Johnhwilburn.com

A few weeks ago I started writing out a basic outline for Sunday messages.

This was to help my sermons become more focused in subject, and have a better flow.

There is nothing wrong with printed notes, or even preaching from a tablet (I used to do that). But my mind works better with something organized by hand.

Actually, there is a different reason for writing my notes by hand….

I want my complete focus to be on God.

In sermons the focus can be connecting with people on an emotional level. This means looking for the most moving illustration, or the most practical application.

The problem with that is a sermons not meant to affect their heart. It is meant to focus their attention on God

Almost all of the week our mind and attention are on daily life…..

Church is a time of worship when we take our eyes off ourselves, and put it on the Lord.

Yes sometimes when we focus on the Lord, this brings an emotional response. But the goal of preaching (and worship in general) is not to feel something.

It would be easy to tell a funny story and leave people feeling good.

But change only comes when I bring them into the presence of the Father, and show them Jesus.