Applicable Sermons
A minister never knows how a sermon is going to affect someone. A few weeks ago, in a sermon on forgiveness, I spoke of a sermon on that subject I had given six years previously. It deeply impacted one member of our congregation, who has told me more than once over the ensuing years, “I’ve never forgiven you for that sermon on forgiveness!”
A similar thing happened this week, when someone who had something he had been living with for some years found that my recent sermon on forgiveness was just the impetus he needed to do something about forgiving another person. He had a plan, but wanted to run it by me before walking down the path of forgiveness.
Some Sundays I preach a sermon that I think might be particularly helpful to someone I know who is going through some situation. They say nothing at the door, but one or two others tell me I was preaching right to them! Or, I answer a sermon request that some-one gave me, having no idea who it was, and receive no feedback that whoever made it was even in worship to hear it that day!
At a recent meeting of some thirty ministers, one minister said, “I never preach a sermon that I don’t need to hear myself.” Amen to that, I thought. For I don’t get up there and pontificate on what I think “you people” ought to be doing if I’m not willing to admit it applies to me as well. Sometimes that’s where I get my own illustrations.
I also realize that sermons are “hit and miss”. Some Sundays they ‘hit’ you; they are just what you need to hear. Other Sundays the topic may hold little interest for you, nor apply to you, but they do to someone else.
While I’ve preached 1,387 sermons over 35 years (haven’t I already said everything there is to say?), sometimes sermon themes come right to me on Mondays when I do my next Sunday homework. Other times, I read and study and ponder and find myself standing outside the church on Tuesday morning wondering what a catchy title should be. With a Tuesday Carillon deadline, that day has been my deadline for nearly 22 years. No waiting until Friday!
Charlie Ensley
Senior Minister