Preaching Quote by David Schnasa Jacobsen
““This also leads Bonhoeffer to assert that the efficacy of preaching occurs only because it pleases God, who in the ministry of word and sacrament bestows the Spirit and allows it to grow and bear fruit. Preaching should be seen as a duty, a calling, and as a ministry of the word, the power of the word that is the Spirit who moves hearts when human words do not. In addition, preaching is an office; its purpose is to give the Spirit, active in the word, to establish the church.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Theology of Preaching, David Schnasa Jacobsen, 2005
Preaching works because it aligns with God's will, delivering the Spirit through word and sacrament to nurture the church.
In simple terms: Preaching succeeds when it pleases God and spreads the Spirit.
Key Takeaway
Treat preaching as a sacred duty that invites the Spirit.
Themes
faith
ministry
spirituality
Mood
reverent
reflective
Type
theological
inspirational
When to use this quote
- church services
- seminary education
- personal devotion
- mission trips
Key Concepts
theology
ecclesiology
sacrament
Questions to Reflect On
- How does one balance divine purpose with audience relevance?
- What role does personal faith play in receiving preaching?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook the listener's personal context and agency.
![“T]he church is not a place. It's not a building. It's not a preaching point. It's not a spiritual service provider. It's a people - the new covenant, blood-bought people of God. That's why Paul said, 'Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her' (Eph. 5:25). He didn't give himself up for a…” quote by Mark Dever](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7a4/mark-dever-3175_blood_t-he-church-is-not-a-place-it-s-not-a-bu_3297.jpg)
