Episode 146: Hercules Collins', The Temple Repaired With James Renihan
May 20, 2024
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Dr. James Renihan discusses 17th-century Baptist Hercules Collins' book on preaching. Emphasizes effective sermon preparation, doctrinal accuracy, and avoiding controversy. Highlights the importance of biblical authority, shorter sermon sections, and aligning teachings with scripture. Explores the benefits and challenges of preaching from a manuscript, focusing on interpretation, simplicity in communication, and the value of books for ministry.
Understanding the context and scope of the text is vital for impactful preaching.
Structuring sermons around biblical doctrines and maintaining doctrinal coherence enhances message delivery.
Deep dives
Introduction to Hercules Collins and His Work
Hercules Collins, a pastor of an important Baptist church in London in the 17th century, authored the book 'The Temple Repaired' near the end of his life. This work focuses on preaching and homiletics, drawing parallels to William Perkins' 'The Art of Prophesy' a century earlier. Collins' insights offer practical advice, exhortations, and reflections on preaching.
The Importance of Understanding Texts in Preaching
Collins emphasizes the necessity for preachers to deeply understand the text they preach. He advises knowing the author, the context, and the scope of the text, cautioning against taking verses out of context. He underscores the significance of explaining difficult terms while avoiding unnecessary explanations to keep sermons focused and impactful.
Structuring Sermons and Applying Biblical Doctrine
Collins suggests structuring sermons around doctrines drawn from the text, aligning with the chief theme of the passage. He advocates for proving doctrines from other scriptures and ensuring consistency with the analogy of faith. By focusing on biblical doctrines and maintaining doctrinal coherence, preachers can effectively convey the intended message to their congregations.
Practical Preaching Advice and Continuous Learning
Collins provides practical advice on sermon preparation, delivery, and sermon length, emphasizing clarity, simplicity, and relevance to the audience. He stresses the importance of continual learning, recommending study and reading as essential for ministers. Collins' insights highlight the central role of preaching in the life of the church and underscore the ongoing education and commitment required for effective ministry.
In Episode 146 of Theology In Particular, I’m joined by Dr. James Renihan to discuss a little book written the 17th century Particular Baptist Minister, Hercules Collins, entitled The Temple Repaired. This is primarily a book about preaching. I trust that those who preach and those who listen to preaching will be encouraged by this conversation.
Contact:For information about International Reformed Baptist Seminary, go to irbsseminary.org.
For feedback, questions, or suggestions, email Joe Anady at tip@irbsseminary.org.
Announcements:Building Tomorrow's Church Conference What: The 16th Building Tomorrow’s Church conference is a 3-day conference of teaching and preaching on the theme “The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit” with speakers Jason Montgomery, Steve Meister, and J.V. Fesko. Also included with registration are lunches and dinners, a conference t-shirt from Righteous Wretch apparel, access to vendors, book deals, and all-day coffee from family-owned Coronado Coffee. Who: BTC is a conference for Christians of all ages. It’s especially aimed at encouraging those in reformed, confessional churches to grow and continue in their love for Christ by loving his bride, the church. BTC is sponsored in part by International Reformed Baptist Seminary. When: June 6, 7, & 8 (Thursday afternoon - Saturday mid-day) Were: At the host church, Grace Covenant Church, in Gilbert, Arizona (about 30 min drive from downtown Phoenix) How: Register online at buildingtomorrowschurch.com. General registration is $130/person and is open through the end of March. BTC still has room for a few additional sponsors. To find out more about sponsoring, email buildingtomorrowschurch@gmail.com. Speakers: Dr. Jason Montgomery, Pastor at Christ Covenant Reformed Baptist Church & Adjunct Professor of Church History at IRBS; Dr. JV Fesko, Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson; Pastor Steve Meister, Pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Sacramento, CA
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