What Theology Looks Like in a Sermon (part 1)
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What Theology Looks Like in a Sermon (part 1)
Everyone does theology. Do you do it right?
See themeThis article is part one of a two-part series.
The bones and marrow of the sermon are composed of theology. Yet theological preaching is rare. Listeners fear that too much theology will make the sermon impractical. Many preachers shy away from theological content. Aware of the small window of opportunity given to capture the interest of the audience, preachers are tempted to rush to application. The result is a sermon that begins with the need of the audience, touches lightly on the biblical text, and then moves to concrete application. In the process, the sermon skips the important step of identifying and stating theological principles on which the practical application is based. Haddon Robinson has wryly observed: "More heresy is preached in application than in Bible exegesis."
The term theology is popularly used to refer to the content of the Bible. By this definition, everything in Scripture is theological. Any truth statement about the nature of God or man or salvation—such as, ...
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Pastor Richard Armstrong
very helpful and has the information that I needed for my Bible message
TERRY MAXWELL
As a Lay Minister lacking a degree in Theology, I have always made the extra effort to ensure that I was being true to the text by examining many commentaries from both conservative and more liberal perspectives. The result is a tendancy to come across as more of a teacher than providing application oriented sermons. I feel that I have to work hard to strike the proper balance between correct doctrine and a message that appeals to the heart. I'm glad to read articles that stress the proper application of doctrine rather than jokes and stories sprinkled with the Biblical text. Great article.
James Chester
This is a wonderful atricle to inform the preacher as to both the meaning of the three types of theology and their purposes. It is also a good refresher for those who already know but have either forgotton or have began to not use them in thier proper balance.