Thursday, June 28, 2007

Preaching, Teaching and Parables

My husband is an excellent preacher and he is also an excellent teacher. At church they tease him because he usually has three main points to his sermons with two – three sub points. He has a knack of making the harder things go down smoothly. I’ve learned so much from him through the years.

Jesus was excellent at preaching and teaching, but he also told many parables. Parables are just stories that illustrate the point you’re trying to make. My husband says that I’m storyteller. I do love to tell a good story and sometimes they make a point.

I’ve been very busy lately preparing for various teaching assignments. I’ve taught last weekend at the prison with my hubby and another couple. In two weeks I’ll be teaching again with couple of people. I’m not sure how I’ve gotten myself into all of this.

This Sunday, I’ll be preaching if you want to call it that for the first time. How did I get myself into this I wonder? Oh yeah…my wonderful hubby had this bright idea. I haven’t asked for this opportunity. I’ve not made any vows against doing it either. You know the type of vow I mean…"I will never, ever as long as I live preach on a Sunday.” The moment you say something that stupid you find yourself doing it. I didn’t do that. It wasn’t until last Sunday that I knew what I was going to speak on. Panic didn’t set in because I told my wonderful hubby that if I couldn’t come up with anything he was preaching.

Enter wonderful hubby offering to help me and that he did. I decided to speak on forgiveness. You can say he was my inspiration when he announced on Sunday morning that I was preaching next week. Now my "out" was out of the question. To his credit he was a great help in organizing everything. I appreciated his help so much. The rest is up to me. I thought that I would be nervous about this, but I’m not. I can’t say I’m looking forward to it, but I’m not dreading it either.

I find now that my kids are out of the house, my life is changing. My role is changing as their mom. It’s different parenting grown children. You pray for them, make yourself available if they seek advice, but ultimately the decisions they make are theirs. I love both my kids. Tom and I are very proud of them. I find now that I have more time to do ministry stuff that wasn’t there before when they were little.

There's a class this weekend, but I’m not teaching. I’ll be there helping out with the bookstore and working on my lessons for the next class in two weeks. I’ll let you all know if it goes well on Sunday or if they throw tomatoes at me.

Have a great weekend.

© Nadine Z. 2007

17 comments:

palmtreefanatic said...

the class sounds great!
My mom says the same as far as parenting is different with grown children... She put alot more time in ministry and recently became a pastor of a church!
This is wonderful and God has BIG plans for you to Nadine!

Emancipation of the Freed said...

Wow Nadine, you must have an awesome pastor! He freely gives up his pulpit so you can use your amazing God given gifts and talents? What a guy!

:)

Art said...

Trust me, no one will throw tomatoes... or anything else. I know, I've preached some really bad sermons and everyone said "Good job" anyway;) Seriously, good luck!

Susan said...

Will be eager to hear. I'm sure your do fine. I love the promise that His word will not return void. As long as you preach His word He will accomplish His will!!!
Susan

Louise said...

That is AWESOME...oh how I'd love to sit in and hear your sermon!!
You GO GIRL!!
Can't wait to hear how it all goes!!

Jill said...

I'll be waiting to hear how it goes on Sunday. God speed to you...I know you'll do great.

Shionge said...

Although I am not a christian Nadine, both of you simply inspired me :D

Damselfly said...

Wow, I hope your preaching goes great! I'm sure God will be with you.

Our church is getting our first woman pastor, and she begins tomorrow night! I say hooray for chick ministers!

Anonymous said...

You will do well. I understand your apprehension. I recently spoke on a Sunday morning and was out of my comfort Zone.
Its funny how we get into these things......... Its Jehova-Sneaky that does it.
Prepare and then rest, knowing He will pull it all together. He does not have any plans for you to fail. He loves the message of forgiveness so we know His presence will be all over it.
Bless you this busy weekend.

Tammy said...

Oh, God bless as you do your speaking...I know He will be with you!
(And was that your pastor that replied? I sort of got that feeling...heehee)

By the way, stop by today if you can...I just nominated you! :)

Anonymous said...

Hmm, I am excited to hear :) Love you...

KarenW said...

I love to read about how God is using others. Your lessons and your prison ministry sounds awesome! I was in prison once - just for a couple of hours. My dad is a Gideon and he goes to pass out Bibles and someone preaches. He asked me to sing one time. It was kind of scary at first but I am glad I was able to be a part of sharing the Gospel. Keep up the great job!

Dedee said...

Good Luck Nadine! My prayers are with you!

Anonymous said...

No one will be throwing tomatoes at you, Nadine! You will be spellbinding!

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Cheri said...

I like the new look.
I don't believe in luck, so I'll say...Have fun preaching!

Deb said...

OH! Nadine! I know you are going to do an awsome job. I will say a prayer for you. I can't wait to hear how you got along.
Blessings on your weekend.

eph2810 said...

I don't think that they will throw tomatoes at you, my dear friend. I think you will do just fine :) - Just keep your eyes fixed on our Maker and all will go well.
I am excited for you that you have the opportunity to preach at your church. Forgiveness is a hard, but also awesome topic to preach on.

Be blessed today and always.