I want to say you made some very good cases about these two preachers as it relates to
what McDill stood for. As we have read, McDill was all for bring real life experiecnces to
the audience so they could get a feel of what was taken place in the narritive. These type
of things would bring the preacher closer to the audience thought as to how this story
could relate to their personal life. I see how you elabrated on Mary beinbg focus on
serving Jesus, what could some other ways this could relate to a today’s world situation.
One the things about McDill he spent a lot of time studying the text in such away that a
multitude of thought could rush the mind of could be seen as well as thought that could
raise tension in the text. The more we dig in the text the more can be discoved in the
text. The two people you chose were j people that followed the guidlines of McDill very
well. Another hightlight that could be noted about these two is they wanted those who
listen to thme to have an impactful moment when it came to them painting a picture of
the details. Again, you made some great points about this topic. I agree that relating the
text to human experiences is so important in keeping the congregations attention. I have
been in several services where there was very little human experience related to the text
being taught, it was so boring. It made the Bible feel like it was not relatable to today's
society and that it is not applicable. There were times that I even questioned how that
could be possible (God's miracles) since we can't see them now. As I have matured in my
faith and found a church that makes every sermon about how the Bible is still true today,
that ancient Israel had the same human troubles we have today, I see how God is still
present and His Word is still applicable. In regards to Never Quit!, I have a personality that
has no drive to win. I find that in the grand scheme of life, if I win or lose at sports it
doesn't matter. I knew I would not be a professional athlete, so I never gave it my all. I
have a son the exact same way. It is so frustrating as a parent. I want so bad to just tell
him to try. He has been learning some hard lessons lately that if he doesn't try and want
to win, he won't get the trophy, award, etc. This trouble in his life (he is only 7) has turned
out for good because he is seeing how this is applying to his life. He has started to work
harder, not just at Taekwondo, but at his school work as well. I agree with your
assertions. I too did Never Quit by Jerry Falwell. You are so right that loosing takes no
effort but winning takes grit and perseverance. His sermon makes me think of the verse
in Philippians 1 verse 12-14 which says, "12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,[
that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it
has become clear throughout the whole palace guard[and to everyone else that I am in
chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have
become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear."
The sermon idea for this verse is, "We should have a clear perspective of who God is, so
that people will see Christ even through our circumstances.
