Hi Deepak,

Good question.

I have only one real desire for an introduction: that it will impress upon the congregation why we desperately need to hear the message of the particular passage of Scripture we are looking at together.

Of course, we ought to believe that just because it is in the bible. So, I'll assume the more mature believer will listen anyway. So, I'll particularly think about one central question that the passage addresses that will be of interest to the immature Christian and the Non Christian. I'll then think about how to impress upon people the necessity of answering that question, perhaps raise up front the answers that other worldviews will give to that question and then launch into the text and its answer.

I aim to make it engaging, contemporary, transparently relevant, an opportunity to show that I understand that some people disagree with the bible's answer, and trans-cultural (embracing high culture / low culture / multiple ethnicities). Above all, the question I raise must be answered by the text and be close to the central point of the text.

E.g.

Last week I preached on the Abimelech Narrative (Judges 9). The question I raised there was "Who's in control when things seem in disarray?"

The complete political crisis in Britain over the past week, as well as European parliamentary elections and the fragility of Brown's leadership provided a gift of a backdrop in which to ask such questions.

Who's in control: Brown? the queen the parliamentary Labour party? the electorate? Brussels?

We explored the elusiveness of power for a few minutes and then launched into Judges 9. The answer, of course is that the Lord is utterly in control both to curse and to bless.

I guess sometime soon the sermon might appear on our website...