Volume 18, Number 6.
In this edition, Pastor Tom Westra provides a checklist for writing a sermon and writes about how Paul teaches us justification and sanctification.
A Sermon Checklist
A checklist of important characteristics of a good sermon
Textual
Starting already on Monday, you put some of your best hours of the week into studying the text. You did careful exegesis, asking “What is God saying to us?” Not eisogesis: “What thoughts in this text—however minor—fit what I want to say?” You were ready to stand up with confidence and say, “This is what the Lord says.”
Preaching Sanctification
In preaching sanctification, we need to avoid falling into the trap of legalism
Preaching the whole counsel of God includes urging our listeners to Christian living and good works. Paul taught both justification and sanctification:
He gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good (Titus 2:14).