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We are all aware of the reality pain in life. This episode reminds us there is hope for us amid the main and suffering of life. I hope to encourage preaching to remain faithful when life falls apart around you. You can preach even when you heart, body, and mind are under assault.
Faith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!
Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org) -
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Preachers who prepare new sermons on a weekly basis can find themselves overwhelmed by the process. In this episode, we will discuss 10 struggles faced by preachers who prepare sermons weekly.
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1. The Weight of Spiritual Responsibility
2. Time Constraints and Competing Demands
3. The Pressure of Creativity and Originality
4. Scriptural Interpretation and Theological Complexity
5. Engaging a Diverse Audience
6. The Emotional Toll of Preaching
7. Maintaining Relevance in a Rapidly Changing World
8. The Risk of Routine and Complacency
9. Balancing Transparency and Authority
10. The Role of Feedback and Accountability
The struggles of preparing weekly sermons are as diverse as the preachers undertaking this task. From the spiritual weight of representing God’s voice to the practical challenges of managing time and engaging a diverse audience, the process is both demanding and deeply rewarding. Despite these challenges, preachers persevere, driven by their calling and love for the people they serve.
By acknowledging and addressing these struggles, clergy members can find ways to navigate the demands of sermon preparation with grace and resilience. This may involve seeking support from colleagues, engaging in ongoing education, or carving out time for rest and renewal. Ultimately, preaching is not just a duty but a sacred privilege—an opportunity to touch hearts, transform lives, and witness God’s word’s enduring power.
Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org) -
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This is an update about the podcast. I haven't been able to record the past two weeks because of a fall that resulted in me breaking my back. I am in considerable pain but doing well. I hope to be back in the studio this coming week with a fresh episode. Thank you for listening, and thank you for your prayers
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In today's episode, we discuss some ways we can improve our sermon delivery. You can have a well-designed, well-prepared sermon and have it lose its effectiveness because of poor sermon delivery. We have all been there, but if we will integrate a few simple changes into our preaching, we can improve our delivery in astounding ways. I have never met an honest preacher who says he cannot improve his preaching. We can all get better at what God has called us to do. Let me know what you think.
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Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org) -
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It is no secret that I love expository preaching. I love to hear expository sermons. I love to prepare them. I love to preach them. I believe they are the essential, non-negotiable diet of a healthy church. In this episode, I will (once again) discuss why I believe this is true. Let me know what you think.
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Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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In this episode, we talk about murdering our darlings. What does that mean? It means we need to be brutal with our sermons in the sense that we cut out of them any word, phrase, sentence, paragraph, illustration, story, etc., that does not need to be there. If it doesn't help the sermon progress toward its intended goal, it needs to be removed. Listen along and let me know what you think.
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Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org) -
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In this episode, we discuss the challenges and blessings of preaching Christ at Christmas. There are only so many texts that speak about the Lord's first advent. But in those few passages, there is a wealth of theological truth. Every year, we have the privilege of preaching the birth of Jesus. We need not approach the Christmas season with fear. We can approach the season with confidence, knowing the Bible contains a vast repository of spiritual truth related to the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. This truth can transform December from being a time of wondering what we will preach this year into a time of how will I preach everything I have already seen.
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Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org) -
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Preaching is a difficult task. It stresses the mind, the emotions, and the body. But preaching is a privilege. Learning to manage the stressors related to preaching will help us build longevity in the pulpit. This episode will explore some of the struggles preachers face on a weekly basis.
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Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org) -
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What are the essential elements of biblical preaching?
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How do you know you’re preaching a Christian sermon and not simply giving a religious or spiritual lecture?
While gospel-centered expository proclamation is the best approach to fulfilling the biblical call to preach, this episode could probably use more detail. Since preachers like alliteration and lists, I might suggest a checklist reflecting what I propose as the essential factors of faithful Christian preaching. Next time you prepare a sermon, maybe keep these questions in mind. Or, the next time you preach, share this list with your fellow elders or another team of trusted advisers and ask them to apply the questions to your delivered message.
1. Is your sermon CONTEXTUAL?
2. Is your sermon CONVICTIONAL?
3. Is your sermon CLEAR?
4. Is your sermon COMPASSIONATE?
5. Is your sermon CROSS-CENTERED?
Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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In this episode, I want to look at our motivations for preaching. I want us to see that we should preach for some very good reasons, even while we reject some very bad reasons. Listen to this episode, then reach out and let me know what you think.
Faith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!
Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the show
Subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review, and tell others about us if you find it helpful.
Contact me at [email protected].
The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org) -
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This episode delves into what can transform our ordinary preaching into great preaching. I share eight principles that distinguish a great sermon from an ordinary sermon. Thanks for listening!
Faith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!
Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the show
Subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review, and tell others about us if you find it helpful.
Contact me at [email protected].
The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org) -
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This episode discusses the importance of preaching the gospel in the pulpit and everyday life. There are reasons why we should preach the gospel. There are ways to preach it as well. Today, we believe that the Bible teaches us how to more effectively share the gospel with a lost world as preachers and believers. Let me know what you think.
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Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the show
Subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review, and tell others about us if you find it helpful.
Contact me at [email protected].
The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org) -
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Understanding the Book of Proverbs
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The Book of Proverbs is one of the most treasured pieces of wisdom literature in the Bible. Known for its concise sayings and memorable instructions, Proverbs offers wisdom for daily living and emphasizes the fear of the Lord as the foundation of knowledge. Preaching through the Book of Proverbs expositionally presents many unique challenges. The book’s structure, thematic and literary diversity, and focus on practical wisdom create an interesting yet complex struggle for preachers.
Expositional preaching aims to faithfully convey the author's original intent in a passage while making it applicable to the congregation. This episode provides a framework for expositional preaching through the Book of Proverbs, addressing key considerations such as structure, themes, literary style, and application.
1. Introduction and purpose (Proverbs 1:1-7)
2. Fatherly discourses (Proverbs 1:8-9:18)
3. Solomon’s proverbs (Proverbs 10-22:16)
4. Sayings of the wise (Proverbs 22:17-24:34)
5 . Solomon’s proverbs compiled by Hezekiah (Proverbs 25-29)
6. Sayings of Agur (Proverbs 30)
7. Sayings of Lemuel (Proverbs 31)
8. The virtuous woman (Proverbs 31:10-31)
Principles for Preaching Through Proverbs Expositionally
1. Preach with a Literary Awareness
2. Focus on Larger Sections and Themes in the First Nine Chapters
3. Use Topical Exposition in the Middle Section (Proverbs 10-29)
Examples of themes include:
- The righteous versus the wicked
- Diligence and laziness
- Honesty and integrity
- Wealth and poverty
- Speech and its consequences
- Family and parenting
4. Maintain Christ-Centeredness
5. Emphasize the “Fear of the Lord” as the Foundation
6. Preach with a Sensitivity to Application
Steps to Prepare Expositional Sermons from Proverbs
1. Select the Text with Purpose
2. Study the Literary and Historical Context
3. Identify the Main Idea and Supporting Points
4. Outline the Sermon Expositionally
5. Craft Christ-Centered and Practical Applications
6. Employ Illustrations and Visuals
Challenges and Considerations in Preaching Proverbs
1. Avoid Legalism and Moralism
2. Contextualize for Today’s Audience
3. Balance between Individual Proverbs and Broader Themes
Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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Over the centuries, many different styles and types of sermons have emerged in preaching and sermon delivery, each with strengths and weaknesses. Topical sermons have gained significant popularity due to their ability to address contemporary issues directly and cater to the immediate interests of the congregation. Many preachers like them because they are easy to prepare, while other types, like textual and expository sermons, require a far more significant time investment.
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Despite their appeal, topical sermons can be dangerous. They can undermine a church community’s spiritual growth and biblical literacy. This episode delves into the inherent risks associated with topical sermons and advocates for a more balanced and scripture-centered approach to preaching.
Let’s discuss the dangers of the topical sermon. Then, I want to show you a better way.
Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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We all know that churches are struggling. Some are sick, and others are dying. The church you serve might be one of those churches that is on the deathbed. In this episode, I want to address the modern church’s problem. In episode 138, we discussed the symptoms of a dying church and what causes the church to get sick and die. In this episode, we will continue this conversation by discussing how we, with God’s help, can turn the ship around. I would love to hear from you and get your input. Thanks for listening.
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Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the show
Subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review, and tell others about us if you find it helpful.
Contact me at [email protected].
The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org) -
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We all know that churches are struggling. Some are sick, and others are dying. The church you serve might be one of those churches that is on the deathbed. In this episode, I want to address the modern church’s problem. In this episode, we will discuss the symptoms of a dying church and what causes the church to get sick and die. In the next episode, we will continue this conversation by discussing how we, with God’s help, can turn the ship around. I would love to hear from you and get your input. Thanks for listening.
Faith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!
Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the show
Subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review, and tell others about us if you find it helpful.
Contact me at [email protected].
The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org) -
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Let’s face it. Sometimes, sermon preparation is as easy as it is at other times. I call the hard times “hitting the wall.” Just as writers struggle with writer’s block, we preachers can struggle with sermon block. I am referring to those times when the words won’t come, the thoughts won’t connect, and the sermon will not come together. I want to offer a few suggestions to help you overcome sermon block. Let me know if this episode has been helpful to you.
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Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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Sometimes, the Lord will lead you to preach a passage you have not studied. What do you do when this happens? You preach it, of course. We talk about this and much more in this episode. Let me know what you think.
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Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the show
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The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org) -
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Preaching is a powerful, God-given tool for inspiring, motivating, convicting, and comforting people. But preaching can also be dangerous. We can hurt people, lead them astray, and cause them much confusion.
Here are ten mistakes every preacher should avoid while preaching:
1. Using offensive language or engaging in hate speech: Preachers should avoid using language that is discriminatory against or harmful to a particular group of people. We can say what needs to be said without offending people. Some people strive to shock people when they preach. Only a foolish person is controversial, for controversy’s sake.2. Being too political: While addressing social issues from the pulpit is essential, preachers should avoid endorsing specific political parties or candidates.
3. Ignoring the audience: Preachers should try to connect with their audience and avoid speaking condescendingly or dismissively. Make eye contact. Address them with respect.
4. Lacking preparation: Preachers should take the time to prepare their sermons thoroughly so they can deliver a clear and concise message.
5. Being insensitive to the congregation’s needs: Preachers should be mindful that members of their congregation may be dealing with personal issues and should avoid making insensitive comments.
6. Being judgmental: Preachers should avoid making sweeping judgments about people based on their beliefs or actions.
7. Using too much humor: While humor can effectively engage an audience, preachers should avoid using it excessively or inappropriately.
8. Preaching for too long: Long sermons can be tiring and may cause the audience to lose focus. Preachers should aim to keep their sermons to a reasonable length.
9. Focusing too much on money: While discussing financial matters with the congregation is essential, preachers should avoid making money the sole focus of their sermons.
10. Lacking authenticity: Preachers should avoid being insincere or disingenuous: Preachers should avoid being insincere or disingenuous.
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Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org) -
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Growing in faith is a lifelong journey. It involves deepening our knowledge of God through Scripture, cultivating a prayerful relationship with Him, obeying His commands, and persevering through trials. It also requires engaging with the community of believers, serving others, and practicing spiritual disciplines.
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To be effective pastors and preachers, we must constantly grow in our faith. This episode discusses how to do that. Join me as I discuss this essential topic today.
Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org) - Visa fler
