These excerpt model fits into the sermon human experience. He discusses the
story of Mary and Martha. When Jesus arrives, Martha is busy in the kitchen while
Mary is at the feet of Jesus. When preachers use everyday people or an everyday
occurrence, people become more attentive. As a minister, I know the importance of
keeping the attention of your audience. When speaking in terms of things they can
relate too – you have their undivided attention. The excerpt shows: 1. First things
first. Martha was more consumed with preparation for the people than spending
time with Jesus. We all deal with the hustle and bustle of life. Between life, family,
work, and school there is never enough hours in the day. We must make spending
time with God a part of our daily routine even when it means stop what we are
doing. We must make Him a priority. Second, Martha wanted to pull Mary away
from Jesus and into the kitchen. Distractions come – daily. Like Mary we must be
willing to walk away and put everything and everybody on the backburner to spend
time and do the will of the Father. In our walk with Christ, people will not always
support our stand for Christ. It is important that we stand for we will reap if we
faint not (Gal. 6:9). We will reap valuable insight from the Father. There is nothing
sweeter than being in His presence.
Never Quit! (Jerry Falwell)
Everyone has quit at something whether a diet, relationship, game, and some even
at life. Winning is hard work. I think about the people that train for years to go to
the Olympics but there is only one gold medal at stake yet they still train hard
knowing their chances of not winning the gold medal is greater than winning the
medal. j The only thing that is easy to achieving is losing. Losing takes no effort all
you do is quit. Many quit because they cannot endure trouble. As a Minister, we
love to preach and teach sermons on blessings and prosperity (those happy-go-
lucky sermons) but no one wants to hear about trouble. Trouble is a part of the
process that comes in many forms but the bible states that all things (meaning the
good, the bad, and the ugly) work for good. It’s hard to comprehend how
something good can come out of losing a child, getting a divorce, or being
diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. If we take inventory of our life, we will see
the greatest blessings occur during times of trouble. It allows us the see God in a
greater way. If you quit you will never make it to the finish line.
