Second Page First

One of the disconnects in preaching can be at the very beginning of a sermon. It is all too easy to come up with a dazzling introduction that has little bearing on the content and general direction of the rest of the sermon. My suggestion: do your biblical interpretation work first in the sermon, not just in your study prior to preparing the sermon. Do your second (and third and following) page(s) first and then you are ready for illustrations. I believe that this practice will tighten up the logic of your sermons and enhance memorability and understanding for your hearers.