This is the on preaching podcast with H.B. Charles Jr.

The podcast dedicated to helping you preach faithfully, clearly, and better.

Good day and thanks for listening to the podcast.

In this episode, I want to talk to you about my complicated relationship with sermon manuscripts.

Before we dig in, however, let me take a moment to note the

passing of Timothy Keller. The noted pastor, church planter, professor, author, and mentor went

home to be with the Lord a few days ago as of this recording. Remember his family and his

congregation in your prayers. Likewise, bless yourself by adding books by Timothy Keller to your library.

Let me commend to you his book simply entitled preaching.

It will help you if you want to preach faithfully, clearly, and better.

Likewise a few days ago, Harry L. Reader went home to be with the Lord as well.

Another faithful pastor and author.

And I would encourage you as well to be praying for his family and his congregation. And again,

pick up whatever books you find by Harry Reader. I think the first book I read by Harry Reader was from embers to a flame, from embers to a flame on revitalization.

And it's on revitalization from a God-centered biblical perspective.

It has still been a blessing to me, even though I read the book

many, many years ago. Well, let's dig into our subject matter. I am a reluctant manuscript preacher at this stage of my ministry.

I guess I've been thinking about this subject because not too long ago, at different intervals,

I was asked several times about whether or not I preach from a sermon manuscript and how that

squares with things I have publicly said and written in the past. And being asked those questions,

to be honest with you, I just stood there for a moment like a deer in the headlights.

Because I really don't know how to describe my relationships to sermon manuscripts.

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