Would you like to learn how to preach “powerful biblical sermons”? On Sabbath afternoon, October 15, 2016, Dr. Derek Morris, president of Hope Channel, conducted a seminar on that very topic.
He anchored his presentation with nine foundational points. First and foremost is the need to preach “in the power of the Holy Spirit.” He challenged participants not to “preach in your own power.” Jesus is the consummate communicator. For those who want to learn how to improve their preaching should turn to the life and example of Jesus.
“Preach the Word of God, instead of your personal opinions,” noted Morris. “Don’t let it be something to entertain people, but what God’s Word has to say.” After all, “When you preach people need to hear the Word of God.”
Morris reflected upon his experience from over a decade of teaching homiletics at Southern Adventist University. He remembered one student, who at first preached mediocre sermons, who went to pray in the woods. This student prayed “to let God do whatever you have to do in me, to work through me.” The second semester his classmates were amazed at how this unassuming student preached with power.
Morris shared how his teaching of preaching led him to pursue a second doctorate at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary where he studied under Haddon Robinson, perhaps best-known for his book, Biblical Preaching, among dozens of other books on the topic.
AIIAS student Tabua Kotobalavu expressed his appreciation for this training opportunity noting that it was “indeed powerful.”
The nine principles can be found in Dr. Morris’ book, Powerful Biblical Preaching, which is available through his website: www.powerfulbiblicalpreaching.com.
“In order to be relevant and powerful, Biblical preaching must be a vital part of our Seminary training,” notes AIIAS seminary dean Ricardo González. In addition to this training opportunity, the Seminary will host its second annual preaching lectureship Jan. 19-21, 2017, featuring Dr. Hyveth Williams.
