Untitled Sermon

The Narrative Sermon Form

Narrative texts are best preached in the narrative sermon form. This form not only allows preachers to follow in their sermon the form of the text (the plot line) but it also allows their hearers to be holistically engaged in the story (emotions as well as intellect). In preaching Old Testament narratives, however, preachers cannot simply retell the Old Testament story. For modern hearers, preachers will have to suspend the story from time to time to explain the historical background and cultural customs that were obvious to ancient Israel. Moreover, they will have to retell the narrative in such a way that its message for Israel becomes evident to contemporary hearers. Furthermore, the message to Israel needs to be channeled via the New Testament and Christ to the church today. Therefore contemporary preachers cannot use a pure narrative form but will have to use a hybrid form.

Moving from the Old Testament to the New to the church today does not mean that all sermon forms will have the predictable movement:

1. Message for Israel;

2. Message in the context of the New Testament;

3. Application to the church today.