A few years ago I went to a conference and one of the break out groups was a discussion of sermon preparation. The presenter, who's name I cannot remember, told about the process she used and seemed to be very effect and profitable to her congregation. She told about how she had a small group who meet weekly to discuss the passage planed for that Sunday. In the course of discussion, she would work out some of the issues with the sermon and it became more of a community process than an individual. I have attempted at different times to incorporate this idea in different ways. I will admit I have not made the step to have the small group. I have tried to incorporate this idea into other areas of ministry and see if they could just mesh. They really did not work well.
I have some difficult passages in the near future that I have chosen and I would like to get some input from others as I get ready to preach these passages on Sunday. I realize that not everyone who comments on my thoughts and ideas here will be part of the Sunday worship service in the church I serve, but you are part of the community of faith that is the Church. So, please feel free to include yourself.
This Sunday (September 12, 2010) I am preaching on Luke 15:1-10. These are two passages that tell the Parables of the Lost sheep and Lost Coin. They are two beloved and seemingly quit simple parables from Jesus on the Kingdom of Heaven and the reaction to one lost person. Now, I know these are simple passages to understand. Jesus is telling us that God is going out looking for us and when the lost are found a big party is held in celebration of the found. But, I have a problem with the simple understanding.
So, for me I am troubled by this passage. When I read the Parables of the lost coin and the lost sheep, I see a self centered story of us being found and a party for us. This is why I am attempting to open a discussion on these parables. I want to hear from people and their thoughts. I especially would love to how we could move these passages from a self centered reading to a God centered reading.
Next week I will post a little early. But to give anyone interested in getting a look ahead. I will be preaching on Luke 16:1-13. This passage is even harder to understand. I will want to have more comments on that passage. Thanks for all your help and prayers.
I have some difficult passages in the near future that I have chosen and I would like to get some input from others as I get ready to preach these passages on Sunday. I realize that not everyone who comments on my thoughts and ideas here will be part of the Sunday worship service in the church I serve, but you are part of the community of faith that is the Church. So, please feel free to include yourself.
This Sunday (September 12, 2010) I am preaching on Luke 15:1-10. These are two passages that tell the Parables of the Lost sheep and Lost Coin. They are two beloved and seemingly quit simple parables from Jesus on the Kingdom of Heaven and the reaction to one lost person. Now, I know these are simple passages to understand. Jesus is telling us that God is going out looking for us and when the lost are found a big party is held in celebration of the found. But, I have a problem with the simple understanding.
Who is getting the glory for the finding? Who is the focus on the passage? This may sound like a strange question for a sermon focus. This the heart of my dilemma. I am reading a book titled Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream. The author, David Platt presents an argument that he Christian life taught and presented in most places of Christianity today (especially here in the United States) is one that has moved from the God centered to a self centered. In that move, we are open to more self promotion than God promotion, less dependence on God and more dependence on the self.
So, for me I am troubled by this passage. When I read the Parables of the lost coin and the lost sheep, I see a self centered story of us being found and a party for us. This is why I am attempting to open a discussion on these parables. I want to hear from people and their thoughts. I especially would love to how we could move these passages from a self centered reading to a God centered reading.
Next week I will post a little early. But to give anyone interested in getting a look ahead. I will be preaching on Luke 16:1-13. This passage is even harder to understand. I will want to have more comments on that passage. Thanks for all your help and prayers.
No comments:
Post a Comment