In this episode we...

• discuss how to properly include the gospel in our sermons.
  • Beware playing "Pint the Jesus on the Sermon"
  • The gospel is not just "Jesus died for your sins."
  • Instead, consider from the text itself what aspect of God's ETERNAL plan of redemption the author has in mind.
  • The gospel could be seen through:
    • Explicit mention (1 Corinthians 15)
    • Allusion (Genesis 28)
    • Types and shadows in the Old Testament (1 Samuel 17)
    • Prophecy (Isaiah 53)
  • Use an "anchor text" somewhere in the New Testament that amplifies how the gospel informs your sermon.

In this episode we...

• discuss why the Scripture is sufficient for life and godliness.
  • What are you putting your hope in to change your people?
  • Why is Scripture sufficient?
  • How should the sufficiency of Scripture affect our preaching?

In this episode we...

• discuss how context informs the meaning of a passage:
  • Literary
    • What comes above and below your current passage?
    • How does this affect the author's argument?
  • Historic / Cultural
    • How does the specific culture at the specific time and place inform the meaning of your text?
  • Biblical
    • Does the passage quote or allude to any other portions of Scripture?
    • How would that passage have been understood by the original author?
    • Why is the author quoting it?

In this episode we...

• discuss HOW to use the tools for preaching different text types:
• Narrative
  • Consider the story arch, and where the conflict arises and is resolved.
• Discourse
  • What is the argument the author is making? How does he defend himself?
• Poetry
  • What imagery does the author use to make his point?

In this episode we...

• discuss the different kinds of biblical texts that will make up our sermons.
  • The type of text we're dealing with will determine the tools we need for the job.
    • Narrative
      • Ex: The Gospel according to Mark
      • Consider the story arch, and where the conflict arises and is resolved.
    • Discourse
      • Ex: Paul's Epistle to the Romans
      • What is the argument the author is making? How does he defend himself?
    • Poetry
      • Ex: Psalms
      • What imagery does the author use to make his point?

In this episode we...

• discuss mapping out your sermons once you have a P.L.A.N.
  • Once you know what your church needs to hear, where do you go from there?
  • How do we practically break down our sermon texts?

In this episode we...

• discuss pitfalls in choosing what we are going to preach and a better way forward. 
  • How are you tempted to preach something other than the text?
  • How can you effectively P.L.A.N. your sermons?
    • Pulse of your congregation
    • Look to the Scripture
    • Assess what the congregation needs
    • Navigate faithfully

In this episode we...

• discuss the target we’re shooting for in our preaching.
  • What are some pitfalls we can fall into in our preaching?
  • What should our target be?

In this episode we...

• discuss the importance of personal worship for the health and longevity of the pastor.
  • Why do you read the Word? Is it to spend time with Jesus? Or get ministry done?
  • Why do you pray? Is it for what you can get from God? Or to depend on Him more?
  • May we be pastors who pursue our God with joy!

In this episode we...

• discuss applying and communicating the word to yourself and your congregation.
  • Are you applying the Word to yourself?
  • How are you communicating the Word to your congregation?
• Our promised photos: https://www.facebook.com/ruralpastorstalk

Upcoming Events

• 9Marks Workshop at Wellsboro Bible Church: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fulfill-your-ministry-a-9-marks-workshop-for-pastors-and-church-leaders-tickets-546364219087?fbclid=IwAR3MA7JIt4z6vdh3nYopBvrQng7dQyu1Qu8EjDbbAcmGTOtPNKT8PLXOu7o