Mind Mapping and Sermon Prep I’m trying out some mind mapping as I begin to collect ideas, study Scripture, and write for a sermon I’ll give in a few weeks. This map is just getting off the group, but I figured I’d throw some of it up and ask for ideas, Scripture links and other thoughts. The topic I’ve been given as part of our summer look at the person and actions of the Holy Spirit is that the Holy Spirit appoints and reveals. Here’s what I’m looking over and studying so far; click on it for a better image, and if you have thoughts, Scripture references, or want to bring some ideas to the conversation, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Sermon Prep: Daniel 5:1-31
I’m preaching again soon- this time on the story of Daniel, King Belshazzar and the writing on the wall. This summer’s journey through some of the great points in the Old Testament narrative has been pretty amazing for the people at Hope, and it’s put me in a place to preach texts that either have never preached from or would not usually choose. In this case, it’s both.
As I’ve done my preliminary readings and contextualization, I’ve realized that I have little real knowledge of the text of Daniel beyond his venture into vegetarian eating and the stories of the Lion’s Den and the Fiery Furnace (or to rephrase that, I’ve got the same knowledge of Daniel now that the average church-going 2nd grader does). So I’m beefing up on my Daniel-scholarship and looking for good resources if you know of any.
My two big speed bumps with this text so far:
- what does this text really say to the original audience (and us)? and
- how does this text tie into the whole story of the gospel? (or, perhaps to phrase that differently, how should I connect this to the big picture of the story of God?)
Insights are welcomed!
Describing David
I’ve begin sermon prep for next Sunday; with Jeff in Phoenix, I’ll have the opportunity to preach again, and I’m pretty excited about it. The story: David and Goliath.
In my study yesterday, I got stuck on some contextual reading in 1 Samuel 16. After his disobedience and the annointing of David by Samuel, King Saul is tormented by an evil spirit, and he seeks someone to play music for him to soothe his mind. An unnamed servant of the King tells him about David, and he describes David like this:
“Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the LORD is with him.” (1 Sam 16:18)
…but can he cook?
Seriously, the renaissance man typography is in full effect with David. He’s a musician, he’s a warrior, he’s articulate, wise, and fun to be around. And most interestingly, this person sees David as one who the LORD is with.
And so this shepherd becomes a musician in the court of the King.
Just goes to show that leadership begins with character, not position.
