grasp of the subject matter. Then I like to analyze the select verses by studying the word meanings and grammar in their original languages to provide understanding and accuracy in the meaning of the texts. Next I read numerous commentaries to see what various Biblical scholars have to say about the verses (usually I use a dozen or so). I also read other preacher's sermons on the text or topic to see what they have to say (for instance, I read 10 full-length sermons in preparation for tomorrow's sermon). I frequently research current material in books or on the Internet regarding the various subjects and facts in the sermon. After correlating and reviewing all of the material gleaned for these preparations, I select the things I am going to use and develop the outline and content of the sermon, type it up, and send it to the tech team for preparation of the PowerPoint to be used on the screens. Then comes the search for illustrations to use in the sermon (especially an impact illustration which drives home the main emphasis and leaves a lasting impression and application of the sermon). Finally I consider if I will use any illustrative slides or videos in the presentation. When all of these steps are taken to prepare the mind, the final step is the spiritual preparation through prayer for the power, anointing, and blessing of God upon the message and me as I deliver it. I want God to be a vital part of the process from beginning to end and want to personally grow by building on my knowledge and wisdom with new knowledge, insight, understanding and application of truth. After the sermon is delivered is a time for personal reflection on its effectiveness and feedback from others about the impact of the message. God told Peter to feed the lambs and the sheep and no pastor should ever take that responsibility lightly. I hope to see you in church tomorrow to experience what God wants to say through the sermon to you.
Mel Brown