Why sermons?

[ChurchofChristguy]

When did the idea of a half-hour sermon every week come into being? Would the assembly be OK without a sermon? Let's say each week you had a testimony or two, some scripture readings from the saints, an open prayer so that anyone with a need from the saints could come to the mic.

Regardless of denomination, we have settled in to a pretty cookie cutter assembly. A few songs, a token prayer or two, a half hour sermon, closing song, closing prayer.

Are our assemblies effective for the edification of the saints?

 

[InTheLight]

Jesus gave the Great Commission--Teach all nations; teach them to observe all things I've commanded you.

Throughout the book of Acts we see the pattern--Peter preached, Philip preached, Paul preached, Barnabas preached, etc.

 

[ChurchofChristguy]

Jesus gave the Great Commission--Teach all nations; teach them to observe all things I've commanded you.

Throughout the book of Acts we see the pattern--Peter preached, Philip preached, Paul preached, Barnabas preached, etc.

Of course, but that was evangelizing. There was a lot of work to be done, because there were few believers. I am more referring to an assembly of those who have already received the Great Commission.

 

[canadyjd]

Early Christian groups met in homes for testimonies, singing, and preaching. When they grew large enough, they rented halls. When they built, they usually followed the design of synagogues, including the order of the service which included reading from law, prophets, and wisdom; prayers, singing and preaching. The gentile converts simply followed that pattern.

As long as God is the focus and the gospel is preached, meet where you like and design your own service.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

When did the idea of a half-hour sermon every week come into being? Would the assembly be OK without a sermon? Let's say each week you had a testimony or two, some scripture readings from the saints, an open prayer so that anyone with a need from the saints could come to the mic.

Regardless of denomination, we have settled in to a pretty cookie cutter assembly. A few songs, a token prayer or two, a half hour sermon, closing song, closing prayer.

Are our assemblies effective for the edification of the saints?

No, but I’m happy to catch a nap during the sermon.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Early Christian groups met in homes for testimonies, singing, and preaching. When they grew large enough, they rented halls. When they built, they usually followed the design of synagogues, including the order of the service which included reading from law, prophets, and wisdom; prayers, singing and preaching. The gentile converts simply followed that pattern.

As long as God is the focus and the gospel is preached, meet where you like and design your own service.

Does the pastor need to be seminary trained?

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Of course, but that was evangelizing. There was a lot of work to be done, because there were few believers. I am more referring to an assembly of those who have already received the Great Commission.

I don’t understand your question

 

[tyndale1946]

No, but I’m happy to catch a nap during the sermon.

If the preacher is not preaching, some in the church may be sleeping... That being said preach the Gospel!... Don't turn the church into That's Entertainment!... Brother Glen

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

If the preacher is not preaching, some in the church may be sleeping... That being said preach the Gospel!... Don't turn the church into That's Entertainment!... Brother Glen

Depends how it’s preached.

 

[tyndale1946]

Depends how it’s preached.

Well a woman made a comment to a preacher after his sermon, which I heard him relate... Preacher I didn't get a thing out of your sermon?... He replied well may be you didn't bring anything to get it with?

I like all types of preaching exhortation, illustration, and ones that tell stories, and throw a little humor in their preaching, types and shadows, expository, doctrinal, Sovereign Grace and even duty ( that's when the preacher stop preaching and starts meddling, or stepping on toes) as some call it... And all types of preachers... Old and long gone and new... I love to read old articles of what a preacher, preached, even though I wasn't there... All I say is Preach!... Don't give me a lecture... Make it interesting or I WILL fall asleep... Brother Glen

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Well a woman made a comment to a preacher after his sermon, which I heard him relate... Preacher I didn't get a thing out of your sermon?... He replied well may be you didn't bring anything to get it with?

I like all types of preaching exhortation, illustration, and ones that tell stories, and throw a little humor in their preaching, types and shadows, expository, doctrinal, Sovereign Grace and even duty ( that's when the preacher stop preaching and starts meddling, or stepping on toes) as some call it... And all types of preachers... Old and long gone and new... I love to read old articles of what a preacher, preached, even though I wasn't there... All I say is Preach!... Don't give me a lecture... Make it interesting or I WILL fall asleep... Brother Glen

Glen, I listen and read sermons by elders at the PB Church in Winter Garden Fl more then I do with guy in NJ that is a recent SBC Seminary Graduate and that concerns me. I mean, the SBC only graduates 20 a year.... don’t ya think these folks could hold your attention. BTW, Pam goes in for a hysterectomy on May 13, basically to remove the tumor Pray all will go well!

 

[tyndale1946]

Steve I hear what you are saying... ( you know what I mean)... Just listening to one from Lithia Florida... This preacher kinda grew on me... Said he's read his Bible through, every year for 35 years... That's dedication... And can he PREACH!... You won't fall asleep on him... Send you his website if you want to check him out... Pam and I will be praying for your Pam all goes well... Glen

 

[Walter]

No, but I’m happy to catch a nap during the sermon.

Or circle the typo's in the bulletin

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Steve I hear what you are saying... ( you know what I mean)... Just listening to one from Lithia Florida... This preacher kinda grew on me... Said he's read his Bible through, every year for 35 years... That's dedication... And can he PREACH!... You won't fall asleep on him... Send you his website if you want to check him out... Pam and I will be praying for your Pam all goes well... Glen

I wish to God that I had a PB church next to me so I could join the community. The elders in Winter Garden are God inspired so the preaching is much more interesting, clearer and to the point... and everyone, including the young, stay to listen. That’s community, that’s passion, that’s the power of the Trinity coming together to disciple. You are always learning... stuff you could in turn teach others. But this SBC guy, not so much. They tend to lean on Bible Study... multiple BIble Study. One of the Elders indicated that he has to attend 4 studies and this “teaching Elder/Pastor” is in the process of planning more of them. Man, work on your sermon skills, because your putting folks to sleep.

 

[tyndale1946]

Steve I see on the web there are PB Churches in New Jersey area... Have you checked on any of those?... Knowing you you probably have... Just asking... You can PM me if you want to talk about it more... Glen

 

[kyredneck]

When did the idea of a half-hour sermon every week come into being? Would the assembly be OK without a sermon? Let's say each week you had a testimony or two, some scripture readings from the saints, an open prayer so that anyone with a need from the saints could come to the mic.

Regardless of denomination, we have settled in to a pretty cookie cutter assembly. A few songs, a token prayer or two, a half hour sermon, closing song, closing prayer.

Are our assemblies effective for the edification of the saints?

It's God's arrangement.

21 For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, it was God`s good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save them that believe. 1 Cor 1

10 For as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, and giveth seed to the sower and bread to the eater;
11 so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isa 55

Have you never been blessed from the preaching of a gifted man of God? Ever heard a sermon that makes your heart soar like a hawk?

Walk to Emmaus

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Steve I see on the web there are PB Churches in New Jersey area... Have you checked on any of those?... Knowing you you probably have... Just asking... You can PM me if you want to talk about it more... Glen

Just did ​

 

[ChurchofChristguy]

It's God's arrangement.

21 For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, it was God`s good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save them that believe. 1 Cor 1

Yes, I understand preaching to those that need saving. I am more referring to the weekly sermon to those that are saved. Are you saying it is a requirement by God to have a weekly sermon because it is his "arrangement"?

 

[JonC]

When did the idea of a half-hour sermon every week come into being? Would the assembly be OK without a sermon? Let's say each week you had a testimony or two, some scripture readings from the saints, an open prayer so that anyone with a need from the saints could come to the mic.

Regardless of denomination, we have settled in to a pretty cookie cutter assembly. A few songs, a token prayer or two, a half hour sermon, closing song, closing prayer.

Are our assemblies effective for the edification of the saints?

We have had services that ended up being testimonies or prayers from the congregation. Each time the pastor had a sermon but yeilded to what he determined to be the leading of God.

 

[ChurchofChristguy]

We have had services that ended up being testimonies or prayers from the congregation. Each time the pastor had a sermon but yeilded to what he determined to be the leading of God.

Good stuff. I wonder if we squelch the Holy Spirit by having everything so canned and ready-made. In the first century, the assembly seemed to be a bit more organic.