|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” Acts 2:37 NASB
When I listen to sermons, I’m changed. Moments of my life became crossroads during a sermon.
I feel inspired when I hear a good sermon. Like a chef inspired for their own recipes while watching another chef cook, so is listening to a good sermon – ideas for my life and future sermons start popping in my mind.
In our age of media, when children are given “screen time” by their parents, with podcasts, blogs, and vlogs – are 30-minute sermons still relevant? With the great falling-away of church attendance during COVID, we need to ask the question:
Do we need sermons today?
The word in the Greek translated “heart” is “kardia.” The word “kardia” is used over 800 times in scripture but never refers to the physical heart. We go to a cardiologist for our pumping blood heart.
The word “kardia” in the Bible refers to the center of our being. It means mind, will, and emotion or the core of our identity.
Our English word “cardio” refers more to our physical heart and body. Remember, “heart” in the Bible refers to our soul, while “heart” in English pumps blood.
After Peter preached under the calling and power of the Spirit in Acts 2, those listening were “pierced” in their heart. They were convicted for life. More than 3,000 changed thinking and lifestyles immediately through Peter’s sermon.
Wow – that’s the brain on sermons.
I say “brain on sermons” because our mind, will, and emotions are centered in the brain. I need to be careful in my dissection of heart versus mind as there is solid evidence of a literal heart response and sensitivity to emotive situations.
Let’s just focus on the “brain on sermons” in this blog.
Great preaching hits the brain with intellectual, emotional, and volitional power, that combined with the Holy Spirit brings healing, hope-filled resolution of anxiety, and relational resolution.
The Book of Acts calls this “pierced to the heart.”
During stress, our brains and emotional health need a solid course of Biblical preaching.
The best sermons are heard in person, with others in attendance. Considering the importance to your health and the ability for a sermon to overcome depression – everybody needs a brain on sermons.
Get to the pharmacy… errr… your church to get the correct dosage this weekend.