The Response of Obedience
The third portion of the morning service is the Response of Obedience. This, of course, is the time when we provide an opportunity for individuals in the congregation to respond in one way or another.
As pastors we always ask ourselves, “What is it we want our listeners to do as a result of hearing our words?” If we are unable to answer that question, then most likely the sermon is not worth preaching. One—of the glaring deficiencies of many ministers is an inability to put sermons on a practical level.
On one occasion, my wife and I took a weekend just to refresh ourselves, and had the rare opportunity to listen to someone besides a member of the Circle Church staff preach on Sunday morning. The content of the sermon was interesting because it was packed with numerous stories and illustrations. But, when the man had concluded—his topic dealt with what a minister of God should be—by force of habit I immediately analyzed his words to see if they were practical for those who heard him. I couldn’t think of any way to apply them, nor could Karen!
Once again, I was convinced of the need for disciplining oneself to determine exactly the kind of response desired. Rather than expound empty words of oratory that have no effectual relationship to a congregation, the pastor should make every effort to validate the message. The simplest way I know to do so is to ask, “What kind of response is it I want?”
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You can learn how to develop highly relevant Sunday sermons that grab the attention of your congregation and help your listeners respond effectively to the deep truths of God’s Word. David Mains and Mainstay Ministries can help. We offer a wide variety of Sermon Starters and Full Sermons that will give you Sermon Ideas to help you prepare for regular Sunday sermons, Mid-week Bible Sermons, and Sermons for special occasions. We also offer assistance as you create Topical Sermons, Sermons Series, and sermons for special times of the year. We have resources available to help you with Advent Celebrations, Advent Sermons, Christmas Sermons, Easter Sunday Sermons, Patriotic Sermons, and more.
For more information on how to create better Bible Sermons and how to turn Sermon Ideas into Sermon Outlines, and then into effective, meaningful Sunday Sermons, please click here to visit David Mains’ website.
You will also find a variety of resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Just click here.
