Oh Internet! Let’s have a laugh, shall we? After yesterday’s post, I received a lovely note about how not everyone is called to preach, especially not me because I’m a female. To which I laughed out loud. Not like LOL’d, but literally laughed out loud.
I’m not going to even respond to that note because scripture speaks for itself.*
- Mark 16:15
- 1 Timothy 4:13
- 1 Corinthians 1:23
- 2 Timothy 2:15
So while people argue about who can and can’t tell people about Jesus, I’m just going to carry on and do what I do. In the famous words of Pauly D from Jersey Shore, “You do you, and I’m going to do me.”
My newest BFF Robert broke down how we are to preach by classic exegesis. The entire length of his talk was roughly 5 minutes but I have about two pages of notes that I’ve combed over to post here on the blog. Yesterday we looked at John 4 in order to learn how to prepare effectively, but today I’m sharing his five ways to preach effectively. Take note!
John 4:29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?”
Five Ways to Preach Effectively
- “Come…” Our preaching and proclamation must involve the idea of being invited. We must be inclusive in our language in order to communicate that the gospel is for all.
- “…see a man…” Everything must focus on Jesus. It’s not about what we do, but all about who He is. Make it about the man, Jesus.
- “…who told me everything I ever did.” It needs to be more than a testimony about us. The beauty about what this woman was this it was beyond her testimony; she rooted the experience back to the Word. Romans 10:17, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”
- Speak the word. As Christ spoke the Word to the Samaritan woman and her life was changed, we too must speak the Word and allow the transforming power to take effect in our lives.
- “Could this be Christ?” She didn’t force them to accept Jesus, but merely posed an inviting question. Scripture tells us that her invitation to meet Jesus led to many accepting Jesus as their savior.
The most poignant thing that Robert mentioned at the end was that this woman’s name is unknown. Isn’t that how preaching works? We proclaim the name of Jesus so loudly that ours remains unknown. It doesn’t matter. We don’t know her name, but we know that He is savior of the world. Boom. [Drops mic]
It’s like the Count of Zinzendorf said, “Preach the gospel, die, and be forgotten.” It’s not about us. It’s always about Jesus.
*Note: I did not say pastor, shepherd, church planter or FemiNazi. I simply said we are all called to preach.
This knowledge that we’re all called to preach the Gospel (aka. Proclaim Jesus) isn’t new to me. But the act of doing it is. I sit in my room and think, “Preach the Gospel? But, where do I start? How do I begin?” The simple act of doing it seems so, so…intimidating. But then, it’s not about me, and if I seek God for help, I don’t think He is going to say, “Sorry sweetie, you’re on your own with this one.”
I think you’re just wonderful. And some day, I hope to see you speak and then I can blog about my BFF Bianca.
Great post(s)! 🙂
Keep doing what your called to do, B…and do it well!
Okay, girl. ANY time you have notes to share, bring it. Anytime you have a little aha moment about preaching from your own experience, bring that, too!
I am learning as I go and asking that the LORD leads it. It really is lovely to learn from people who have done it more. I guess in a way, preaching teaches you how to preach.
“Be forgotten.” Yes. That’s so good.
I love love love love love that quote by the Count. So YES.
Also, I love your disclaimer and would love to hear more from you about that.
“So while people argue about who can and can’t tell people about Jesus, I’m just going to carry on and do what I do. In the famous words of Pauly D from Jersey Shore, “You do you, and I’m going to do me.” ”
UM HELLO! YES!
Love you girlfriend. PS Gabby told me about the “Breathe” series at CCM…UHHHH YES PLEASE!
XO