There are many possible answers to that question. Most often, my ideas come from simply studying the Bible and thinking about what I perceive to be the needs of the congregation. Sometimes, I pick up good useful ideas from books, articles, and online writings that I read. I don't think I've ever just taken somebody else's material and preached it verbatim, but just about all preachers borrow material and ideas from others. For example, Sunday night's sermon will talk about things we need to know about the Lord taken from the letters to the seven churches of Asia (in Revelation chapters 2 & 3). I'll be taking a class on Revelation in June taught by Dr. Stafford North from Oklahoma Christian University. Brother North has written a study book on Revelation (Unlocking Revelation. Nashville: 21st Century Christian, 2003). I've developed a sermon based on these seven "lessons" from his chapter on the seven churches:
1. Jesus knows His churches.
2. Christ wants churches to guard their teaching.
3. Christ wants Christians to live in purity.
4. Christ wants Christians to grow in service.
5. Christ wants Christians to be ready for persecution.
6. Christ wants Christians to know they can be lost.
7. Christ will richly reward those who overcome.
Come Sunday night April 27 at 6 p.m. and see how I develop these points . . . some of the ideas come from Dr. North; some of them are my own -- hopefully, all of them will be biblical and helpful to you as you seek to live each day for Jesus.
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