Who are the most powerful youth speakers/preachers you have ever heard? What is it that made their delivery more powerful that others you have seen?
Out of all my years of student ministry, there are two youth speakers who rise to the top of the “Powerful Preachers” list - Tommy Oaks and Pastor Richard Crisco. Although these two speakers are both passionate storytellers who know the scriptures well, there is something else altogether that sets them apart from everyone else…
Authority.
Mark describes an interesting experience when Jesus was teaching in the synagogue:
21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.
[Mark 1:21-28, NIV]
The issue with the teachers of the law was not that they didn’t have a knowledge of the Scriptures, but that they apparently taught without authority.
The difference between Jesus’ teaching and that of the scribes is reminiscent of old E.F. Hutton commercial of the late 70’s:
“When E.F. Hutton talks, people listen.” Everyone goes about their business-as-usual when the first businessman talks about the financial advice from his broker; however, when the second business man begins to share the advice of an E.F. Hutton broker, everyone stops what they are doing, leans in and listens intently.
Such are those who communicate with authority.
Look at how those who listened to Jesus that day are described - Astonished and amazed. There was great POWER when Jesus taught the truth of the Scriptures. This authoritative power was beyond just demonic deliverance and healing alone, but authority that resided in Jesus’ teaching of the Word itself.
How do you increase the authority with which you communicate the Word of God?
Draw near to the Father.
Jesus constantly spent time in prayer. Luke 5:16 states, “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” What statement could be written about your prayer life? There are no shortcuts to intimacy with God. It is through diligent, faithful and consistent meeting with God in the secret place by which we develop greater intimacy, enlarge our faith, and subsequently, increase in authority.
Those who preach with authority speak in such a way that those listening feel as though the message is coming directly from the Throne of God in heaven itself. You can’t help but lean in, listen and absorb the impact of the Word of God.
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Here is some FREE BONUS TRAINING:
You can listen to Tommy Oaks' Communication Master Class BY CLICKING HERE...
You can listen to Richard Crisco's Communication Master Class BY CLICKING HERE...
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