DISCUSSION BOARD FORUM 1
Chapter four of Spurgeon’s book revealed something that struck me. He urges that we should not close our eyes to the devil that is around us; instead, we should perceive the Divine power that rests above us, feel it within us, and work continually to achieve the purpose of grace[1]. Indeed, from the perspective of preaching or sermon, I found the spirit ministering to me. I could identify a common characteristic of the existence of struggles as well as problems, and the evil force that is at work, always waiting for the slightest chance of pounce. The preachers and ministers of the gospel who talked about the Holy Spirit have helped me to see God as the bigger picture than the dark forces, my sinful nature, and the struggles that I encounter daily. Spurgeon could see what was happening around him and was aware of the sins in his community as well as around the world, which was not only inspiring but also challenging. As such, I have been much challenged whether I am aware and sensitive of the sins in my community and all over the world. As a professing Christian, I want to be careful not to live and be comfortable with the growing worldliness. I always have to be conscientious, wise, as well as decided in my dealings with the ever-increasing evil because if I do not do that, then it becomes possible to lose the church’s spirituality. I cannot forget that God requires us to live a holy life and be blameless for the Lord’s Day. Moses commanded millions of Israelites to be revered as they present themselves before God. Aside from preaching to the Israelites, he also interceded on their behalf, meaning he worked as a minister.
Similarly, I believe that whenever I teach people, I must not hold back from speaking about the people of my generation’s sinfulness. Meyer talks about not saying seven things but saying one thing seven times. In that regard, I get the courage to continually speak about the sinfulness in the world. Besides, Meyer offers to advise on five considerations to make to have a fruitful sermon, which I found valuable in my preaching ministry. The proposals include; appealing to reason, conscience, imagination, emotions, and will[2]. In the context of my preaching, i do not intend to make Christ appear less by exalting the sinful standards of the world; instead, I want to praise his name. I believe that when I remain faithful to the message that the gospel preaches, then I will have acquired much more than what the world could offer.
Bibliography
- B. Meyer, Expository Preaching Plans and Methods (New York: George H. Duran Company, 1912.
- Spurgeon, Charles. H, An All-Round Ministry: Chapter 4: How to Meet the Evils of the Age. Pennsylvania: Banner of Truth, 1960.
[1] Spurgeon, C.H. An All-Round Ministry: Chapter 4: How to Meet the Evils of the Age. Pennsylvania: Banner of Truth.
[2] F. B. Meyer, Expository Preaching Plans and Methods (New York: George H. Duran Company, 1912), p. 100.