I also read Stott. What I found interesting about him is, although he lived before I was
even born, what he preached is still present for today. We have allowed modernization
to control how we think, act, and even preach. I sat before the district board last
weekend in order to get my district license. One questioned I was asked is why I felt my
denomination was the right fit for me and my future in ministry. My answer was that I
have tried other denominations and felt that my denomination preached biblically. I have
not been to one service (I have tried several different churches in my denomination) that
did not preach a "feel good" message. This is what Stott wanted. To preach the Bible
faithfully. Draw others to Jesus through Jesus. It is easy to listen the world. I will admit,
up until a few years ago I lived by "If it doesn't affect me, then who cares." I have come
to realize that this thinking is wrong. It is selfish and worldly to believe that others'
actions do not affect me. I cannot sit by passively and believe that God is ok with that.
Thank you for sharing your insights into this preacher. I enjoyed reading your post. You
made some very good points about both preachers. One of the things you said
that made sense about them both they loved to preach the Word of God to His
people, Your point about Stott sticking to the Bible is very key because from
McDill that was a main factor in what made sermon preparation so powerful
which is why he spent all of his time in the Word so the he could find as many
angles to approach the text which would also be a reason for his audience to
think about key points in the sermon that related to their own life experience. You
also made some good observation points about Jerry Falwell who was made a
huge impact in the preaching world. As you stated in your post, Falwell made sure
when he preached not only did he share the Word of God, but he also shared his
own life experience to his audience which is another one of McDill way of getting
the attention of his listeners. He felt that if he could find words or common
experience that would keep their attention then they would be more drawn into
the message at hand. You made other point that was helpful and that was they
shared their colleagues in the faith so they could be the best preachers they
could be which speaks volumes about the love to help others succeed besides
themselves. Again you made did a great job. Keep up the great work!!
Benjamin K. Forrest, Kevin L. King, Bill Curtis, Dwayne Millioni, Ed. A Legacy of
Preaching : Enlightenment to the Present Day. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan,
2018): 343 g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g
