It's always a little concerning when I cannot verify a sermon illustration (usually something purported to be historical and true) from any source other than sermons or sermon illustration sites. Early in my preaching I was not as discerning as I am now. While brainstorming with Preach360 App/Gemini, it suggested a historical illustration that I have seen before. I couldn't find any independent verification. To its (or apparently "his") credit, I asked directly and got this response: "That is a discerning question! To be completely honest with you—as one brother to another—the Waterloo Semaphore story is largely considered an apocryphal 'preacher's story.' While it's a brilliant homiletical illustration, most historians agree that news of the victory actually reached London via a human messenger (Major Henry Percy) who traveled by carriage and boat. There was no direct semaphore line across the English Channel at that time that could have transmitted a message in that specific way." Three things can be true: 1) As communicators of Truth, we should be very discerning about everything we say, including "brilliant homiletical illustrations". You shouldn't use something if you know it to be untrue. 2) We are sometimes lazy regurgitators of untrue stories, which merely causes them to spread more. 3) If you love an illustration that you know is apocryphal and want to still use it, just say at the beginning something like: "this is probably (or is) an untrue story, but it illustrates this point..." and use it. I find it hard to do that a lot, but have done it occasionally. Other approaches or thoughts?

This Wednesday, I'll teach you a simple, 5-step process for crafting sermon introductions that don't merely grab attention. They create expectation. There's a huge difference. And expectation is far better. Learn why... and exactly how to implement the 5-steps using the Preach360™ Sermon Studio. Yes, I'll demo the process in the all-new Preach360 workspace! Hope to see you there. Here's the link: https://www.skool.com/preach360/calendar?eid=ca6f3e70c6584bd1987315a579ae0416

In my seminary homiletics class this week, something came up that I found helpful. When selecting a keyword, do a biblical-theological study of that word. See where else in Scripture it appears. There may be some amazing connections that can be made by simply doing a study of the keyword and its usage throughout Scripture.

I'd love to hear about any "wins" this past Sunday and/or "lessons learned." Even when things don't go as we'd hoped, that lesson learned can be applied next week, making what feels like a loss actually a win in the long run! - What did you experience that went well? - What do you think you'll do differently this week? - Did you try any new delivery ideas from the workshop? And remember that tomorrow is our workshop on how to plan your sermon prep week. Would love to see you there: https://www.skool.com/preach360/calendar?eid=1557f0f986cf4fd796bc2a8708747665 Yours, by grace alone, McKay

I'm wanting to plan a specific 20 session discipleship plan for a couple suffering from PTSD after being excommunicated from a cult. This could last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years. Who knows? How would you go about it? So far I have 5 pillars 1. God as you refuge 2. Grade exchange 3. Church as a hospital 4. Word of God as a feast 5. Forgiveness as release Within each pillar I have 4 weeks planned. My time will be a devotional with 1 to 3 question. Don't want to overwhelm followed by prayer. Any suggestions how to walk with someone. I feel a little out of my depth and feel they may need specialist help as well as me to walk with the spiritually