YOU and YOUR PREACHING - Part 2

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Posted on: Feb 16, 2012

YOU AND YOUR PREACHING - Part 2

I said in a previous blog that I would share with you my thoughts on:

• PREPARATION OF A MESSAGE

The preparation for a message takes place in three areas….

A.     Your Heart

 ¹The preparations^a of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. (Proverbs 16:1)

Think for a moment about what this verse says. If you and I will properly prepare our hearts, the answers on our tongue will be from the Lord. That is precisely what good preaching does. It answers people’s questions that they are struggling with. I can promise you if you will answer questions about real life people will come to hear what you have to say!

⁴⁵A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. (Luke 6:45) You prepare your heart through prayer, fasting, and by developing your:  “Personal Intimate Eternal Relationship with God.” It is only in “Intimacy With God” that new life is birthed!

B.    Your Head

God gave you a wonderful mind! Use it! Allow the Holy Spirit to give to you fresh ideas and new insights as you study, read, listen, and watch. Great preachers are always on the lookout for fresh stuff!

¹⁵Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)  How do great messages get started?  Always as a “Seed Thought!”  It is the way, according to Jesus, that the Kingdom works, “The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: ³²Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.” (Matthew 13:31,32)

One of the most important things you can do is develop a “Seed Thoughts File.”  From those precious seeds can come a “rhema word” that can change people’s lives!

C.    IN YOUR SPIRIT!

This is perhaps the most important area of preparation. If your preaching is just from your heart it can be just “soulish”. Your message may touch only their emotions. This is important but not enough. If your preaching is only from your head, it may appeal to their intellect and increase their “knowledge” but not necessarily affect their “life style.” Effective preaching must come from your “spirit” and touch their “spirit.” This is where the real connection is made and the life-changing decisions take place. Remember, real Christianity is an “inside job.”

Next time:  THE PRESENTATION OF A MESSAGE.

Be blessed, and this Sunday, “Give em heaven!”

Your friend, Kemp

a preparations: or, disposings

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About Our Chairman

Kemp Holden and his wife Carol were married in 1964 and formed a powerful ministry team preaching the gospel not only in the United States but soon their passion for missions would take them to the island of Jamaica where they founded and built a church and a school on the north coast. Soon after returning to the U.S., they felt God calling them to Fort Smith, Arkansas where they built Harvest Time Tabernacle. They watched those small beginnings grow to one of the largest churches in the region with not only a local focus but a global impact. After 38 years as senior pastor, having mentored his successor, Pastor Marty Sloan, he led the transition and passed the baton to the new senior pastor. Pastor Holden now serves as Pastor Emeritus of Harvest Time where he and his family attend.

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