Sermon Architecture

A lot takes place in the first three minutes of a sermon. This post uncovers the assumptions the preacher has made about the Scriptures and about the listener.

This essay exposes how a sermon can faithfully explain Epistle of James 3:13–18 while structurally redirecting its verdict away from the hearer, thereby silencing its power to expose the heart, call for repentance, and produce true spiritual transformation.

The Holy Spirit is seldom denied in contemporary evangelical preaching at the level of formal doctrine. Most preachers will affirm that Scripture is inspired, that sermons should be prayerful, and that spiritual fruit is the Spirit’s work. Frequently though he is denied his rightful position.

The first 3 minutes of a sermon reveals in subtle, but very real ways, the theology of a sermon. Is the sermon going to be theology or anthropology? About God, or about me (or you) and our needs? Unfortunately, what often passes as Reformed preaching is too often man focused with the text used as a prop for the the minister's argument.

The following sermon architecture analysis is of a sermon by Rev Tony Archer at Woori Yallock Presbyterian Church. The text was Genesis 6:8-22

A structural analysis of a sermon by Rev Brian Harper preached at New Life BPC London. The primary text is Heb 5:1 “For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God… that he may offer… sacrifices for sins.”