Constructing the Message

1
Constructing the Message

• Ministering the Word with Power 9

• Learning from the Greatest Creator (Gen. 11-2)
• As you let God work through you, you too will be
  creative (Phil. 213)
• From Murk Mud to Magnificence

• First, learn to be a good gatherer (Prov. 66-8)
• Gather material, quotes, illustrations and
  insights from God and others
• Francis Bacons comments on the spider, ant and
  bee (Walking with Giants, 226)
• Pointers on Gathering
• 1) Always have a notebook handy to write notes,
  quotes insights
• 2) Use a highlighter when reading
• 3) Keep a good files system (Hard copies or
  computerized)
• 4) Slowly acquire a good library

2
Gathering Building

• Haggai 17-8
• 1) When you are ready to construct a message
  first get all the raw materials together, just
  like a builder would bring together wood, steel,
  nails, tiles and paint
• Dont be concerned about the order first, just
  gather the materials
• The inspiration you first receive for your
  message is probably going to look very disorderly
• 2) Next, set aside a specific amount of time
  (without interruptions) to pray and prepare the
  message
• In this time you will begin to put the raw
  materials into order (verses, points,
  illustrations, quotes, etc.)

3
The Trunk of the Tree

• A good message is like a tree
• The trunk (or heart) of the message is made up of
  three important parts
• The Three Ps
• Passage (or verse)
• Premise (proposition)
• Purpose (intent)
• Solving a problem

4
Structuring a Message

• Once you have gathered your raw materials and
  identified the heart of your message, then you
  are enabled to construct your message.
• The Structure of a message should include
• 1) An introduction (mentions 3 Ps)
• 2) A Body
• Contains the main points and divisions of the
  message
• 3) A Conclusion
• The structure or outline of a message is like a
  skeleton - it needs flesh and life otherwise it
  is dead.
• Never be glued to a specific method of making a
  message, only let the method help bring clarity
  to your creativity.
• Homework - Analyze Spurgeon Sermon