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 f 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. f 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.
