Lately, I've been trying to explain to my Senior Minister, an older man, how I preach. We younger generations have a new way of preaching, deviating from the old three-point sermon. I tried to explain that I write less like a research paper and more like writing a story. I finally found a particular style of story that helps illustrate story in a way that is easier to match in a style that applies to preaching: NCIS.
An episode of NCIS or any other crime drama follows a basic formula, usually divided by commercial breaks. In trying to write a sermon like a story in a way that younger generations understand, I think this formula is useful.
Introduction
This introduction in a crime drama, it usually includes discovering the body. It usually includes some people doing something that doesn’t necessarily relate to the overall story. It is only an introduction that grabs the attention and sets up the overall narrative. This can often be done through a humorous story, but can also be a video clip or even a special song.
Credits
NCIS, staring Mark Harmon. Ok, that doesn’t quite apply. What usually comes here is me first telling people where to turn in their Bibles, and describing what the series is.
“Grab your gear.”
When this order comes in NCIS, the team heads to the scene. This is where you actually take a first look at the text and start the investigation.
The suspects
The team starts to interview people that knew the victim and witnesses, which serve as the usual suspects. Often those friends and witnesses turn into suspects. As this applies to preaching, this often means looking at the world’s perspective. As we know, the world’s perspective is often that of Jesus and those who follow him. This focuses on the ways that we want to be apart from God, and also the things that keep us from following God.
Continued investigation
Gibbs heads to talk to Abby and Ducky. In preaching, we look deeper at the text. This often includes things that you have gleaned from Commentaries, Bible Dictionaries, and other sources. This is where background information helps reveal more depth in the text, and this is also where I usually use quotes from others who have written or spoken on the text.
Busted
This ends with a suspect in the Interrogation Room, who someone on the team gets to confess. This is where you really shut the door on the world’s perspective and show God’s true perspective. It is that this point that they have the choice: the world or God. This involves challenging your hearers to specifically apply the text to their lives, which also may include a testimony of how you applying it to your life if relevant.
End
The team usually sits around the office talking about the case. In many cases, one or more of the team members had some type of change or development throughout the episode. In every text, there is some type of what has been called an “evangelistic nugget.” There is something in that text that points directly to who God is: His grace, His forgiveness, the cross itself. Use this evangelistic nugget to lead people to the cross, and offer an invitation based directly upon that nugget.
*I should also point out that as the sermon progresses, especially moving from "the suspects" forward, it should start far away, and draw closer and closer to God's standard until you meet God Himself. In other words, the world's standard, usually the churchy compromise, and then how we should be.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Humanity on the line
While preparing to teach on justice, I watched a video which began with a man named Rob Bell. Now you may or may not have heard of him. You may or may not like him. You may or may not agree with him. But this story should touch you.
A few years ago, he went to Africa, because he wanted to see. He had a guide to show him. They hailed a cab from the airport. The guide said, "Take us to the most dangerous part of the city." Now this particular city is one of the most dangerous in the world. The cabbie kept saying "This is not a good idea." Finally, they pulled down a street and stopped. The guide said, "Get out." The cabbie said, "This is not a good idea." Rob Bell exited the cab, along with the guide, and the cab pulled ahead about a block.
As they walked down the street, girls came out of the shadows, whispering things. These girls were 12-16 years old. Rob asked, "What are they whispering?" "A dollar amount," the guide explained. "They have worked all day in the fields. They are AIDS orphans who have siblings that they are raising, but they do not make enough to feed thier brothers and sisters. In American dollars, they are offering themselves for the night for 25 cents."
The US State Department believes that 17000 slaves are smuggled into this country every year. They work in sweat shops. They work as under-age prostitutes (Half work in "commercial prostitution" in massage parlors, etc that disguise brothels. 27% work in homes, as maids, etc. in places like Virginia. 10% in the construction industry, with another 10% made up in agriculture.) There are hundreds of girls kidnapped from happy, "safe," middle-class suburban homes and used as prostitutes. Many are force fed a diet of drugs and alcohol to keep them passive and from running home. They are so psychologically abused by their pimps (which is a nice way of saying "owner") that even when arrested for prostitution, they take the fall rather than turn on them. And we see just another "crack whore" and despise these girls.
As Rob Bell said, we strip their humanity from them. And if we see people in these situations and do nothing, we risk losing our own humanity. So what can you do? There are many things. Child sponorships though CMFi, World Vision, CICM, are good starts. Moreover, you can give directly to these issues through International Justice Mission. Jesus said he came to set the captives free (Luke 4:18). Will you?
A few years ago, he went to Africa, because he wanted to see. He had a guide to show him. They hailed a cab from the airport. The guide said, "Take us to the most dangerous part of the city." Now this particular city is one of the most dangerous in the world. The cabbie kept saying "This is not a good idea." Finally, they pulled down a street and stopped. The guide said, "Get out." The cabbie said, "This is not a good idea." Rob Bell exited the cab, along with the guide, and the cab pulled ahead about a block.
As they walked down the street, girls came out of the shadows, whispering things. These girls were 12-16 years old. Rob asked, "What are they whispering?" "A dollar amount," the guide explained. "They have worked all day in the fields. They are AIDS orphans who have siblings that they are raising, but they do not make enough to feed thier brothers and sisters. In American dollars, they are offering themselves for the night for 25 cents."
The US State Department believes that 17000 slaves are smuggled into this country every year. They work in sweat shops. They work as under-age prostitutes (Half work in "commercial prostitution" in massage parlors, etc that disguise brothels. 27% work in homes, as maids, etc. in places like Virginia. 10% in the construction industry, with another 10% made up in agriculture.) There are hundreds of girls kidnapped from happy, "safe," middle-class suburban homes and used as prostitutes. Many are force fed a diet of drugs and alcohol to keep them passive and from running home. They are so psychologically abused by their pimps (which is a nice way of saying "owner") that even when arrested for prostitution, they take the fall rather than turn on them. And we see just another "crack whore" and despise these girls.
As Rob Bell said, we strip their humanity from them. And if we see people in these situations and do nothing, we risk losing our own humanity. So what can you do? There are many things. Child sponorships though CMFi, World Vision, CICM, are good starts. Moreover, you can give directly to these issues through International Justice Mission. Jesus said he came to set the captives free (Luke 4:18). Will you?
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Apathy is the Opposite of Leadership
Ok, I try not to be overly political, mostly because I hate our political system. Yes, we have it better than most every other country. But we still have had several presidents that haven't been very good.
Right now though, we have a "do nothing" president. Japan gets hit with a record quake? Press conference mention it, but that's it. The military that is there can help, but let's not send more aide than that. Economy is terrible because of a weak dollar? Print more money and make it weaker. Gas prices too high? Ignore it.
Libya blowing up its citizens? Do nothing. Ok, I just learned that we did drop a few bombs (like Clinton did to Afghanistan) as of today, but only after France took the lead. (Interestingly enough, France doesn't actually have bombs, so they dropped champagne and caviar, confusing Qadaffi's forces. A friend asked, "I wonder how long until France surrenders?")
Our president walked in with a simple agenda: universal health care bill that we pay tons for and no one wants because it was 2000 pages and included death panels, etc; close Gitmo and end the wars, because we should be nicer to the terrorists; spends tons of money on a stimulus to ruin the economy, support the unions and kill small business. That's a simple agenda. Of course, McCain wasn't really any better, I should point out.
The problem is, now that the agenda is over... well... that's it. He doesn't know what to do. Yes every president golfs, but most of them actually have press conferences. Occasionally. About things that affect people's lives. Here's the really issue, being in charge does not make you a leader. I know. I'm in charge of many things, but I have a difficulty leading. I hate having to make those really tough decisions. Then again, that's why I won't run for president (so don't ask).
In order to be a leader, you have to be out front, and people have to follow you. Here's the problem with legislators. Presidents who came from the Senate or House only really want to create and pass laws. Obama having a background as a law professor is an exaggerated example of this. He really doesn't have the skills or leadership ability required by the position, and I think in frustration kinda became a lame duck. And again, McCain would not have been much better. He is also Senator. This is why voting in the primaries is important, to try to select leaders, not just a name you heard of before.
In final, I want to say if you are in charge of anything, at all, take this lesson to heart. You can have a position of authority, but it is for naught if you aren't out in front, and if no one is following you.
Right now though, we have a "do nothing" president. Japan gets hit with a record quake? Press conference mention it, but that's it. The military that is there can help, but let's not send more aide than that. Economy is terrible because of a weak dollar? Print more money and make it weaker. Gas prices too high? Ignore it.
Libya blowing up its citizens? Do nothing. Ok, I just learned that we did drop a few bombs (like Clinton did to Afghanistan) as of today, but only after France took the lead. (Interestingly enough, France doesn't actually have bombs, so they dropped champagne and caviar, confusing Qadaffi's forces. A friend asked, "I wonder how long until France surrenders?")
Our president walked in with a simple agenda: universal health care bill that we pay tons for and no one wants because it was 2000 pages and included death panels, etc; close Gitmo and end the wars, because we should be nicer to the terrorists; spends tons of money on a stimulus to ruin the economy, support the unions and kill small business. That's a simple agenda. Of course, McCain wasn't really any better, I should point out.
The problem is, now that the agenda is over... well... that's it. He doesn't know what to do. Yes every president golfs, but most of them actually have press conferences. Occasionally. About things that affect people's lives. Here's the really issue, being in charge does not make you a leader. I know. I'm in charge of many things, but I have a difficulty leading. I hate having to make those really tough decisions. Then again, that's why I won't run for president (so don't ask).
In order to be a leader, you have to be out front, and people have to follow you. Here's the problem with legislators. Presidents who came from the Senate or House only really want to create and pass laws. Obama having a background as a law professor is an exaggerated example of this. He really doesn't have the skills or leadership ability required by the position, and I think in frustration kinda became a lame duck. And again, McCain would not have been much better. He is also Senator. This is why voting in the primaries is important, to try to select leaders, not just a name you heard of before.
In final, I want to say if you are in charge of anything, at all, take this lesson to heart. You can have a position of authority, but it is for naught if you aren't out in front, and if no one is following you.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
"2011 sucks"
That is a quote from a friend of mine. This came when I called him with yet another prayer request. My notebook of requests has a longer list then usual. The particular request comes with a story.
My mother works at the same elementary school that my sister and I attended. One of the teachers there is a lovely lady, whose oldest daughter was a classmate of mine. They both came to the visitation when Dad passed. Dad had always kidded with everyone. This lady was a second grade teacher when I was a student there. Dad always told the kids that she was his second grade teacher too, even though she was younger than he was (kids aren't good at guessing ages, and always believed him). He even told my entire class that while accompanying me on a 2nd grade field trip.
Anyway, her husband Danny passed away suddenly from streptocaucal pneumonia, which is strep that turns to pneumonia (and no, I have no idea if that is spelled correctly). In a little country elementary school, she is the third lady to lose her husband since Christmas, all of whom I knew to one degree or another. One, named Ken (aka "Little Ope" to people who went to NHHS), died of cancer, Dad of heart, and Danny of strep. This was followed shortly by one of mom's best friends (who also works at this school) learning her mother had cirosis of the liver even though she has one drink of champagne at a New Years' party each year, and that's the only alchohol. Then the music teacher's mom died suddenly over the weekend. "What is going on here?" my mom asked in frustration.
Add into that my friend, that I was telling this to, whose car started having alternator problems, serpentine belt snapped, and started leaking coolant. His hours were cut back at work, his pregnant wife lost her job, and has been unable to find another. After all, no one is going to hire a very pregnant woman.
These may seem relatively small, but are fairly damaging to the people involved. Japan however, is large relative to... pretty much anything you want to compare it to.
As Kyle Idleman pointed out, there is a funny thing about birth pains. As it gets closer to time, they get more frequent and more intense.
Jesus said no one knows the day and the hour when he would return, so don't even try to figure it out. But, we know that the time is getting closer, so be ready. Have you fully committed yourself to Jesus? Have you shared the gospel with those around you who haven't accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord? Who do you want with you in heaven? What have you done to get them there?
My mother works at the same elementary school that my sister and I attended. One of the teachers there is a lovely lady, whose oldest daughter was a classmate of mine. They both came to the visitation when Dad passed. Dad had always kidded with everyone. This lady was a second grade teacher when I was a student there. Dad always told the kids that she was his second grade teacher too, even though she was younger than he was (kids aren't good at guessing ages, and always believed him). He even told my entire class that while accompanying me on a 2nd grade field trip.
Anyway, her husband Danny passed away suddenly from streptocaucal pneumonia, which is strep that turns to pneumonia (and no, I have no idea if that is spelled correctly). In a little country elementary school, she is the third lady to lose her husband since Christmas, all of whom I knew to one degree or another. One, named Ken (aka "Little Ope" to people who went to NHHS), died of cancer, Dad of heart, and Danny of strep. This was followed shortly by one of mom's best friends (who also works at this school) learning her mother had cirosis of the liver even though she has one drink of champagne at a New Years' party each year, and that's the only alchohol. Then the music teacher's mom died suddenly over the weekend. "What is going on here?" my mom asked in frustration.
Add into that my friend, that I was telling this to, whose car started having alternator problems, serpentine belt snapped, and started leaking coolant. His hours were cut back at work, his pregnant wife lost her job, and has been unable to find another. After all, no one is going to hire a very pregnant woman.
These may seem relatively small, but are fairly damaging to the people involved. Japan however, is large relative to... pretty much anything you want to compare it to.
Matthew 24:4-8
4 Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.
NIV
As Kyle Idleman pointed out, there is a funny thing about birth pains. As it gets closer to time, they get more frequent and more intense.
Jesus said no one knows the day and the hour when he would return, so don't even try to figure it out. But, we know that the time is getting closer, so be ready. Have you fully committed yourself to Jesus? Have you shared the gospel with those around you who haven't accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord? Who do you want with you in heaven? What have you done to get them there?
Connect to God
I semi-randomly came across a blog that really does not pertain to much here, except for one entry. It is about a challenge this young woman is taking to better connect with God. If you feel like you are having trouble in this department, give this a try.
Click here to read the entry.
Click here to read the entry.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Japan
There are many things that I could and should write about. I should probably write an entry a week to catch up (man March is flying by). I'll start with the most urgent.
Friday I awoke to turn on the news, to watch about a 9.0 earthquake that struck Japan. This was the strongest to ever hit the nation made of smaller islands, and tied for the fourth strongest quake ever recorded. Let me give you some perspective on how strong this was.
Friday I awoke to turn on the news, to watch about a 9.0 earthquake that struck Japan. This was the strongest to ever hit the nation made of smaller islands, and tied for the fourth strongest quake ever recorded. Let me give you some perspective on how strong this was.
- Japan moved 8 feet, up to 13 feet on the island closest to the epicenter.
- It was felt in China, and recorded affecting things as far as St. Louis, MO, USA.
- It adjusted the axis of the earth a few feet, according to some experts.
- It actually sped the rotation of the earth.
- There have been hundreds of after shocks, with more than 100 registering as a 5.0 or stronger.
This quake also unleashed a 33 foot Tsunami, with tens of thousands dead as of today, with possible hundreds of thousands missing. Millions are homeless. What shelters there are stand well beyond capacity, with no food, water, electricity, clothes, or medicine available to survivors. The wave also struck California, wiping three onlookers out to sea. Two were recovered alive.
However, there is a measure of hope. Japan has less than 1% Christians. It is one of the hardest missions fields to reach. At this time, missionaries on the ground, as well as organizations like International Disaster Emergency Services (IDES) and World Vision and many more are stepping in, providing help to a proud, stubborn, traditional people who need help for the first time maybe ever in their culture.
Governments are only able to help so much, due to red tape, pride, and the general waste that accompanies anything the government sticks their hands in. The government is helping with the nuke reactors that were damaged and seem to be exploding one at a time, but these missions organizations are uniquely primed, uniquely trained, and uniquely skilled at assessing and delivering aide to those who need it most. All the governments in all the world cannot do as much as the Church of Jesus Christ. Besides, no government has the blessing of God as the church, and no government can have the lasting impact of everlasting life that comes only through Jesus Christ. So please, give to one of these organizations.
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