For forty years, I have been preaching and teaching. With encouragement and support from a church member, Judge Daniels, advice from my son-in-law, Warren, design, layout, and a “let’s get this done” attitude from my talented daughter, Jane, and finally some valuable assistance from Rovy and Trinity at UM, I decided to video my sermons. Basically, I want to see how these resonate with a “wider audience”, people I may or may not know. I have no idea how they will be received, but what I know is that I’ve always tried to “speak the truth”, which can be difficult, and to “speak the truth in love”, which is even more difficult.

As I tell my members in the pew or students in the classroom, I may be wrong. But if what I say causes you to think and to work out your own views, well then…..it’s worth it.   

I have tons of sermons available in manuscript form. We will see how this goes….maybe, I’ll make those available. That may take a while, but that is what summers are for.

For the past four years, I have been preaching through books of the Bible, basically doing a chapter of so each week. I found that this focus enables a more thorough understanding of the book. Also, I’m not fumbling around Wednesday or Thursday trying to decide on a topic for Sunday.

In my sermons, I spend about 70% of the time on the text, trying to understand what it says, then I conclude by suggesting some truths or lessons the text suggests. If you wish to get to the practical truths quickly, then skip to the end of the sermon. If your want to know how I got there, then read the text of the sermon.

My hope is simply to encourage deeper reflection on the great truths of the scriptures……

PS I am videoing these sermons myself. So you may see more than you expected!

The only advice my father gave me when I told him that I was going into the ministry was this: “Son, I’ve never heard a bad short sermon.” It might be the best advice I received.