i have finished my outline for this week, again pressing the deadline for my ministry assistant and ppt tech. i hate trying to force out an aliterated outline. i know, i know, aliteration is not a requirement. i am called to preach the word and if i reduce the process to coming up with points that all begin with the same letters, i run the risk of betraying the content and neglecting the standards of truth to which i am bound. i get that. i would rather preach using any random combination from the alphabet and have that message change lives including my own, than have perfectly presented outlines that are aliterated and three levels deep, that appear on the surface profound and polished but upon closer examination, mean little in the scope of eternity and what's more have no impact on the lives of the listeners.

it has become more challenging to me, instead of easier. it is just not second nature to take a passage of scripture, plumb the depths of the truth, shape a clear message and prepare it for general consumption. i need a nap.

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Posted by SteveWalden

It's not true alliteration until you get it to do it in the Aramaic, Hebrew or Greek. Seriously, don't let what you want to do creatively get in the way of the message. Words serve your purposes, not the other way around.

That said, it's good to see a guy who pursues his craft this intensely.

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Posted by SURRENDERED

I love the challange of preparing a message but I haven't given much thought to the alliteration thing or other tools like it. I am not a seminary trained speaker so I just rely on God to reveal the deapths and riches of the word. He knows who will be listening and what they need to hear. Just soak the message in prayer and God will lead you in what to say. I do love the process of studying for a message. May God bless you.

Brother Luke

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