Preaching ‘special day’ sermons is an American tradition. Along with Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, etc, many pastors substitute the sermon with special occasion messages which are sentimental, humanitarian and patriotic. I’m all for American traditions, within reason, but it is troublesome to me that so many seem led to preach by what is expected from […]
Tag Archives: preaching
Preaching & the Spiritual Growth of Church Members
posted by Joel Taylor
In my 51 years, of all the types and styles of preaching and teaching I have witnessed, there is none that so promotes and sustains the spiritual growth of local church members than expository preaching. It simply cannot be beat. While God does indeed work in various ways and means to strengthen our lives toward […]
Preaching from the Old Testament
posted by Joel Taylor
While preparing for my most recent sermon from 2 Chronicles 32:31, I was asked by my wife what the text would be. When I told her, she asked me a question I’d been asked before, “Why do you preach so much from the Old Testament?” Good question. I can think of a few reasons. First, […]
The Man of God
posted by Joel Taylor
Contrary to popular opinion, the man of God is not confined to the pulpit, nor hidden away in some secluded place, so as not to bother those whose hatred for truth and God knows no bounds. While there are those in this world who would desire such, it will not happen. The term ‘man of […]
Tony Miano – Unsent
posted by Joel Taylor
This is more than disturbing. Brethren, if the local Church which you are a member of, in good standing, has not set you apart and recognized you as called of God, you should not be preaching at all. From Tony Miano’s own bio we learn that: Tony served as a chaplain for the Los Angeles […]
Preaching is Not Dialogue
posted by Joel Taylor
Brethren, preaching is not a dialogue. It’s the proclamation of God’s whole counsel by a man called of God, set apart by the Church, more often than not to a people who want dialogue instead of submitting to God and pastoral authority. That’s preaching. If you want dialogue, you need repentance.
The Greater Cause
posted by Joel Taylor
Silence regarding these things that are harming the Church does not bring glory to God, and your inaction helps no one. – Joel Taylor In 2011, according to one abortion statistic, there were approximately 1.2 million abortions. It’s an important issue, and one which is discussed and hotly debated in the blogosphere often. So is […]
Pulpit & Audience–Is It Biblical?
posted by Joel Taylor
The idea of a preacher, a pulpit and an audience is certainly not a novel one. It is as ancient as the Scriptures themselves. In Nehemiah, chapter 8, verses 1-6, we find this testimony: And all the people gathered as one man at the square which was in front of the Water Gate, and they […]
Pull Yo’ Pants Up!
posted by Joel Taylor
Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. – Ecc. 11:9 This preacher drives a point home to […]
There’s No Such (Biblical) Thing As ‘Lay Preaching’
posted by Joel Taylor
Sharing the Gospel is not ‘preaching’ in the biblical sense. Yet, too often, it is assumed and called that, when in actuality, it is nothing more than a rejection of pastoral authority. Preaching involves being called of God for the office, being set apart by the Church and sent for that specific purpose.
Street Preaching & The Example of Christ
posted by Joel Taylor
Behold, my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen, in whom my soul delighteth: I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. He will not cry, nor lift up his voice, nor cause it to be heard in the street. – Isaiah 42:1,2; cf. Matthew 12:18,19. Street-preaching today […]
Before You Preach Again
posted by Joel Taylor
Preaching is no common matter to God. It is not common in the sense that He bestows His favor on just anyone who takes it upon themselves to do so. It is a gift of God, a calling, bestowed upon men of His choosing, an office to be highly esteemed, a place of honor among […]
Blogging & the Age of Tyrants
posted by Joel Taylor
In the seventh and sixth centuries, B.C., there was an age known in history as the “age of the tyrants.” It’s not like you think. These weren’t necessarily bad guys, with bull-whips and hellish intentions, exercising evil dominance and planning wicked schemes over a helpless and gullible people. Oh no, these tyrants were actually champions […]
A Brief Bio
posted by Joel Taylor
For those who continue to ask for a ‘brief biography’, here it is. Of course, I left out all the fun, truly enlightening stuff…. You can find my brief biography on this new page of 5ptsalt.
The World Our Parish
posted by Joel Taylor
“Wherever there is found a man, there is the minister free to preach. The whole world is our parish, we know of no fetter upon our feet, and no gag upon our lips. Though kings should pass laws, the servants of Christ can bear the penalty, but they cannot disobey their Master, though the Emperor […]
Fast Track to A Popular Ministry
posted by Joel Taylor
You must not prophesy to us what is right, Speak to us pleasant words, Prophesy illusions. – Isaiah 30:10 The best, and easiest way I can think of to become popular in ‘the ministry’ is to proclaim and live God’s Word in a compromising fashion. Don’t apply, or asks anyone else to apply, any truth […]
The Proper Length of A Sermon
posted by Joel Taylor
How long should a sermon last? Until people start looking at their watches? Until you can audibly hear the growling of stomachs from the pulpit? I know that, as a Baptist, typically, sermons run roughly 45 minutes to an hour. Yes, some churches – with all the entertainment and singing, special music, etc, leave on […]
Pragmatism or Principle?
posted by Joel Taylor
We talk about progress and advancing; why we need indoctrinating in the ABC of Christianity, and the ABC of Christianity is the gospel! ‘Today it is true almost everywhere, that we are more concerned about the results of the gospel than we are about the purity of it! We are more concerned in the blessing […]
Preaching by Committee
posted by Joel Taylor
Many worshipers see it as the loneliest part of a minister’s job: crafting a sermon alone, in the wee hours, the only aids a Bible and some reference books before presenting the fully formed product to the congregation the next day. But increasingly, that view of sermon-writing is outdated. At a growing number of churches, […]
