Category Archives: Preaching Easter

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Preaching Without Notes (part 3): An Example from Easter Using the Standard Greek Lexicon

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Knowing the Precise Definition of “Resurrection” and Remembering it

In my previous post, I wrote about developing the ability to preach without–or, at least, way fewer–notes. I was also arguing that the quest for a relatively note-free delivery on Sundays must be accompanied by the goal of being as exegetically/theologically precise as possible. One of the most consistent ways to achieve relative accuracy is by consulting the major lexicons (HALOT for the OT and BADG for the NT).

A few Sundays ago at Easter provides an example of learning the sermon material which includes a precise definition.

That Easter morning I was able to remain in our current series through the book of Matthew. In Matthew 22:23-33 is the concept of resurrection. You’ll recall that the religious leaders posing the question to Jesus didn’t believe in the resurrection.

So, one thing I needed to do in the opening thought-block of the sermon was to define carefully what resurrection is. What didn’t they believe in?

I thought I knew, but needed to check BADG.

I was pleasantly surprised by the basic definition of the word:

“a change for the better in status, rising up, rise”

Now, you can certainly offer more than that, but think about what the Sadducees were denying and what the Bible says is reality. Think about all the hope that’s in that concept of resurrection.

My point in the post, however, is simply to illustrate how important it is to preach without, or fewer notes, but still aim for precise wording. I counted ten words in BADG’s gloss. Ten. I wanted to know that definition because it was so important for Easter Sunday. I may not know my entire manuscript word-for-word, but I did want to know those ten words.

I think I may have mentioned in my last post that my review of sermons often reveals a lack of using the best sources. These lexicons are invaluable. And, if you come away with a definition that is too long, you may be able to condense it without losing much meaty meaning.

Anyway, may our Lord receive glory in the church and in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:21) as you communicate His Word and engage your listeners with direct eye contact.

Randal

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Applicational Angles for Holy Week Sermons

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Over the past few weeks I have been thinking about how to approach preaching this coming Resurrection Sunday.

The applicational angles are limited to the degree that Scripture provides the raw theological material. For instance, the Gospels record the fact of the resurrection, but if I am not mistake, do not provide any theological commentary.

So, what are some angles we can pursue in preparing to preach and teach on the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ?

  1. You can spend some time proving that Jesus was raised from the dead. There were, for instance, people who saw the resurrected Lord. This provides an apologetic or defense of the resurrection.
  2. Because of the possibility–do the unchurched still attend Easter morning?–you will want to urge faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We want our listeners to place their faith in this critical element of the Gospel.
  3. Finally, you may want to preach and teach on the implications of the resurrection. My own readings of Scripture tell me that this is the angle that is found most often, especially in the NT epistles.

This final angle is where I am planning to address Easter morning from Ephesians 1:15-23, especially the resurrection part of Paul’s prayer.

Your own message may have another angle. The important thing is that we continue to exegete at the level of what resurrection preaching portions are designed to do to the church.

And may our Lord receive glory in the church and in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:21) as we faithfully proclaim the Gospel to those who have been resurrected with Christ for new life.

Randal

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Preaching Resurrection in the Face of Death

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Preaching Resurrection During COVID-19 Has Never Seemed So Relevant!

I know that if you’re preaching or teaching this Sunday you’re thinking through how the virus will factor into your sermon/lesson. I wanted to tell you my angle headed into the weekend in light of what I’m reading and hearing from faith-family members.

First, I will certainly be finding statistics on Good Friday about how many people have died world-wide, in the U.S., and in PA, my home state. The resurrection of Jesus Christ will be framed within the context of this deadly pandemic that today, for instance, has taken over 500 lives in NYC alone (to put it in perspective for me, my whole town, Weeks Mills, Maine, where I was born and raised has less than 500 people in it!).

Second, I am currently reading a short article on COVID-19’s other casualties. A friend of mine who works for a non-profit was telling me how much more difficult these times are for children in abusive situations because of isolation. That got me thinking of how many other deaths will occur as a result of the strain the virus is putting on societies and individuals (think suicides, for example).

Finally–and I know you know this–the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead has defeated the supernatural powers that are the driving force behind ungodly anxiety and fear. These two emotions keep cropping up like aggressive weeds in the garden of faith.

I want to make sure our folks realize that what they’re facing each day is a result of the battle that is still raging. My Psalm for Sunday, 110, records the words of Yahweh to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, “Rule in the midst of your enemies” (v. 2).

Our fight for faith is real and victory is possible because Christ our risen Lord is ruling in the midst of our enemies.

May our Lord receive glory in the church and in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:21) as you announce the facts and implications of His resurrection from the dead.

Randal