It’s Wednesday night, and the community group host asks the usual question – “So what was the sermon on Sunday all about”. An awkward silence ensues, then someone ventures – “I think it was about…” 

For most of us, the memory of Sunday sermons fade quickly before Monday morning, let alone mid-week. 

 

Imagine a different Wednesday response. Some reach for handwritten notes from the Sunday sheet, while others scroll through their mobile phone. One group member volunteers – “Well. Matt preached on being Gospel Ready, and two scriptures were Romans 10:13 and Revelation 3:20. What I got from it was my need to ask the Holy Spirit for boldness and not to camouflage or to hide my faith.” A lively discussion ensues. 

 

We can all benefit from taking notes from JCC Sunday preaching.  

Here are three good reasons to do so: 

 

  1. We learn and grow in our Christian faith 

To grow in our faith, we must be active hearers as well as active doers of the word (bible). Active listening requires engaging with the scriptures together to understand and apply spiritual truths. Writing notes helps us to better concentrate, record and engage with the preached message. 

 

(Ac 17:11) Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. 

 

  1. We can hear from God personally

     When I take notes on a Sunday, I am not taking dictation. I listen to what God is saying to me personally through the spoken and written word. Good preaching is anointed, spurring us to faith and action. I listen out for the scriptures or stories that come alive to me then I write down any insight or inspiration that I feel God is highlighting. My notes then become part of my faith journey.  

 

  1. We show respect for the preacher

I may be slow, but it takes me an hour in preparation for every minute preached. We are blessed at JCC with preachers who are good communicators. Much prayer, study and thought go into what is preached to make sure it is biblically faithful, relevant to today and personally actionable.   

 

So grab your bible, pen or tablet and get ready for next Sunday’s message: 

(Habakkuk 2:2) Then the LORD said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.”