Professional Documents
Culture Documents
IN MEETINGS with church elders and in private conversations with them in regard to
their work in the church, I note that one of the requests most frequently made is, "Can
you give us some help in the preparation of sermons?" At a recent meeting with the
elders of the churches of one of our conferences I asked for a show of hands by all who
were expected to preach quite frequently on Sabbath mornings. A large percentage of
the hands were raised.
During this year we hope to give special help in this area. Later in the year we will be
running a series of special articles on the preparation of sermons by one of our
successful instructors in homiletics. In the meantime we will try to answer a few of the
most frequently asked questions with regard to sermon preparation. The first of these is,
"Where can I go for materials or sermon ideas?"
WORDS
The fifth approach suggested is through the study of specific words. The word believe is
cited as an example. The skeleton out line of a sermon using this word as a basis might
be:
A sixth method listed in the study of the Bible is the biographical approach. Fifteen
helpful suggestions or questions are submitted that will guide toward a logical
development of the character study. This can be very helpful.
A study of the prayers of the Bible is next suggested. According to Dr. Smith, there are
approximately eighty-three prayers in the Old Testament and forty-nine in the New
Testament, of which twenty-eight are in the Gospels. Ten specific suggestions are made
as to the approach one might use in studying these prayers. The excellent ideas offered
here can be a great help to the one offering the pastoral prayer in the worship service.
Consider, for instance, the five elements of prayer: Adoration, thanksgiving, confession,
petition, and intercession.
Other suggestions for Bible study listed by Dr. Smith include the "fearnots" of the Bible;
great conversions of the Bible; the "musts" of the Bible; the attributes of God; questions
Jesus asked men; the invitations of Jesus; the emotions of Jesus; the great revivals of
the Old and the New Testament; and many others.
The 166 pages of this volume are filled with practical examples of what the writer has in
mind.
An added feature of the book is the writer's list of the 100 best books for the Bible
student's library. Wilbur Smith is recognized as one of the greatest Christian
bibliographers in the world, and his suggestions on books can be most helpful.
Commenting on this list, Pastor H. M. S. Richards, Sr., said, "This has been invaluable to
me, and I have built my library to a certain extent around his suggestions."
Every church elder as well as minister will find Profitable Bible Study an invaluable aid
in his strivings toward effective Biblical, Christ-centered preaching. It is available
through your local Adventist Book Center for $2.95.