Metaphor, Story, Mystery and Image

Sweet loves using metaphor, I had heard some preachers talked about something that it does not add up to the passage chosen for the sermon, and often gets confused by it, preachers are seen as fishermen, and the one who gives spiritual food for the mind and soul of a person. Preachers will tell a story as a way to capture the attention of the listeners, but it depends on the preacher and the audience, I guess it is not a good idea to use a metaphor that the audience have no idea what it looks like, for example when the preacher talked about Jesus the lamb of God to the people who have never seen a lamb in their life or have not seen pictures, it will be very difficult to make them understand unless they provide props, still is not the same, some of our preachers use images or pictures of the lamb to explained what it look like and it's character, the preacher then will give the audience the reason why Jesus is called the lamb of God.

We are made in God's image, the preacher will talk about the story in Genesis and it is a mystery because no one have seen God, but we have seen images, Jesus was God in a form of human, I often asked our children to draw a picture of God and show us what God look like to them, some of them draw a picture of an older man and some of them draw cross and some draw angels, each one have their own image of what God looks like, they ages from 4yrs to 10yrs,
One time the same question was asked to a group of grown up, everyone has an amazing image of what God looks like, some draw a plant, an eye, a palm tree, a rainbow, dove and many more, I guess each one has their own understanding of these four concepts in concern with the communication in a congregation. Story are
told in a congregation to explain the meaning behind the preachers message, it is also good to talk about current events and how it is effecting the lives of people in the community. rather than going on and on talking about the story in the bible that happened 2000yrs ago, and very little explanations of what the story is going to do for our lives today, how it is going to help us understand some of the things happening in our lives today, I still struggle to understand some of the parables Jesus use to explain the Kingdom of heaven, we watched movies and it helps to explain better than reading.

changes in preaching and communication

changes in our world in regards to preaching and communication has been an ongoing process, this change has affected many lives in the christian faith. normally ministers are the ones who preached in the church, sometimes in our parish those who are lay preacher's can also preached, but not on the ministers pulpit. street preacher's have increased over the years and it has changed some peoples lives in their christian faith'. This society has many religious and they have their own believe which is can be very helpful if we are to have a united society of various religious. We can learn from each other and explained the importance in preaching and when we communicate and developed a good relatioship with those who are of various religion. Sometimes preaching have great impact on the lives of many, mainly when they are of another ethnicity group. There are also more women preaches today almost more than men in some group.. these are the changes and we quiet enjoy it.sometimes it is good to have a small place and focus on the sermon rather than going to a huge place where we cannot understand their message.

Strories told by preachers

Stories are told for various reasons, either to clarify the message or to explain what the message is going to effect their spiritual life.The one who conrols the meaning of the story will both be the dilever and the receiver, one good example would be, one accident and two people will tell the story, although one story but it will not be the same. Often we listen to preachers who loves to tell about their stories before they go into ministry, although they seem nasty stories but they tell it as a way to help others, but it seem that they have the authority to do and say whatever they feel because it will help listeners.

perhaps it is a good idea but it sort of interfere with the reality of the gospel message and it may give wrong interpretation to some listeners as well. There are so many stories in the bible which we can use and relate to our lives today and help us also. Stories are good and bad it depends on how we use it in a positive way that may support our spiritual being and how we make connection with God.

post 3

ideas from pg 204-205, Instead of worrying about how to please them try and think how to draw them into doing more with their faith.Tell them about how wonderful God is , share some wonderful memory you have experienced encounter with God. Try something different if the sermon is to difficult for them to understand.Often people complain a lot about the sermon when it is too long or something that does not interest them, we hear others who would comment that their souls are hungry, that is why they are not satisfied, I guess we can use of symbols like what Jesus did in his form of teachings, using examples can make people understand and be aware of the audience because some examples are not relevant to the audience. For example, create a scenario or role play then use it in a sermon, hoping the people can identify the differences and embrace what is good and helpful to their lives and recognize the goodness of God.

Jesus Follower

Hi everyone
I am grateful to have finally come online and be apart of your team. Sorry for being late but I hope to catch up with you soon, this is what technology has done to me however, it made me stop and think hey, is it safe to cross the road or not? Uncertainty emerged, raised many questions, faith becomes challenged, sadness occur, joy and happiness also emerged, but changes is inevitable, nothing stays the same always, only gods love for everything never changes learning new ideas is awesome. I am currently living in Auckland, I hope to use the skills I have learned from this lesson in my community. We are at present developing a community for those who does not belong to christian faith community. I hope to take these skills and help our people that have not been exposed to most of the modern technology that are being used in christian faith communities. Its a pleasure to be part of your team, and hope to meet you all some day. Blessings.