I was wondering about the opinions of pastors on this book. First, of all, what are your thoughts on the use of illustrations. Second, what are your thoughts about the necessity of illustrations to have POWER in your sermons? Last, and this is a theological question…CAN illustrations give the sermon power?
I have read this book and am having dificulty with the thesis. I am all for using illustrations to illustrate, but they do not, nor can they, add POWER to a sermon. The power in a sermon must not come from the cleverness of man. Power in a sermon MUST come from the HOLY SPIRIT in reaction to the preaching of the Word…not the illustration of the Word.
Welcome to the blogosphere, Ben!
I think the illustrations can certainly reinforce the spiritual truth, as Jesus did with the parables. In fact, tonight we looked at 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 where Paul taught on “the day of the Lord.” In just a few verses, he employed an analogous illustration using “thief in the night,” “labor pains,” and that we are not “children of the night.” These are helpful, everyday concepts.
I think sermons can EMPOWER and reinforce, but I don’t think they can give the sermon power. Last I checked, that’s the Holy Spirit’s job.
Comment by Matthew R. Perry — October 22, 2007 @ 2:30 am |
Matt,
FIrst, I am the first to admit that I use ilustrations in my preaching, but they are like a window that illuminates and enlightens but they cannot bring any power or empower to the sermon. They can clarify and give light to the word that empowers and changes lives, but to give them any more credit than that is, in my opinion, an evevation of man and man’s cleverness.
Comment by christocentricpreacher — October 26, 2007 @ 5:06 pm |