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In this episode, we talk about murdering our darlings. What does that mean? It means we need to be brutal with our sermons in the sense that we cut out of them any word, phrase, sentence, paragraph, illustration, story, etc., that does not need to be there. If it doesn't help the sermon progress toward its intended goal, it needs to be removed. Listen along and let me know what you think. 

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In this episode, we discuss the challenges and blessings of preaching Christ at Christmas. There are only so many texts that speak about the Lord's first advent. But in those few passages, there is a wealth of theological truth. Every year, we have the privilege of preaching the birth of Jesus. We need not approach the Christmas season with fear. We can approach the season with confidence, knowing the Bible contains a vast repository of spiritual truth related to the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. This truth can transform December from being a time of wondering what we will preach this year into a time of how will I preach everything I have already seen. 

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The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org)

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Preaching is a difficult task. It stresses the mind, the emotions, and the body. But preaching is a privilege. Learning to manage the stressors related to preaching will help us build longevity in the pulpit. This episode will explore some of the struggles preachers face on a weekly basis. 

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The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org)

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What are the essential elements of biblical preaching?

How do you know you’re preaching a Christian sermon and not simply giving a religious or spiritual lecture?

While gospel-centered expository proclamation is the best approach to fulfilling the biblical call to preach, this episode could probably use more detail. Since preachers like alliteration and lists, I might suggest a checklist reflecting what I propose as the essential factors of faithful Christian preaching. Next time you prepare a sermon, maybe keep these questions in mind. Or, the next time you preach, share this list with your fellow elders or another team of trusted advisers and ask them to apply the questions to your delivered message.

1. Is your sermon CONTEXTUAL?

2. Is your sermon CONVICTIONAL?

3. Is your sermon CLEAR?

4. Is your sermon COMPASSIONATE?


5. Is your sermon CROSS-CENTERED?

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In this episode, I want to look at our motivations for preaching. I want us to see that we should preach for some very good reasons, even while we reject some very bad reasons. Listen to this episode, then reach out and let me know what you think. 

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The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org)

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This episode delves into what can transform our ordinary preaching into great preaching. I share eight principles that distinguish a great sermon from an ordinary sermon.   Thanks for listening!

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This episode discusses the importance of preaching the gospel in the pulpit and everyday life. There are reasons why we should preach the gospel. There are ways to preach it as well. Today, we believe that the Bible teaches us how to more effectively share the gospel with a lost world as preachers and believers. Let me know what you think.

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The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org)

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Understanding the Book of Proverbs
The Book of Proverbs is one of the most treasured pieces of wisdom literature in the Bible. Known for its concise sayings and memorable instructions, Proverbs offers wisdom for daily living and emphasizes the fear of the Lord as the foundation of knowledge. Preaching through the Book of Proverbs expositionally presents many unique challenges. The book’s structure, thematic and literary diversity, and focus on practical wisdom create an interesting yet complex struggle for preachers. 

Expositional preaching aims to faithfully convey the author's original intent in a passage while making it applicable to the congregation. This episode provides a framework for expositional preaching through the Book of Proverbs, addressing key considerations such as structure, themes, literary style, and application.

1.  Introduction and purpose (Proverbs 1:1-7)
2.  Fatherly discourses (Proverbs 1:8-9:18)
3.  Solomon’s proverbs (Proverbs 10-22:16)
4.  Sayings of the wise (Proverbs 22:17-24:34)
5 . Solomon’s proverbs compiled by Hezekiah (Proverbs 25-29)
6. Sayings of Agur (Proverbs 30)
7. Sayings of Lemuel (Proverbs 31)
8. The virtuous woman (Proverbs 31:10-31)

Principles for Preaching Through Proverbs Expositionally
1. Preach with a Literary Awareness
2. Focus on Larger Sections and Themes in the First Nine Chapters
3. Use Topical Exposition in the Middle Section (Proverbs 10-29)

Examples of themes include:
- The righteous versus the wicked
- Diligence and laziness
- Honesty and integrity
- Wealth and poverty
- Speech and its consequences
- Family and parenting
4. Maintain Christ-Centeredness
5. Emphasize the “Fear of the Lord” as the Foundation
6. Preach with a Sensitivity to Application

Steps to Prepare Expositional Sermons from Proverbs
1. Select the Text with Purpose
2. Study the Literary and Historical Context
3. Identify the Main Idea and Supporting Points
4. Outline the Sermon Expositionally
5. Craft Christ-Centered and Practical Applications
6. Employ Illustrations and Visuals

Challenges and Considerations in Preaching Proverbs
1. Avoid Legalism and Moralism
2. Contextualize for Today’s Audience
3. Balance between Individual Proverbs and Broader Themes

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Over the centuries, many different styles and types of sermons have emerged in preaching and sermon delivery, each with strengths and weaknesses. Topical sermons have gained significant popularity due to their ability to address contemporary issues directly and cater to the immediate interests of the congregation. Many preachers like them because they are easy to prepare, while other types, like textual and expository sermons, require a far more significant time investment.

Despite their appeal, topical sermons can be dangerous. They can undermine a church community’s spiritual growth and biblical literacy. This episode delves into the inherent risks associated with topical sermons and advocates for a more balanced and scripture-centered approach to preaching.

Let’s discuss the dangers of the topical sermon. Then, I want to show you a better way. 

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The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org)

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We all know that churches are struggling. Some are sick, and others are dying. The church you serve might be one of those churches that is on the deathbed. In this episode, I want to address the modern church’s problem. In episode 138, we discussed the symptoms of a dying church and what causes the church to get sick and die. In this episode, we will continue this conversation by discussing how we, with God’s help, can turn the ship around. I would love to hear from you and get your input. Thanks for listening. 

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Subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review, and tell others about us if you find it helpful.

Contact me at [email protected].

The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org)