Most preachers know that the more concrete and visible you can make your point, the easier it will be for your congregation to understand and remember your point. That explains why we so often employ "object lessons" in the children's message, as well as the growing popularity of video screens in the sanctuary for use during the sermon.
Peter and John use the occasion of a dramatic healing at the temple gate as a "visual aid" to draw a crowd and impress upon it their message of Jesus. A beggar who had been crippled from birth experienced an instant strengthening of his ankles and feet. (I love how he takes to walking and "jumping"!) As the people run together to see this amazing sight, Peter grabs the opportunity to give speech to his testimony of Jesus.
First, Peter is quick to give credit where credit is due. He points not to himself as the worker of this miracle, but to the name of Jesus (more about this in tomorrow's blog!)
Then Peter launches into an account of recent history featuring the rejection, betrayal, and murder of God's anointed servant. All of this is used to make his point: now is the time for repentance and reconciliation with God. An impressive act such as the healing of a man crippled from birth could only add to the power and conviction of Peter's compelling sermon.
When have you seen a visual aid or object lesson that impacted your faith?
No comments:
Post a Comment