It seem to me that there was someone else who wanted to identify "the main thing" by asking Jesus to define it. Jesus reply was that there were 2 things that were the main thing: love God and love your neighbour (Matthew 22:34-40). Social Justice/Earth Care is the main thing. Just like evangelism is the main thing. To abandon either is to proclaim an incomplete gospel.
I really appreciated the workship on preaching by Frank Thomas. I find that some of the best sermons are ones that grab hold of my attention like a well written story with a good beginnign to hook my attention, a problem that needs to be sorted out or solved, and the satisfying resolution. Thomas added another element--Celebration. I'm still processing what that means and how it can be included in the sermon or if it is included already in worship by the song of response. I loved this focus on celebration as it helps us to live into the life that we are given by Christ. Hmm...still thinking about it.
Posted in: Greener Grass
Thanks for the reminder to open my eyes, Noman. Well-written and well-said.
Posted in: Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing
It seem to me that there was someone else who wanted to identify "the main thing" by asking Jesus to define it. Jesus reply was that there were 2 things that were the main thing: love God and love your neighbour (Matthew 22:34-40). Social Justice/Earth Care is the main thing. Just like evangelism is the main thing. To abandon either is to proclaim an incomplete gospel.
Posted in: Sharing Symposium
I really appreciated the workship on preaching by Frank Thomas. I find that some of the best sermons are ones that grab hold of my attention like a well written story with a good beginnign to hook my attention, a problem that needs to be sorted out or solved, and the satisfying resolution. Thomas added another element--Celebration. I'm still processing what that means and how it can be included in the sermon or if it is included already in worship by the song of response. I loved this focus on celebration as it helps us to live into the life that we are given by Christ. Hmm...still thinking about it.