What Makes a Good Sermon?

In the quaint seaside town of Oceanview, where the salty breeze pirouetted through cobblestone streets, a close-knit church family grappled with a tantalizing question: “What’s a good sermon?”

At the helm of this quirky congregation was Preacher Miller, a man with a beard as tangled as his fishing lines. Known for his hearty laughter and a penchant for swapping fish tales, Preacher Miller was both the spiritual guide and the local comedian. His favorite sermon illustration involved a fish that got away, a metaphorical escape for the congregation’s sins.

In the pew next to the fisherman sat Elder Thompson, a wise soul with a white beard that rivaled Moses’. He was the town’s living encyclopedia of Biblical wisdom, always ready to share a verse, albeit sometimes in the form of a cryptic riddle that left the congregation scratching their heads. Elder Thompson’s unofficial role was to keep Preacher Miller’s metaphors from swimming too far into the realm of absurdity.

Their dynamic was a humorous dance, with Preacher Miller casting out his amusing anecdotes, and Elder Thompson reeling them in with a dose of scriptural gravity. The congregation, a colorful mosaic of characters, reveled in this comedic tag team.

As the town buzzed with curiosity about good sermons, the duo’s interactions took center stage. Preacher Miller, decked in a worn-out fishing hat, would often turn to Elder Thompson during sermons, seeking his nod of approval or a raised eyebrow of skepticism.

During one memorable sermon, Preacher Miller attempted a metaphor involving a net full of fish representing the saved souls. Elder Thompson, with a twinkle in his eye, countered with a reference to the disciples being “fishers of men.” The congregation erupted in laughter, appreciating the friendly banter that kept the sermons both enlightening and entertaining.

When it came to the biblical role of Elder, Elder Thompson was the voice of reason, the anchor in the sea of theological exploration. With a gentle spirit, he encouraged the congregation to delve deeper into the Word, often chuckling at Preacher Miller’s more outlandish interpretations.

In this whimsical community, the church family embraced the unique blend of humor and wisdom that Preacher Miller and Elder Thompson brought to their spiritual journey. The town of Oceanview continued to navigate the seas of faith, anchored in the scriptures and buoyed by the laughter that echoed through the stained glass windows of their extraordinary church.

NEW RELEASE: Everything Happens for a Reason

LISTEN
  • Everything Happens for a Reason
    by Keith Butler

In an attempt to give meaning to what appears to be inexplicable circumstances in life, many people say, “Well, everything happens for a reason, you know.” The truth of the matter is that everything does happen for a reason!

In this book, Bishop Butler explores the truths found in the Parable of the Sower, uncovering the secrets God has hidden for you, including the following:

  • What God does, how he does it, and why
  • What Satan does, how he does it, and why
  • What you should do and why

These truths will give you tools for avoiding self-inflicted wounds and strategies to use to deflect the five tools Satan uses – affliction, persecution, the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things – to try and keep the Word from becoming deeply planted in your life.

You can live a lifestyle that pleases God! The Word gives you an answer to overcoming every problem you face in life! You can live a life of victory!

©2015 Keith Butler (P)2020 Harrison House Audio