This is episode #017 of The On Preaching Podcast, the podcast dedicated to helping you preach faithfully, clearly, and better. I recently had the opportunity to interview one of my preaching heroes, Dr. Steven J. Lawson -  a faithful preacher, seminary professor, and prolific author. Click here to see part 1 of the Steve Lawson Interview.  Click here to see part 2 of the Steve Lawson Interview. I so enjoyed the conversation with Dr. Lawson about ministry and preaching, I thought I would share it with my podcast audience, as well. So this and the following episode will be the audio...

This is part 2 of my interview with Steven J. Lawson, President of One Passion Ministries and Executive Editor of Expositor magazine. Make sure you check out part 1 of my interview with Steve Lawson.  In the first part of our conversation, we talk about Dr. Lawson's background,conversion, education, formal training, and pastoral ministry. Much of this second part of our conversation is about sermon preparation and expository preaching. Steve Lawson is an exemplary preacher. He is faithful to the truth of the word of God. And he is faithful to the hard work of presenting God's word with accuracy, clarity, and boldness....

Steven J. Lawson is the President of One Passion Ministries. He is also a prolific author, seminary professor, and international conference speaker. Lawson is also the Executive Editor of the new preaching magazine, Expositor. I was introduced to Steve Lawson through one of his early books, When All Hell Breaks Loose. It is an exposition of Job. Afterward, I have made it my business to buy and read everything Lawson writes. NOTE: Do yourself a favor and get a copy of Lawson's new book, The Daring Mission of William Tyndale. After reading Lawson for years, I finally heard him preach. And I...

Happy Valentines Day to my wife, Crystal!  "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine..."  Thanks for all the very kind birthday wishes this week. I am grateful to be 42. (104 in preacher years!!!) Don't miss the latest episode of The On Preaching Podcast: Preaching Funeral Sermons. Check out the Jeffrey A. Johnson Sr. Interview. We were blessed to have Dr. Steven J. Lawson preach the word during Word Encounter 2015 at the Shiloh Church. (Be on the look out for my 2-part interview with Steve Lawson next week). Read my article in the latest Leadership Journal: Interruption or Divine Appointment?...

Teach Me (Psalms 119:33-40)

This is episode #016 of The On Preaching Podcast, the podcast dedicated to helping you preach faithfully, clearly, and better. In this episode, we talk about preaching funeral sermons. Here are 10 practical tips for preaching funeral sermons: 1. Preach a sermon; do not give a eulogy. 2. Use knowledge about the deceased carefully and wisely. 3. Be brief. 4. Consider the family. 5. Don’t avoid the subjects of death and eternity. 6. Give the family permission to grieve. 7. Assume you are talking to Christians and non-Christians. 8. Do not speculate. 9. Present the gospel clearly. 10. Avoid manipulation. Questions What do you think of...

After I study the text I plan to preach, I craft a sermon skeleton. A sermon skeleton is a statement of the sermon’s content, purpose, and structure. It includes the title, text, point, outline, transitional sentences, and other elements of the sermon. I used to state the sermon objectives in the skeleton, as well. I still think and pray about the objectives of the sermon, even though I don’t put them on the skeleton. But it is a good practice I commend to you as you prepare to preach (or listen to preaching). The objectives of the sermon are the...

Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson Sr. is the Senior Pastor of the Eastern Star Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he has served since 1988. The Eastern Star Church, one church in three locations, is a model of both church planting, multi-site ministry, and church growth. Pastor Johnson is a devoted husband and loving father of four sons. Along with his pastoral responsibilities, he is also a much sought-after preacher, the author of several books, and a mentor to young Christians leaders around the country. Enjoy this interview with Jeffrey Johnson, as we discuss his life, faith, and ministry! Did you find this...

It was a great joy and privilege to speak at the Go Conference at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary this week! Shout-out to Pastor Michael Clifford for leading the Men's Discipleship Fellowship this weekend in my absence. Word Encounter 2015 got off to a great start this week at the Shiloh Church. Dr. Rudolph McKissick Sr. and Pastor Jeffrey Johnson blessed us richly. Don't miss Dr. Steven J. Lawson this upcoming Tuesday and Wednesday (2/10-11). NOTE: Be on the lookout for my interview with Pastor Jeffrey Johnson this coming Monday (2/9). Peter Mead: 10 Pointers for Young Preachers Andy Flowers: 4 Ways...

The Great Commandment (Matthew 22: 34-40)

Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. – Psalm 119:97 Shiloh Church loves the word of God! It is the foundation of our life and faith in Christ. It is the means of our spiritual growth. It is the light and lamp for our pathway. February will mark a special time in the word we are calling Word Encounter 2015! Guests speakers from our community and from around the country will preach the word to us on Tuesdays at Shiloh Orange Park and Wednesdays at Shiloh Downtown. There will also be special musical guests each week...

Thanks for reading my blog. Enjoy these Saturday Shout-Outs!  Don't let the Super Bowl get in the way of your worship of Jesus tomorrow! YOU CAN SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL LIST IN THE BOX AT THE TOP RIGHT OF THIS PAGE TO RECEIVE A FREE WEEKLY SERMON MANUSCRIPT. TODAY'S MANUSCRIPT IS FROM PSALM 23! Shout-out to Pastor Robert Jackson for the opportunity to preach the wonderful congregation of the Forestville Baptist Church in Greenville, South Carolina, this past Monday and Tuesday. And special thanks to Pastor Paul Fleming for all of his kindnesses. A big shout-out to the North Greenville...