James L Slemmons > James L Slemmons's Quotes

“The trouble with some of us is that we love preaching, but we are not always careful to make sure that we love the people to whom we are actually preaching. If you lack this element of compassion for the people you will also lack the pathos which is a very vital element in all true preaching. Our Lord looked out upon the multitude and ‘saw them as sheep without a shepherd’, and was ‘filled with compassion’. And if you know nothing of this you should not be in a pulpit, for this is certain to come out in your preaching.”
― D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Preaching and Preachers

“There is nothing more hateful than a man who deliberately tries to play on the surface and superficial emotions of people. I have no interest in that except to denounce it.”
― D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Preaching and Preachers

“What is the chief end of preaching? I like to think it is this. It is to give men and women a sense of God and His presence.”
― D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Preaching and Preachers

“Individuals are now “spiritual consumers” who will go to a church only if (and as long as) its worship and public speaking are immediately riveting and attractive. Therefore, ministers who can create powerful religious experiences and draw large numbers of people on the power of their personal appeal are rewarded with large, growing churches. That”
― Timothy J. Keller, Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City