I am nearing completion of a sermon series at the Broken Arrow Church of Christ entitled, “Dear Church,” based on the book of I Corinthians. The series has examined Paul’s intimate relationship with the church in the city of Corinth and what the Holy Spirit desired to communicate to them through the apostle by means of this letter. Sunday before last, the lesson was centered on I Corinthians 14 and was titled, “Dear Church: Can You Hear Me Now?” Many of the Christians in Corinth had been granted wonderful spiritual gifts of prophecy, knowledge, and tongues (languages) that were intended to enable communication of the Gospel and enhance understanding and maturity within the church. However, selfishness and immaturity in the exercise of these gifts had resulted in chaos and confusion in their worship assemblies. Paul directs them toward a use of their gifts that would bring about enlightenment, edification, and strength.
About halfway through the sermon, I was addressing I Corinthians 14:19 in which Paul states that “in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.” Bottom line: five words that you can understand are far more valuable than ten thousand that you can’t comprehend. As I sought to emphasize this point, I excitedly (and totally spontaneously) told the congregation that I would prepare and deliver a Five-Word Sermon in the near future. Note to self: Stick With the Outline!
So, this is where you come in, fellow blog travelers! Where should I go with this? Please share your insights and suggestions. Five words! It is likely that I will construct a lot of visuals to go with the lesson, along with accompanying Scriptures for the congregation to read on the screen, but I will limit my spoken communication to five words. I’ve already received a few suggestions from members here at BA. Hey, this might even turn into a Five-Word Sermon Series!
Thinking Out Loud 
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October 28, 2009 at 9:09 am
mwilloughby
Here’s a thought: Five words from Luke 1:5-24 – “How shall I know this?”
Knowing how much you love John the Baptist and considering the season that approaches, I thought you could probably work with this concept. Do you have a good song-leader? You might have to throw some songs in there too. Good luck!
October 28, 2009 at 11:12 am
Tim Pyles
Thanks, Mike, and those who have responded on Facebook and elsewhere. Here is some of what I have received:
“Be excellent to one another” (Steve Goff; props to Bill & Ted)
“His wounds paid my ransom” (Jeff Durham)
“Trust God – Keep His Commandments” (Joanne Cronin)
“I desire a RELATIONSHIP – God” (Corinne Oh, gleaned from The Shack)
“Tim, what are you thinking!” – (Colleen Detherage; relayed message from God)
“God’s love will never fail” (Lorrie Jones)
“Love your neighbor as yourself” (Jeff Castor)
“Jesus wept. Then He prayed.” (James Gilpin)
The following came from Teresa Folgate:
“Designed to Serve by Faith”
“Faith Empowered When Serving Others”
“Self Sacrifice Enlightened by Faith”
“God’s Career Placement in Progress”
“Discovering Your Talents Through Faith”
The day that I mentioned I would do the 5-Word Sermon, a visitor told me that Theodore Roosevelt once summarized the message of Christianity by saying, “Praise God! Bully for Jesus!” I have been unable to find any outside confirmation for this!
October 30, 2009 at 11:47 am
Karen Scism
Going to Heaven or Hell
October 30, 2009 at 11:51 am
Karen Scism
God is…yesterday, today, tomorrow
or God is…past, present, future
December 9, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Five Intelligible Words « Thinking Out Loud
[…] 9, 2009 in Uncategorized As I mentioned in a blog post back in October, in a moment of enthusiasm while addressing I Corinthians 14:19 in a sermon, and in […]