Did you know….. a metaphor is a noun. Sometimes, it’s hard for people to discern whether something is a “theme” or a “metaphor.” For example, the theme of “dying” can permeate a text. But that’s not the metaphor. Most likely the metaphor is ashes or sackcloth or...
You can enhance the metaphors you use in your sermons by using props, visuals, or using music to create more in-depth experiences. Think about ways especially to use music. For example, if you are speaking about creation, consider using music and visuals to create the...
Don’t discount non-Biblical metaphors from your basket of possibilities. I’m not saying, Unbiblical. I’m saying Non-biblical, meaning metaphors that speak to the truth of Jesus, even though they don’t specifically or overtly appear as such in scripture. For example,...
This week, I am bringing up a “Sweetism.”. One of Len Sweet’s favorite sayings is “say it slant!” It means, “make the familiar strange.” Find a way to tell the story in a fresh way with a fresh slant that intrigues, invites, and invigorates. Look at the story from...
Allow for space, adaptation, and change in your sermon. Allow pause for the Spirit to speak. If you read your sermon verbatim, or if you are determined to follow it letter by letter, you may miss out on an opportunity for Jesus to lead your sermon right into the...
When Jesus read from the Isaiah scroll, he revealed his mission to the world. And yet, like many in his day and despite endless letters from Paul, we still today see that mission as merely literal. But Jesus seldom spoke literally. In fact, he let his disciples know...
