The more specific the statement of the FCF early in the sermon, the more powerful and poignant the message will be. An FCF of “not being faithful to God” is not nearly as riveting as “How can I maintain my integrity when my boss has none?” A message directed to “the prayerless patterns of society” will not prick the conscience or ignite resolve nearly as effectively as a sermon on “why we struggle to pray when family stresses make prayer most necessary.” Generic statements of an FCF give the preacher little guidance for the organization of the sermon and the congregation little reason for
...more
