Sermon Feedback Survey

Sermon Feedback Survey

1.       What is the purpose of a sermon?

2.       When  you listen to a sermon, do you listen mainly with your  (please circle)

A.      Intellect (head)

B.       Emotions (heart)

C.      For practical helps

3.       What do you remember most about a sermon?

A.      Biblical character or passage

B.       Title

C.      Central theme

D.      Practical story

4.       Who is your favorite biblical character?

5.       What is your favorite book in the Bible?

6.       Do you prefer to hear a sermon about

A.  Person

B.  Passage

C.  Book

D .Theme

7.       What helps you to remember a sermon?

8.       List three themes, characters, or passages about which you would like to hear a sermon?

9.       What is the ideal length for a sermon?

10.   How do you apply a sermon to your life?

11.   Which teaching method would you prefer to experience two or more times per month?

A.      Traditional

B.       Interactive discussion

C.      PowerPoint presentation

12.   At the end of a sermon, how do you usually feel?

13.   What is one sermon topic or specific sermon by Pastor Singletary that has helped you or a friend grow in understanding of Christian faith?

14.   What is the least favorite sermon topic you have heard from Pastor Singletary?

15.   What practical and specific suggestions would you offer to Pastor Singletary to assist him in growing as a preacher?

Bible Study Feedback Survey

Bible Study Feedback Survey

1.           What is the ideal length of time for weekly Bible study and prayer meeting?

2.           Which night of the week is best for you?

3.           What time is best for you?

4.           List three things you want to know about the Bible?

5.           List your three favorite books of the Bible?

6.           List your three favorite people in the Bible?

7.           List your three favorite passages in the Bible?

8.           What are your most pressing life challenges for which you seek biblical answers? 

9.           What is your least favorite character, book or passage in the Bible?

10.  What, if any, questions do you have about the Christian faith?

11.  Please provide any additional suggestions and feedback you would like.

Bible Study Notes - 1 John 5:1-12

Bible Study Notes – 1 John 5:1-12

We continue our study in 1 John which primarily teaches disciples how to live, individually and collectively, in the “beloved community” which the “Church” personifies.  The author, the Apostle John, “the Beloved Disciple” who also wrote the Gospel of John as well as the other two epistles and the book of Revelation, instructs believers on the practicality of living in fellowship with God through a relationship with Jesus Christ (the Logos and the Life) within a community of fellow believers. 

Each person, created in the image of God, possesses an intrinsic and unique ability to share God’s love with humankind.  The Bible in this grand First Epistle of John declares “God is love.”  He graciously embodies Himself and His love in each human life.  Conceivably, enlightenment occurs in our earthly journeys when we realize we born to share divine love with family, friends and neighbors.  By divine love, John means agape, the most supreme sacrificial, selfless, redemptive, healing and empowering love.  Following Christ’s example as the biblical writers detail in the gospel of John, Acts 10:34-43, Romans, 1 Corinthians 13, Philippians 2 and other New Testament passages, disciples demonstrate His love through a lifelong commitment of service which honors and glorifies our Lord and meets the direct and practical needs of humankind.  Disciples need the encouragement and empowerment of the Holy Spirit to faithfully serve as an instrument of God’s love. 

In this week’s passage, John reiterates the necessity of believing in the Incarnation of Jesus Christ as a foundational tenet of the authentic, traditional faith he witnessed as one of the original apostles.  He argues against the prevailing heresies such as Docetism and Gnosticism which relegates God’s gift of Christ to being a great theological concept which could enhance the life of anyone who asserts it premise.  Rather, John utilizes the fifth chapter of this letter to reinforce the non-negotiable Christian principle that Christ came in the flesh and revealed God’s love.  Genuine discipleship requires faith in the Son of God whose paradoxical life of being fully divine and completely human simultaneously offers abundant and eternal life.

Consider the following ideas and questions as you study the passage.

Faith in the Son of God – 1 John 5:1-12

• The Gospel of John and the apostle’s Epistles were written primarily to assist the younger Christians in the beloved community to better understand the Lord Jesus Christ.  The last remaining disciple instructs these relatively new believers about the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith.
• John boldly asserts the impossibility of believing in God without also believing in the gift of His “One and Only Begotten Son” whom God sends as the Redeemer, Savior and Lord of humankind.  You cannot love the Father without simultaneously loving His Son.
• More specifically, disciples must believe that Jesus came in the flesh.
• John continues his exposition on “The Great Commandment” as he states our obedience of God’s commands results in our love of our fellow disciples and human beings. 
• Obedience to God’s commands is the clearest evidence of a disciple’s love of God.  In a marriage covenant, a husband and wife pledge to honor and obey each other as it relates to love, respect, support and fidelity regardless of the circumstances they experience.  Love and commitment are the primary means and motivations for obedience in marriage.  Fear of divorce, legal punishment and loss of finances, material resources and reputation ultimately will not coerce faithful obedience from a wandering and indifferent heart.  Likewise, fear of hell and divine punishment on Judgment Day is not enough to yield a lifetime of obedience to God’s precepts and directives.  Instead, we seek to please the people whom we love.  We find joy in their happiness.  If we make God our “ultimate concern,” we devote our hearts and lives to Him.  We obey Him because we wholeheartedly love Him.  We seek to please Him and honor His holy character out of our love for Him.  The gospel through God’s love and grace accomplishes a main feat which the Law and threat of divine retribution could not.  In the loving and sacrificial gift of Jesus Christ, God faithfully keeps His covenant with humankind and appeals to our hearts.  Interestingly, His love earns and yields our love.
• Where there is love, there is no burden.  Obeying God is not burdensome for a disciple who genuinely loves Him.  As we mature spiritually and more greatly desire living in right relationship with Him, the temptations of the world lose their luster in our eyes.  As a consequence, we do not primarily seek the satisfaction of our physical instincts and the fulfillments of selfish desires.  We live to honor and glory of Almighty God by faithfully and joyously obeying His commands and selfless and tirelessly serving humankind.
• Everyone who has been born again and thus of God overcomes the temptations and lure of the world.  I hasten to add this victory is a lifelong spiritual process which necessitates perfect intention and commitment as you progress daily.
• Our faith in the perfect, embodied and historical example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, equips us to triumph over the world’s system of beliefs which clash considerably with the values of Christ.  In the Gospel of John, the apostle reassures the disciples that Christ overcame the world; thus they can do.  John quotes the Lord as saying, “Be of good cheer because I have overcome the world.”
• In the end, faith in Christ will surmount any adversities or challenges of the world.
• Only people who truly believe Jesus is the Son of God will be victorious over the world.  Otherwise, they will consent inevitably to the world’s ideology. 
• As members of the Reformed Church in America, we succinctly express our belief in Christ through our adherence to the “Apostles Creed” which we recite regularly as an affirmation of our faith.
• According to Dr. Thomas L. Constable, 1 John 5:6 alludes to Christ’s baptism and crucifixion, hence His arrival by water and blood.
• The Holy Spirit leads and guides into all truth by reminding disciples of Christ’s teachings and perfect example.
• In the next verse, Constable explains the three who bear witness are the Holy Spirit, Christ’s example via baptism, crucifixion and resurrection and the apostles’ teaching.
• In the ninth verse, John reaffirms the supremacy of the Word of God over human testimony.  This is a sobering word in an era of personality driven ministry in which ministers utilize their personal testimonies to organize churches and define a vision for ministry.  We must always remember as John exhorts the members of the beloved community that the Church is built on the foundation of Jesus Christ.  In agreement with Paul, we preach not ourselves but Jesus Christ crucified.
• The failure to believe God’s testimony about His revelation of Jesus Christ equates with calling God a liar.  Moreover, a denial of God’s revelation in Christ essentially says God is powerless to perform the miracles of the Incarnation and Resurrection.  A refusal to accept the gift of God’s Son means you believe God reneges on the eternal covenant He makes with humankind.  Using legal language, this means God perjures Himself as it relates to the promises He made to us.
• John finishes this section of his letter with a bold declaration that eternal life is only available in Jesus Christ who came in the flesh.

Bible Study Notes - 1 John 4:7-21

Bible Study Notes - 1 John 4:7-21

We continue our study in 1 John which primarily teaches disciples how to live, individually and collectively, in the “beloved community” which the “Church” personifies.  The author, the Apostle John, “the Beloved Disciple” who also wrote the Gospel of John as well as the other two epistles and the book of Revelation, instructs believers on the practicality of living in fellowship with God through a relationship with Jesus Christ (the Logos and the Life) within a community of fellow believers. 

In this week’s passage, John defines God as “Love.”  We will discuss our inherent lovability as children of God.  To be lovable means you are “worthy of love.”  We inherently possess this worth as children of God.  We do not submit to the treadmill of earning love as the world defines it.  In accepting God’s faithful and covenantal love for us, we triumph over life’s pernicious fears whether relating to relationships, finances, jobs or daily activities such driving, heights, water or traveling.  Moreover, the apostle assures us God’s perfect and unfailing love eradicates all types fear we encounter in daily living.  We will discuss the practical ways we define and experience God’s love.

Consider the following ideas and questions as you study the passage.

God’s Love and Ours – 1 John 4:7-21

• In the seventh verse of this passage, John insists love comes from God.  To love genuinely one must be born of Almighty God because God is love.  As disciples, we strive daily for a greater revelation of God’s love as embodied in Jesus Christ.  John uses the word, agape, which is Greek for the most supreme form of sacrificial and redemptive love. 
• A person’s inability to emulate Christ’s example of love is a clear indication of his ignorance of God.  We do what we know.  Our relational and experiential knowledge of God means we freely share His love with our fellow disciples and humankind.  Adherence to religious tenets does not suffice to demonstrate knowledge of God.  Sharing His love in accordance with His word (Isaiah 61:1-3, Matthew 25 and James 2:14-26) is more reliable evidence.
• God most clearly reveals and demonstrates His faithful and covenantal love for humankind in the gift of Jesus Christ as the “Lamb of the God who takes away the sin of the world.”  Christ is an atoning sacrifice, a literally a perfect sin offering that satisfies the holy wrath of God, in exchange for the totality human sin.  Christ’s gift shows sacrificial, selfless and redemptive love which enables each person to experience abundant and eternal life.
• In the eleventh verse, John exhorts the disciples in the beloved community to follow Christ’s example.  We demonstrate Christian love in appreciation for His indescribable and immeasurable gift. Our willingness to love without the expectation of receiving anything reflects our understanding of Christ’s love for us.
• In the next verse, John essentially shuffles the emphasis of “The Great Commandment.”  St. Matthew details this primary purpose of discipleship as loving Almighty God with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength and loving your neighbor as yourself.  Usually, believers emphasize their undying love of God.  However, John insists our love of fellow disciples and common people is the surest way to demonstrate our love of God.  In as much as God is love as we claim to know Him, we prove our knowledge through daily acts of lovingkindness.  John reminds his fellow disciples they have never seen God.  How can we pledge undying love to Someone whom we have never seen and ignore people who need our love whom we see each day?  If express love for our fellow citizens, we prove God who is love actually lives in us.
• God graciously gives us the Holy Spirit who encourages and empowers us to emulate Christ’s love.  Human nature intrinsically resists selfless giving without any expectation of reciprocation.  After our born again experience, the Holy Spirit enables us to progress spiritually as we more greatly acquire the mind, heart and character of our Lord.
• In the fourteenth and fifteenth verses, John reminds the beloved community of the necessity of believing in the actual, physical incarnation of Jesus Christ.  Again, he opposes the prevailing heresies of Docetism, Gnosticism and other ideas that questioned this fundamental teaching.
• In accepting this non-negotiable doctrine, disciples have assurance of God’s love as He embodies and reveals it in Christ.  In 1 John 4:16, God defines Himself as “Love.”  When combined with Exodus 3:20, the biblical definition of God means literally “I AM Love.”  I am the perfect, eternal, faithful, limitless Spirit of love.
• Accordingly, in order to know God, a person must know how to love.
• Moreover, God’s unfailing love liberates His children from fear of punishment or divine retribution for offending His holy character.  God does not sit in heaven with a sadistic thirst awaiting the final judgment so that He may satisfy His holy wrath.  His faithful love yields confidence on the Day of Judgment.  Like a parent who does not want his children to be afraid of him because he unconditionally loves them, God desires that we know His eternal, covenantal love which faithfully covers our sin and thus eradicates punishment.
• 1 John 4:18 is a divine promise worthy of heartfelt memorization.  In his first epistle, John offers a compelling legal argument about God’s perfect love.  In 1 John 4:18, the great Apostle of Love offers a four-point, line of reasoning.  “There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”  John assures early disciples the perfect love of Almighty God completely annihilates fear.  In Christ, God most clearly and uniquely reveals His perfect love for humankind.  This truth liberates us from fear of death; and empowers us to receive abundant and eternal life.
• In the next verse, John says we love simply because we understand the height and depth and breadth and width of God’s sacrificial love in Christ.  Selflessly demonstrating God’s love in Christ is the surest act of worship and thanksgiving.

• John concludes this passage with an admonition to love our brothers and sisters.  Frankly, anyone declaring love for God while maintaining a hatred of some human being is a liar.  In fact, it is impossible to love God without simultaneously loving our neighbors. 
• Summarily, John insists we prioritize the second part of “The Great Commandment” as much as the first part.

Sermon Styles and Outlines

Sermon Styles and Outlines

Below, I share four different type s of sermon styles and outlines I use regularly.  First, for more than a decade, I am friends with a lawyer who served on the Board of Trustees of my first pastoral charge.  We talk at length consistently. Our conversations solve the world’s problems using the distinct methods of theological and legal training.  Interestingly, he has more theological questions than I have; in turn I am very puzzled by contemporary legal outcomes if the law definitively relies upon reason, equity and fundamental fairness.  In answering each other’s queries, we realize we are both offering a defense for humankind.  He argues in an earthly court and I proffer a case in celestial realms.  In one conversation, he suggested the components of a sermon might parallel the four sections of a legal brief.

Second, I offer an “Exegetical and Expository Method” in which I adhere closely to the text by emphasizing three main verses.  Each verse has a sub-point in which I detail the meaning of a particular word, the significance of a character, the relevance of the biblical or extra-biblical context, a contemporary illustration, or benefits of practical application.  Assonance and alliteration help tremendously with recalling my sermon outline and congregants with remembering main points in the sermon.

Third, the “Hillman Method” honors a teacher of public speaking and speech whose career spanned more than a half century.  He affirms the foundation of good public speaking of whatever genre is to (1) tell them what you are going to tell them, (2) tell them and then (3) tell them what you have told them.  To that end, this outline is a basic three point sermon.  Yet, each of the three points has three sub-points.  This method depends heavily upon a strong, succinct and significant thesis and conclusion.  Dr. Hillman recommends pastors begin next Sunday’s sermon immediately following the 11:00am morning worship service by drafting the outline.

Fourth, Professor Paul Scott Wilson has written ten books on preaching.  I highly recommend his work.  The fourth method is the same as the title of his engaging, accessible and most helpful book, The Four Pages of a Sermon.  Professor Wilson adamantly stresses preaching concerns God’s actions in the biblical text and the world.  Preachers first describe the crisis in the text.  They balance this description with detailing God’s involvement in the crisis.  To contemporize the sermon, preachers discourse upon the problems in the world.  Again, they answer the question, “Where is God in the midst of these problems?”  Then, the preacher finds grace in the text and demonstrates God’s bestowal of it.  The sermon concludes with ax exposition of grace in the world and the ways in which Almighty God remains steadfast in unfailing love toward humankind.

Sermon Style: Based on a Legal Brief

Brief Form                                        Sermon Style

I.           Relevant Facts                            I. Setting

II.     Argument                                               II.  Message

III. The Law                                     III.  Text

IV. Conclusion & Summary                    IV.  Practical Applications

Sermon Outline – Exegetical & Expository Method

 

Introduction

 

 

Preview – Thesis Statement

 

Link Thesis Statement to a verse, word or character in the text

Body

1^st Main Verse

2^nd Main Verse

3^rd Main Verse

 

Sub-points

1stA – Word Study

1stB – Character or Contextual Analysis

1stC – Illustration – Application – Assonance/Alliteration

2ndA – Word Study

2ndB – Character or Contextual Analysis

2ndC – Illustration – Application – Assonance/Alliteration

3rdA – Word Study

3rdB – Character or Contextual Analysis

3rdC – Illustration – Application – Assonance/Alliteration

Review – Restate Thesis Statement

Conclusion

Sermon Outline – Hillman Method

Introduction

Preview – Thesis Statement

Body

1.

2.

3.

Sub-points

1A.

1B.

1C.

2A.

2B.

2C.

3A.

3B.

3C.

Review – Restate Thesis Statement

 

Conclusion

Sermon Outline – PSW Four Pages Method

Introduction

 

Preview – Thesis Statement

I. Problems in the Text – Where is God?

II. Problems in the World – Where is God?

III.  Grace in the Text – Where is God?

IV.  Grace in the World – Where is God?

 

Review – Restate Thesis Statement

 

Conclusion

Was the Deacon Duped?

A Case Study on the Necessity of Confidentiality

            In the fall of the 1990, two female high school graduates who belonged to New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Chicago left and matriculated at California State University at Northridge.  The young ladies grew up together in this church.  In fact, they had attended the same high school.  Elizabeth Grimes was the daughter of a stalwart member of the Senior Usher Board.  Sheila Micawber was the daughter of Deacon Uriah Micawber who had previously served as Chairperson of the Diaconate.

          Elizabeth and Sheila chose to room together at Northridge.  Their families agreed to and were pleased by this arrangement.  This rooming situation went well for the first year.  In the fall of the second year, unbeknownst to Elizabeth, Sheila began to date and become sexually active with Elizabeth’s boyfriend.  When Elizabeth learned of this situation, she severed the friendship and the rooming arrangement.  Additionally, she publicly denounced Sheila for her deeds.  She called home to her family and others at New Jerusalem to tell them of this ordeal.  A combination of guilt, exposure, loss of the friendship, and other factors eventually led Sheila to attempt suicide.  The intervention of the youth minister at New Jerusalem and school authorities prevented Sheila’s ultimate success in taking her life.

          In addition to the youth minister, Sheila’s mother, the Senior Pastor, the Assistant Pastor, the Associate Pastor for Young Adults and a few members of the Diaconate knew the details of the “betrayal” and suicide attempt.  However, Deacon Uriah Micawber was never told any of the significant details. 

          The clergy and deacons who knew of the predicament reasoned that the principles and ethics of priest-penitent confidentiality prevented them from sharing anything they knew with their colleague.  Were they justified in their rationale and choice?

          Summarily, was the deacon duped?

Acts 12:1-19 Bible Study Notes

Bible Study Notes - Acts 12:1-19

Consider the following ideas and questions as you read, study and meditate upon the passage.

·        Can miracles like this one occur in the Church today?

·        Note the relationship between Herod and the Jews (religious leaders of the nation); it is the relationship of Roman governmental power and Jewish religious authority.

·        Note the significance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the timing of the Passover.

·        What does verse 5 “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him” mean practically?

·        What do you envision the prayer meeting was like?

·        Imagine the setting, sounds, and smells.

·        Who are angels?

·        From whence do they come?

·        How do we explain the appearance and even more sudden disappearance of the angel or angelic presence?

·        Note the grasp of human power (governmental and religious) with the shackles, chains and number of Roman soldiers.

·        How would you describe Peter’s view of Almighty God and God’s faithfulness in light of verse 11?

·        As you read, remember to focus upon God’s role in the text.  Arguably, the Bible records the story of God’s faithful adherence to the eternal covenant that He made with humankind on the basis of God’s Name. 

·        Whenever we encounter a crisis in the text, we must always ask what God’s role in the crisis is.

·        Likewise, we ask how God acts as the agent of grace when we encounter grace in the text.

·        Is there any significance that Dr. Luke, the author of the book of Acts, specifically mentions Rhoda, a servant girl in his record of this miracle?

·        How do you explain the initial disbelief of the Church that had gathered at John Mark’s Mother’s house?

·        Note the relationship between the apostle Peter and John Mark, the reputed author of the gospel of Mark.

·        Recall that John Mark subsequently abandons the first missionary journey with the apostle Paul.

·         Why Peter was spared on this occasion but later is executed upside down on a cross?

Mark 11:12-16 with An Emphasis Upon Verses 22-24 Bible Study Notes

Bible Study Notes  - Mark 11:12-26 

With an emphasis upon verses 22-24

We continue our study in prayer and its importance as a foundational spiritual discipline in the life of an individual believer and church.  We will discuss practical methods for using the Lord’s commands in Mark 11:22-24 in prayer.

As you study the passage, consider the following questions and ideas.

·         Note the Lord’s hunger in verse 12.  Compare this verse with Matthew 9:35-28 and 1 Timothy 2:3-4 to consider the symbolism of the Lord’s hunger.

·         What is the basis for which Lord curses the fig tree?

·         Note the coincidence of fig trees; the fruit and leaves appear at the same time.

·         How does the story of the fig tree relate to the directions about prayer in the latter verses?

·         Place yourself in the temple when the Lord overturns the tables of the money changers and drive them out of the temple.  Imagine the drama and excitement that must have occurred.  Don’t forget to hide for cover lest the Lord’s strap of multiple cords hit you.

·         Seriously, how does the scene of overturning the tables of the money changers relate to prayer?

·         The Lord connects the withered and cursed fig tree to His commands on prayer.  What is the practical and spiritual connection?

·         In verse 22, the Lord responds to Peter’s exclamation about the dried up fig tree with the command, “Have faith in God.”  What does He mean especially by these words?  How do we daily live them?

·         Note the emphasis on speaking to the mountain in verse 23.  It is necessary to say the words. 

·         What does “does not doubt in his heart” mean?

·         What is the basis of doubt?  How do doubt and fear relate to each other?  Compare this verse with Numbers 13:17-33 for a practical application of how doubt and fear undermine faith.

·         Note that verse 23 says that you must believe what you say in order for it to occur.  Let’s talk about Intention and Purpose and how they relate to Faith.

·         Also, consult Romans 10:9-10 and James 3:1-13 as it relates to the power of words.

·         Verse 24 is the flash card of many ministries that further the “Ask it; Name it and Claim it” approach to prayer and these verses.  Others suggest “Believe it, Possess it and Receive it.”  Let’s discuss this approach and whether it accords with these verses.

·         Verses 25 and 26 connect Forgiveness to prayer.  Could the failure to forgive be a hindrance to prayer?

·         Verse 26 establishes the notion of reciprocity as it relates to the Lord’s forgiveness.  We cannot receive the Lord’s forgiveness if we harbor unforgiveness towards others.