How to START Your Sermon

The part of sermon preparation that I have the most trouble with is undoubtedly writing the introduction and conclusion. How you begin and end the sermon is crucial for congregational attention and retention. I was taught to write both introduction and conclusion in full, even if the balance of the message isn't written out in full. This is a practice I still hold to after 16 years of preaching. But here's the deal. Poor to mediocre introductions and conclusions are so easy to write. And really good ones can be difficult to write. Even so, I am absolutely convinced that putting in the time and effort to craft really good introductions and conclusions is worth the effort.

I want to share with you something I came up with to help myself improve in this area. It's not life altering, but you may find it helpful. I'll cover the introduction in this post and the conclusion in the next. There are several things you want to accomplish in your introduction. You want to focus the message, set the stage biblically, preview what's to come, and announce the passage. But before you do any of that you must engage the listener's interest. This is the part I struggle with the most. This is the part of the introduction for which I developed this little tool.

The tool is a simple acronym: START. Each letter represents a different way you can begin your sermon. There are countless possible ways. That's part of the problem. I need some specific, effective ways I can begin my sermon. I don't want to think through endless possibilities. I don't have the time nor the energy. START gives me five effective ways to begin a sermon.

S = Searching Question
Sometimes you can begin your sermon with a question that grabs your listeners' attention and causes them to tune in to what you have to say. You want a question that forces the listeners to think deeply. You want a question that can't be ignored, one that begs to be answered. Here are a couple of examples.

"How in the world does God expect me to rejoice when I have so many problems?"
"Why isn't God fair?"

T = Touching Story
A story that connects with people emotionally not only gets people's attention, but it orients them to the theme of your message at the same time. It doesn't matter if the story is personal or from another source. What does matter is that it is engaging. The story needs to draw people in and make them want to listen. It can do that by being a story they can relate to easily, or by making them feel joy, anger, sorrow, sympathy, excitement, etc.

A = Alarming Statistic
Statistics have been overused in some circles. That doesn't mean you should never use them. It just means you need to be careful. Make sure the statistic is true, as best you are able. Verify the source. Make sure it is directly related to the theme of your message. Make sure the statistic will really surprise your listeners. Here are a couple of examples:

90% of the food in our supermarkets didn't exist 100 years ago.
Vending machines take the lives of 13 people every year.

R = Remarkable Statement
A statement that is unusual or striking can cause folks to sit up and pay attention. It can be a quote from someone else, or a statement you craft yourself. If you quote someone else make sure and give that person credit. I suggest testing the statement out on a person or two to make sure it is effective. Here are a couple of examples.

"If you abandon faith in Christ you will go to hell."
"There's no such thing as good people."

T = Troubling Issue
When your sermon is dealing with an issue that people will be troubled by, the best way to introduce your message may be simply to raise the issue. It doesn't have to be an issue people are thinking about or dealing with at the moment. It just needs to be an issue that, once brought to people's attention, will engage their mind and heart. Here's an example.

"We call Hitler a monster because he killed 6 million Jews. But since 1973 Americans have murdered 0ver 58 million unborn children. Who's the real monster?"

Let me tell you how I use this tool. I write my introduction after the main body of my sermon is already done. That way I know exactly what it is I need to introduce. With the main idea of the sermon in my mind, I simply look over the five options for beginning a sermon and consider which one might be most effective to introduce the particular sermon I am working on. Sometimes the choice is obvious. Sometimes it isn't. When it isn't, I choose one that I know I can work with and go with it. It is important not to use the same one or two methods every time. Hopefully this will help somebody. I'll talk about conclusions in my next post. Blessings!  

Help with Sermon Application

Anyone who knows me as a preacher knows that I believe very strongly that a sermon should have a clear central idea. I believe a preacher should be able to give the essence of the entire sermon in a single sentence. As Haddon Robinson has said, "A sermon is a bullet, not buckshot." The benefits of having identified the "Big Idea" are numerous. I want to take the time to discuss one in particular.

We have probably all heard sermons in which the application was either non-existent or sufficiently vague to be of very little use. Applying the message of the sermon faithfully and specifically is not always an easy task. But having identified the central idea of the text can help tremendously. Let me show you what I mean.

Recently I preached a message from Nehemiah 8:13-18. The big idea was, "There is no spiritual renewal without obedience." How does nailing down the primary idea of that text help me in the area of specific, faithful application? It's really pretty simple. Ask yourself a couple of questions. How would someone think or act if he didn't know, believe, or practice this truth? What would be the consequences? What might his false assumptions or expectations be?

If someone believed they could have spiritual renewal apart from obedience, how might they go about seeking it? How would you be able to spot such a person? What would be the consequences of his failure to believe this truth? Such a person might believe that simply praying and asking for forgiveness of sin is all that is necessary for spiritual renewal. He might experience frustration and disillusionment when the renewal he seeks fails to come. He may connect spiritual renewal with a flood of emotions felt during a revival service. This kind of information will help you apply the sermon to specific people in specific situations.

See how it works? You start with the solution, the big idea of the sermon. Then you simply ask yourself, "What is the problem for which this truth is the solution?" Answering that question will help you paint a profile of the kind of person/people that could benefit most from hearing this particular sermon. Give it a try. I think you'll find it is extremely helpful.

When Is a Sermon Ready to Be Written?

Expository preaching demands a thorough study of the text of Scripture you have selected for your sermon. At some point, however, you will have to stop studying the text and start writing the sermon. After all, Sunday is coming. I have no doubt that if you have preached very much at all you have had an experience like this one. You begin to write your sermon only to discover you need to go back and study some more. Most of the struggles that come in the writing out of the sermon are the result of beginning the process prematurely. So, when is a sermon ready to be written? A sermon is ready to be written out when you can write out a sermon summary that includes the following:

1. The essence of the sermon in a sentence. Haddon Robinson calls this sentence the big idea. If you cannot communicate the essence of your sermon in one sentence you aren't ready to write the sermon.

2. The fallen condition focus. This is a term coined by Bryan Chapell. The fallen condition focus answers the question, "Why does anyone need to hear this sermon?" Humans, in our fallen condition, need the truth of God's Word. What is it about fallen man that makes him need the specific truth you will present in your sermon?

3. The sermon outline. Every sermon needs organization. People need to be able to follow you as you work your way through the text of Scripture. How will you organize your sermon so that it can be communicated in a logical, coherent way that is both faithful to Scripture and easy to follow?

4. The connection to Christ. Christian preachers are gospel preachers. We preach Christ and Him crucified. That doesn't mean we only preach the cross and evangelistic messages. It does mean, however, that every passage passage of Scripture will in some way connect to the person and work of Christ. This is especially important to remember when preaching from the Old Testament. If the passage has no immediately obvious connection to Christ, consider if it may predict, prepare for, reflect, or be the result of the person and work of Christ. If you could preach your sermon in a synagogue or mosque without offending anyone you aren't ready to write it out.

5. The objectives for the sermon. What is it you hope to accomplish with this particular sermon? How should the listeners think after hearing this sermon? How should the listeners feel after hearing this sermon? How should the listeners act after hearing this sermon? If you don't have a target, you won't hit it.

How can you write a sermon if you don't even know what it is about? How will you convince people to listen if you haven't considered why they need to listen? How will you present the material in your sermon in a logical, coherent way if you haven't planned how you will do so? How will you preach a Christian sermon if you have no idea how it connects to the person and work of Christ? How will you accomplish biblical objectives with your sermon if you haven't even considered what those objectives are?

I fill out a sermon summary sheet before I attempt to write out any sermon. I would suggest you consider doing the same. If you'd like a copy of the one I use, just leave me a comment. If you will continue in study, prayer, and meditation until you have identified these five things, I think you will find you'll have a lot less trouble writing out your sermon.

Some Thoughts on Sermon Titles

I hope it is obvious that the title is far from the most important part of a sermon. Having said that, I do think there is benefit in using good sermon titles. I think it is worth a little time and effort, especially if the listeners will be exposed to it before the preaching event. A good title can create interest, and that is a good thing. I'm no expert on sermon titles, but I do have a few suggestions. I've listed four "Don'ts" with their corresponding "Dos."

1) Don't sacrifice clarity for cuteness. If your title has to be explained it is no good. "Between the Punches" may be a cute title for a sermon about being a Christian on the job, but apart from an explanation it doesn't tell you anything.

2) Do aim for absolute clarity. "Honoring Jesus on the Job" may not be as cute. But, it's clear and compelling.

3) Don't promise what you can't deliver. The title "Erasing all Doubt" would certainly create interest, But can you really do that, in one sermon?

4) Do make sure the title accurately describes the sermon and what it will deliver. "What to Do When You Doubt" is a realistic sermon title and will still generate much interest.

5) Don't use the $2 theological words you learned in seminary. It doesn't make you look smart, prideful maybe, but not smart. For instance, "Preterism as an Eschatalogical Option." Just don't, ever!

6) Do put theological themes in laymen's terms. "Has all Biblical Prophecy Been Fulfilled?" is a much better option.

7) Don't waste your title. Don't throw a title on a sermon just for the sake of giving it a title. "The Lord's Prayer" as a sermon title is certainly not wrong. But it doesn't grab the listener and say, "Hey, this is something you need to hear."

8) Do try to create a sense of need with your title. I'm not talking about addressing felt needs in your preaching. I'm talking about using your title to tell people why they need to hear the sermon.  Instead of, "The Lord's Prayer," why not use this title, "Letting God Teach You to Pray."

I hope you find these suggestions helpful.

When You're Having a Messy Christmas

²⁶ In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, ²⁷ to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” ²⁹ But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. ³⁰ And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ³¹ And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. ³² He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, ³³ and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 

³⁴ And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 

³⁵ And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. ³⁶ And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. ³⁷ For nothing will be impossible with God.” ³⁸ And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.  (Luke 1:26-38, ESV)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! At least that’s what the song says. But that isn’t always reality, is it? For the woman whose daughter is in jail and she’s having to be a full time mom again at 70, things aren’t so wonderful. For the man who has missed work due to sickness and can’t afford to fix the leaking roof or buy Christmas for his kids, thing’s aren’t so wonderful. For the parents who just found out their teenager has been using drugs, things aren’t so wonderful. For the woman who is trying to work full-time, look after her family and care for her very old, very sick mother, thing’s aren’t so wonderful. For the one who expects to spend Christmas surrounded by extended family that can’t stand each other, things aren’t so wonderful.

For some people, things aren’t wonderful. Things are a mess. If you’ll think about it, Mary’s situation was rather messy. She was just a young teenager. She and her fiancé were poor. And now she finds out she is pregnant. She could actually be put to death, engagements in those days were considered legally binding. She would be accused of adultery. Sure she was a virgin, but who was going to believe that? And how in the world was she going to tell Joseph?

But Gabriel’s message to Mary was so wonderful that in the middle of her mess she was compelled to say, “I will serve You, Oh God.” The angel’s announcement to Mary is shouting three words for all to hear. God is good! But the truth is when life is a mess the goodness of God doesn’t always seem real, something we can see and feel. If your life seems to be a mess you need to listen with your heart. God’s goodness needs to go beyond being a concept you agree with to a reality that moves your very heart and soul. You need to see and hear and feel the goodness of God so that you will be compelled to serve Him, even in the middle of a messy Christmas.

The message to day is this: Even when life seems to be a mess, serve God because He is good. First, I want you to see God’s goodness revealed. Then, we will see our response revealed.

I. God’s goodness revealed (Vv 26-37)

God’s goodness is revealed in three ways. First, we see God’s grace. To tell an unmarried teenager that she is going to get pregnant would not normally be considered good news. But when the angel Gabriel appears to Mary, look what he says. “Greetings! O favored one, the Lord is with you.” The word favored is a form of the word grace. We see it again in verse 30; “You have found favor with God.” Gabriel is telling Mary that she is the recipient of much grace. God has smiled on her. Understandably, Mary is afraid and confused. But Gabriel reassures her that her upcoming pregnancy is an act of God’s grace and kindness.

Mary had the honor of carrying God’s own Son in her womb. What an undeserved act of kindness. But beyond that God, was sending His own Son to redeem unworthy sinners. This really is amazing grace. For God to go that far to save ungrateful, rebellious people is infinite grace.

Imagine the smart kid in Algebra class. He’s small and kind of a nerd. There’s one guy in the class who picks on him constantly. He calls him names, pushes him around, embarrasses him in front of other teachers and students. He basically makes his life miserable. Then one day the smart kid notices this guy in the library, and he’s almost in tears. He walks over and asks, “What’s wrong?” The bully says, “If I fail the Algebra exam I won’t pass for the year. But I just can’t figure this stuff out.” So, the smart kid pulls out a chair, sits down next to this guy who makes his life miserable, and says, “I can help you.” If you’re that bully, how does that change the way you feel about that kid? How does that change the way you see him? How does that change the way you treat him? You have rebelled against God and rejected His right to rule over you. You have spurned His love time and again. And yet He send His Son to save you. That’s grace. How does that change the way see God, the way you feel about God, the way you treat God?

There’s more here than just God’s grace. We also see God’s faithfulness. Gabriel explained that Mary would give birth to the Savior and Christ God had promised to send to His people. His name was to be Jesus, the Lord saves. He would be the Son of the Most High God. He would sit on the throne of His father David and His kingdom would have no end. This is a reference to God’s covenant with David recorded in 2 Samuel 7. This is the promise Isaiah refers to in Isa. 9:6-7. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his  shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.⁷ Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. The child Mary was going to give birth to was the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a King and Redeemer to save His people.

God isn’t just gracious. He is faithful to His word. He promised He would send a Savior and He was doing it. God always does what He says He will do. He is faithful.

Ten year old Melinda believed him when he told her he would treat her like one of his own, take time with her, and always be there for her. But once Tony and her mom got married it quickly became obvious that he didn’t mean those things at all. He didn’t do any of the things he promised he would do. That’s why when he told her she was going to Disney World over spring break she didn’t get excited. She had no reason to believe anything he said. Besides, her mom hadn’t even mentioned it. But then one day Melinda got a phone call. It was her grandpa. She absolutely loved her grandpa. He said, “Hi sweetie, did you hear? Me and grandma are taking you to Disney World over spring break?” All of a sudden joy and excitement began to build. It started in her feet and she was jumping up and down. Pretty soon she was dancing around the room with tears of happiness flowing down her cheeks. Why didn’t she act that way when Tony gave her the same news? Well, Tony wasn’t like her grandpa. You see. Grandpa always kept his promises. Let this reality grip your heart. God always keeps His promises.

He promised Abraham would have a child in his old age, and He did. He promised him he would have many descendants, and he did. He promised He would give them the land of Canaan, and He did. He promised He would send a Savior to Deliver His people, and He did. Jesus promised He would die for our sins, but He wouldn’t stay dead. On the third day He would rise again, and He did. He promised He would wipe every tear from your eye and He will. He promised He would take away death and sorrow and pain, and He will. He promised if you would serve Him it will all be worth it, and it will. How do I know? I know because God is faithful.   

We see God’s grace and we see God’s faithfulness. Now I want you to see God’s power. How in the world would Mary become pregnant with the Son of God when she had never even had sex? The answer comes in verse 35. The word “overshadow” is used  in Exodus 40:35. There it speaks of the presence and glory of God settling on and filling the tabernacle. The Spirit of God was literally going to come upon Mary. Her womb became a Holy of Holies for the Son of God Himself. Jesus was literally the Son of God.

This all must have seemed so impossible. So the angel gives her a little incentive to believe. “Your relative Elizabeth, you know wife of Zechariah. You know how old she is. You also know she has always been unable to have children. Well, now, in her old age she is pregnant, six months pregnant in fact.” Elizabeth’s pregnancy was a miracle. She was old and barren but was now going to give birth to the one we know as John the Baptist. Verse 37 holds the key. “Nothing is impossible with God.” It doesn’t seem possible that the virgin Mary could become pregnant with God’s child. But for God nothing is impossible. That’s the power of God.

And what makes the power of God so awesome is that He exercises it for the good of His children. The power of God at work in Mary’s life was for the good of all who would come to trust in Jesus. Listen Christian, God uses His power for your good.

Black bears and Grizzly bears are among the extremely powerful animals. Do you know when you are most likely to see a display of their great power? It’s when they are trying to protect or provide for their young. That’s how God is. He will not hesitate to display His mighty power when it is for the good of His own. 

The power of God divided the Red Sea. The power of God gave Israel manna from heaven and water from a rock. The power of God protected the three Hebrews in the fiery furnace and Daniel in the Lion’s Den. The power of God raised Jesus from the dead. And it was all for the good of His people.

If your life is kind of messy right now you need a fresh vision of the goodness of God. Church, God is good. He is gracious. He is faithful. He is powerful. He has been so good to you and me. We can see God’s goodness revealed. Now let’s see our response revealed.

II. Our response revealed (V 38)

How do we respond in light of the overwhelming goodness God has shown us? We serve Him with all of our heart. Mary said to the angel Gabriel, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord.” The word “servant” refers to one who was a slave, the property of another. Mary was saying, “I exist for His purposes. I am His to command and control.” So, to serve God means to obey God. But there’s more. Mary also said to the angel, “let it be to me according to your word.” In other words, may God’s will be done. So, serving God also means submitting to God’s will.

In light of God’s goodness we obey Him and give ourselves to His purposes. But we need to keep something in mind. “He is not served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything” (Acts 17:25). We don’t serve God in a way that makes Him look needy. We serve God in a way that makes Him look glorious and wonderful. We serve God in a way that reveals we need Him and we delight in Him.

We don’t serve Him like the lazy teenager who has to work on Saturday night, grumbling, complaining and only half doing his job. No! We serve God like the man who is desperate because he has been out of work for 6 months and has just been given his dream job. We serve with delight. We give our best. Everything we do shows how grateful we are for God’s goodness.     

Show your love for Him in your words and actions. Pursue His glory in every area of your life: job, family, leisure. Seek to know His will at every point of decision. Give yourself and your resources to advance His kingdom and cause in the world. Live your life in such a way that it reveals Him to be the most glorious and wonderful and beautiful being in existence. Serve Him with all of your heart. 

Angel was the department manager in apparel at Modell’s Sporting Goods. One day a new employee, Joey, came to work in her department and she was responsible for showing him the ropes. What she didn’t know was that Joey was really the CEO of the company, undercover. Angel made a very good impression on her boss. He was blown away by her commitment to the company and her overall attitude. And in the process of getting to know Angel, he discovered that she and her three children were living in a homeless shelter. Long story short, Mr. Modell finally told Angel who he really was. He told her how impressed he was with her work. He gave her a promotion to assistant manager, along with a $14,000 raise. And not only that he was so moved when he found out she was homeless that he gave her $250,000 tax free so she could get her own place to live. Now let me ask you a question. How do you think Mr. Modell’s goodness will affect the way Angel serves him and his company? She will serve him with unquestioned loyalty, feeling she can never repay him. His goodness will motivate her to do her very best for the company. She will want to make him proud.

Mr. Modell’s goodness to Angel can’t even begin to compare to the incomparable goodness God has shown to you. And that despite the fact that you were not serving Him well. Angel was serving her boss before he did anything for her. You weren’t. You rebelled against Him. You gave your love to other people and other things. You rejected Him and lived as if He didn’t even exist. And yet, He gave you a promotion. He promoted you from hell bound sinner to heavenly saint. He gave you a raise. He raised you out of hopelessness and despair and death. He even provided you with a home. In fact, you’re going to live in His house.  Think about His grace. Think about His faithfulness. Think about His power. Think about how good He is. Let His overwhelming goodness grip your heart.

Things may be tough right now. But don’t lose sight of the fact that God has been incredibly good to you. Don’t let your circumstances cause you to get disillusioned so you stop serving God as you should. Even if life seems to be a mess, serve God because He is good.  Serve him with unquestioned loyalty, knowing you can never repay him. Let His goodness motivate you to do your very best for His glory. Serve God in a way that makes Him proud.

   

Encouragement for the Discouraged Witness

³⁰ But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them. ¹And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” ² And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. ³ Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?” ⁴ Those who stood by said, “Would you revile God’s high priest?” ⁵ And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’ ”

⁶ Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” ⁷ And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. ⁸ For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. ⁹ Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ party stood up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?” ¹⁰ And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks.

¹¹ The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome” (Acts 22:30-23:11. ESV).

He keeps looking at her across the classroom. He’s trying to muster the courage to approach her after class and ask her to the homecoming dance. His hands are sweaty. His heart is beating fast. And he can’t get this one thought out of his mind. What if she says, “No.” The sting of rejection. Maybe he’s felt it before. Or maybe it’s that fear that’s always kept him silent.

You’re gathered with the family for Thanksgiving dinner. That brother-in-law who doesn’t know Christ is there and you’re trying to muster up the courage to witness to him. Your hands are sweaty. Your heart is beating fast. And you can’t get this one thought out of your mind. What if he refuses to listen? The sting of rejection. Maybe you’ve felt it before. Or maybe it’s that fear that’s always kept you silent.   

Let’s face it. Rejection stings. When your efforts to witness for Christ are rejected it’s discouraging. It can make you feel like you’re not doing something right. It can make you feel like you’re just not good at witnessing. It can rob you of your desire to witness. But it’s not just you. Even the best of Christ’s servants have been rejected. Take the Apostle Paul for instance. He was taken into custody in Jerusalem. He showed tremendous courage and stood before all the Jews and shared his testimony about how Jesus had saved him and called him to preach the gospel. But his testimony was rejected outright.

I know that must’ve been discouraging. But that night Jesus Himself came to encourage Paul. And the Lord’s message to Paul is also the Lord’s message to us. When your testimony is rejected, take courage because it is not a defeat. This message will become clear as we come to grips with three realities seen in this text. 

First, realize some people’s minds are already made up (Vv 1-5). Paul stands before the council and begins to speak. “I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day." The Greek word translated “lived” means “to live as a citizen.”  Paul affirmed that he was a loyal Jew who had lived as a good Jewish citizen and had not broken the Law. His conscience did not condemn him even though the Jews had condemned him. Before Paul could get another word out the high priest commanded those standing near Paul to hit him in the mouth. Ananias was one of the most cruel, evil, corrupt high priests ever to hold office. He was hated by Jewish nationalists for being pro-roman and was eventually assassinated in 66 AD.

In Ananias’ mind Paul couldn’t possibly be innocent. Paul taught that Jesus was the Jewish Messiah. He taught that Jesus rose from the dead. He said that God sent him to preach to the Gentiles. For a Jewish high priest who was a Sadducee those things simply could not be true. He had already determined in his mind Paul was guilty. That’s why Paul’s claim to be innocent drew his anger. His mind was made up before Paul even began speaking.

In John 11 we find the remarkable account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. These are the verses immediately following. “⁴⁵Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, ⁴⁶ but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. ⁴⁷ So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. ⁴⁸ If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation” (John 11:45-48). Could there be any greater evidence that Jesus is the Son of God and Messiah. Lazarus has been dead four days and Jesus simply calls him out of the tomb. Yet, the Pharisees are unmoved by even a testimony as great as this. Why? They had already made up their minds about Jesus and nothing He said or did was going to make any difference. The problem certainly wasn’t a lack of evidence or a weak testimony. Their minds were made up, Jesus would never get a fair hearing in their ears.

I know it’s discouraging when you try to share Christ with someone and they dismiss you right off the bat, without even giving your testimony about Jesus a fair hearing. But you need to recognize that the problem isn’t your testimony. The problem isn’t that your witness is flawed. That person made up his mind long before you came along. Some people have been so indoctrinated by false religion that they simply will not hear truth. Some people have developed such a negative opinion of religion in general that they will never give the gospel a fair hearing. Some people have had such negative experiences with so-called Christians that when the real thing comes along they are not interested. But in all of those cases the problem is not your testimony. Some times people have already made their mind up.

But no matter how rude or hurtful such people may be, we must remain respectful. When Ananias had Paul hit in the mouth, Paul went off on him. You can see it in verse 3. The picture of a whitewashed wall comes from Ezekiel 13. To call something whitewashed is to say that it has been made to look good on the outside, but it really isn’t what it appears to be. Paul was calling Ananias a hypocrite. Ananias was putting himself in the place of trying Paul according to the Law. But, when he struck Paul he was breaking the Law. The Law did not allow a man to be struck apart from some established guilt. Paul’s words were correct, but they weren’t appropriate. In verses 4-5 Paul acknowledges his mistake and quotes Exodus 22:28.

In 1 Peter 2:23, Peter reminds us that Jesus is our example. “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” Paul’s response was out of place and he was humble enough to acknowledge it. When people reject your testimony without even giving it a fair hearing, it’s still important to respond in a Christ-like fashion. Some people won't hear your testimony because their minds are already made up. That’s a reality. Here is another reality that you need to keep in mind when you are discouraged because your testimony is rejected.

Realize the controversial nature of your testimony (Vv 6-10). After this little incident Paul knew beyond any doubt that he would never get a fair hearing with the Jewish religious leaders. And he knows that the council  is made up of two groups, Pharisees and Sadducees. He decides to use that to his advantage. Paul shouts loud enough for all to hear, “I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” Paul is basically saying, “I am being judged because I wait with confidence for the resurrection of the dead.”

The Sadducees did not believe in angels, spirits, or an afterlife. They accepted only the first five books of the Old Testament. But the Pharisees did believe in angels, spirits, and an afterlife. They accepted all of the Old Testament. These two groups were socially, politically, and theologically at odds with one another.

There are three things to consider. First, what Paul said was absolutely true. Second, Paul knew his message would never be accepted with the Sadducees. But there was a possibility that some among the Pharisees might possibly be persuaded to listen. Third, his statement would be so controversial that the dissension among the Pharisees and Sadducees might turn attention away from him for a time. That’s what happened. Verse 9 says a great clamor arose. Basically they got into a shouting match. It got so intense that it was beginning to turn violent. That’s when the Roman Commander got Paul out of there. What this illustrates so well is the controversial nature of our testimony.

Have you ever thought about how controversial the gospel is? To tell people that Jesus was born of a virgin is controversial. To claim that He is God in flesh is controversial. To insist that he never did anything wrong is controversial. To say that he was crucified but rose bodily from the dead is controversial. To claim that only those who believe these things can go to heaven is controversial.   

During the Vietnam War our nation was divided. People were either “doves” or “hawks.” The doves were against the war. They felt that this was a war that the U. S. didn't need to interfere in. They felt that it was a civil war being fought by North and South Vietnam and we had no business getting in the middle of it. Other Americans who opposed the war felt that Vietnam was insignificant and the United States Military was wasting man power when we should have been fighting China or the Soviet Union. Others accused the U.S. of having imperialistic goals in Vietnam. The hawks, however, supported the war in Vietnam. They feared what was called the Domino Theory. The Domino Theory said if one land in a region came under the influence of communism, then the surrounding countries would follow in a domino effect. The hawks felt we were justifiably fighting against communism. To say the Vietnam war was controversial would be an understatement. And the ones who received the worst part of it were the soldiers. Many didn’t come home to parades and welcome home signs. Many were cursed and spit on. Families of the soldiers were often apathetic, not even acknowledging what their loved ones had suffered through. It was a sad result of the controversial nature of the war. Listen believer, sometimes when your testimony is rejected it is just a sad result of the controversial nature of your testimony.

I know it is discouraging when people don’t want to listen to the truth, they just want to argue. For some people Christianity is just a topic to be debated. The gospel is not easy to believe. It is controversial by nature. But that’s not a reflection on you as a messenger of the gospel. And it’s not a reflection on the truthfulness of the gospel. Sometimes your testimony is rejected because people’s minds are already made up. Other times it’s because of the controversial nature of your testimony. That’s just the reality. And the text gives us a third reality that we must not miss.  

Realize there is no reason to be discouraged (V 11). That same night the Lord Jesus Himself appears to Paul. This is His message. “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” “Take courage” means to have confidence and firmness of purpose. This is a word of encouragement. Don’t lose confidence. Don’t be discouraged. Don’t lose your sense of purpose. Jesus doesn’t want the rejection Paul faced in Jerusalem to cause him to lose confidence or determination.

Jesus’ words convey two ideas. First, “You are doing what I want you to  do.” He says to Paul, “You testified to the facts about Me.” When you speak the truth of the gospel you are doing what Jesus wants you to do, even if you words are not well received. Your neighbor may not respond well to your attempts to witness to him. But you are still doing what Jesus wants you to do. Be encouraged. The second idea conveyed here is this. “The gospel will go forward.” Jesus wanted Paul to know that it wasn’t over. The rejection of his preaching by the Jews did not mean all was lost. He was going to keep preaching and would eventually preach the gospel in Caesar’s palace in Rome. The gospel will go forward, no matter how many people refuse to accept your testimony. The gospel is unstoppable.

Back in September I did something I had never done before. I preached a series of sermons specifically targeting children. My goal was to try to make not so simple truth about Jesus simple enough for children to understand. I’ll never forget how I felt immediately after the first sermon. I sat down thinking. “That was horrible.”  I’ve never been confident in my ability to communicate to children, but I really felt like I’d missed it. I’m thinking, “There is no way I can do this two more times.” But when the service dismissed people started coming to me commenting how good they thought it was, quite a few people. I really appreciated that. I was encouraged because I really felt as if I’d failed. Your words turned my discouragement to confidence. That’s exactly what the Lord’s words in verse 11 are designed to do.      Are you discouraged because your testimony has been rejected? Hear the words of Jesus this morning and let your discouragement be turned to confidence. “Be encouraged. You are doing exactly what I want you to do. The gospel will keep going forward.”

I can’t even imagine what it must have been like. Listening to your own people condemn you. “Crucify Him! Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” It was exactly what the Apostle John described in John 1:11. “He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.” He came testifying to the truth about the kingdom of God. His testimony should have been received with joy. But it wasn’t. The vast majority of the people, His own people, rejected His testimony. So, does that mean Jesus’ mission was a failure? When His testimony was rejected, did that spell defeat for Jesus? No. He was doing exactly what the Father wanted Him to do, and His mission would succeed.

Don’t you see? When your testimony is rejected the same is true for you. It’s not a defeat. Take courage! Don’t lose confidence. Don’t lose your determination to be a witness for Christ. When you testify about Jesus and how He has saved you and changed you, it is pleasing to Him. The outcome isn’t your responsibility. The gospel will go forward. The cause of Christ will not and can not be defeated. When your testimony is rejected, take courage because it is not a defeat. So, even if your testimony is not well received, keep testifying for Jesus.

      

What's the Big Idea?

I was taught that every sermon should have a main idea that encapsulates the message of the Scripture text you are preaching. It is what Haddon Robinson calls the "Big Idea." Some call it the central idea, the proposition, etc. Having been a pastor for 15 years I am more convinced than ever that every sermon should have a Big Idea. Most all preachers will agree.

But, there are a variety of opinions as to how the Big Idea should be worded.  Some say it should be 15-18 words. Others say it should be as short as possible. As I said, there are a variety of opinions. Well, I have decided to ask you, those who listen to preaching, what you think about one particular issue regarding the Big Idea of a sermon. Some advocate simply stating the Big Idea as in a straightforward manner without trying to make it memorable or catchy. Others think you should try to word it in such a way that it is easily remembered. Let me give a few example.

A: Humble yourself and you will be exalted.
B: The way up is down.

A: God's discipline does not change our hope in Christ.
B: God's discipline does not divert the Christian's destiny.

A: The Christian's response to government persecution is prayer.
B: When governments attack, by prayer we fight back.

I'd like to know what you think. Do you prefer A (a straightforward clear statement), or B (something a little more rememberable)?  Please leave a comment sharing which you prefer and why. Thanks for your help.