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. +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.
