The Craft of Preaching
Resources to strengthen authentic biblical preaching
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Theology & Preaching
The first sermon I ever read painted a lasting impression – the incensed Almighty dangling wretched, helpless sinners over the fires of hell.
"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" by Jonathan Edwards was a standard text for tenth-grade English courses in my school.
Columnist Profile
Theresa F. Latini
Assistant Professor of Congregational and Community Care
Luther Seminary
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
I have just two things to say, really, about preaching healing: first, all preaching is preaching healing; second, we preach healing by preaching biblical texts.
All preaching is preaching healing because genuine preaching proclaims the kingdom of God; more, it works to usher in that kingdom. The word of God does that, and that is why we preach and what we preach. Healing happens when the kingdom is proclaimed because in the presence of God, sin, death, and the devil cannot abide. This includes disease in all its shapes and forms, reminders of finitude and foreshadowers of death.
Most pastors do an ardent job of trying to faithfully preach from the Biblical text.
We spend hours in biblical and exegetical study and preparation for each week's sermon. But when we get in the pulpit, we typically offer our wonderful insights about the text(s) then segue to what these observations may have to do with our lives, our community, and our world. Amen.
What we hear on Ash Wednesday when Lent begins is this: "... give alms...pray...fast...do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth...For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
These are important and weighty words. It is no wonder Lent has long been approached as a ponderous time. It should be. Away with facile words! Now is the time for deep focus, a going-into rather than a skating-across.