to a sermon
February 2, 2011 (Wednesday)
George Whitefield (1714-1770) was a British Methodist evangelist whose powerful sermons fanned the flames of the First Great Awakening in the American colonies. In one of his sermons he gave suggestions for getting the most from a sermon. Here is a summary of his message:
1. Come to hear the sermon, not out of curiosity, but from a sincere desire to know and do your duty.
2. Give diligent heed to the things that are spoken from the Word of God.
3. Do not entertain even the least prejudice against the minister.
4. Be careful not to depend too much on a preacher, or think more highly of him than you ought to think.
5. Make particular application to your own hearts of everything that is delivered.
6. Pray to the Lord, before, during, and after every sermon, to endue the minister with power to speak, and to grant you a will and ability to put into practice what he shall show from the Book of God to be your duty.
God uses many things to help us grow in grace and walk closely to Him. The sermon has never been replaced in God’s plan. There is no substitute for hearing the Word of God proclaimed. The practice is definitely a part of our lives as Christians. We can help make it effective by actively participating in our hearts as the preacher heralds the precious Word. Whitfield has given us some very good thoughts to consider.
