Where Can We Find Anecdotes and Illustrations?

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Reformed Thinking

Edison Wu

2301 episodes

4 hours ago

"Reformed Thinking" is a podcast dedicated to unraveling the intricacies of biblical teachings and theological questions, influenced by the abundant heritage of Reformed theology and Puritan writings. Whether exploring weighty Bible passages or dissecting influential Reformed books and articles, our goal is to offer insights that not only cultivate intellectual expansion but also, and more crucially, spiritual edification. Join us as we traverse the depths of scripture and Reformed thought, aiming to enlighten and broaden your faith sojourn.

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Christianity

Religion & Spirituality

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Where Can We Find Anecdotes and Illustrations? | Charles Spurgeon

Reformed Thinking

26 minutes 19 seconds

5 days ago

Where Can We Find Anecdotes and Illustrations? | Charles Spurgeon

Deep Dive into Lectures to My Students by Charles Spurgeon - Where Can We Find Anecdotes and Illustrations?

Charles Spurgeon advises ministers on the art of finding anecdotes, emphasizing that one must never fabricate stories; truthfulness is paramount. If a story’s factual basis is doubtful, it should be discarded, as the entire world serves as an ample storehouse for legitimate illustrations. The primary sources for these are diverse and accessible. Daily newspapers offer abundant material where current events, such as shipwrecks or local crimes, can be transformed into parables about the human soul and the need for Christ.

History, ranging from ancient Greek classics to the lives of the Reformers, serves as another rich vein. Stories of the Crusaders' devotion or the secret integrity of ancient sculptors provide timeless moral lessons. Additionally, Spurgeon suggests digging into local topographical books to find specific anecdotes that will resonate with a particular congregation's identity. Furthermore, natural history is an ideal source because the God of revelation is also the Author of creation. Nature acts as a simple "primer" that helps clarify the more complex truths found in Scripture. Simple observations of a cat's pads, a bird's behavior, or a dog's loyalty can effectively explain the nature of temptation, heritage, or submission.

To master this skill, Spurgeon suggests keeping a "commonplace-book" to record metaphors and reading authors renowned for their use of imagery. Teaching children is also excellent training, as their short attention spans force a speaker to become interesting through storytelling. Ultimately, a preacher should intentionally practice finding "likes" in everyday life—whether looking through a shop window or walking in the woods. By keeping their eyes open to the "pictures" God has hung around the world, ministers can ensure their messages are both profitable and captivating, following the perfect example of Jesus Christ.

Finding a perfect illustration is much like a scavenger hunt where the world is the playground; the prizes are hidden in plain sight, waiting for a keen eye to connect a common object to a heavenly truth.

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