“Whether the theme and points are stated at the beginning of a sermon or not, the theme and points should be crystal clear in the preacher’s mind. It is especially important to work on a clear, comprehensive, concise sentence that presents the sermon theme” (David Murray, How Sermons Work, 89).

“Sermon structures ought to be as simple as possible, with as few divisions as possible…. While arguing for striking and memorable structure, we must still remember that the purpose of any skeleton is to support the body, and keep itself largely out of view” (David Murray, How Sermons Work, 87, 89).

“In sermon preparation, the preacher should be constantly seeking a structure” (David Murray, How Sermons Work, 86).

“Just as a tree has roots to place and secure the tree in the ground, so a sermon must have an introduction to place and secure it in the minds of the congregation” (David Murray, How Sermons Work, 83).

“‘What is the best way’, asked a young preacher of an older one, ‘to get the attention of the congregation?’ ‘Give ’em something to attend to,’ was the gruff reply” (David Murray, How Sermons Work, 77).

The best way, indeed.

“The introduction should pave the way for the sermon, not repeat it” (David Murray, How Sermons Work, 75).

“To avoid wearying people and unbalancing the sermon, an introduction should contain only one main thought” (David Murray, How Sermons Work, 74).

“As ‘God is not the author of confusion’ but of order and structure, any sermon that claims to set forth God should be made in his image, i.e. with order and structure. Sermon structure and order will also help the preacher to preach and the hearers to hear, as they are both made in the image of God” (David Murray, How Sermons Work, 71).

“An awareness of the various kinds of sermon that may be preached challenges the preacher to vary his style and content, and so prevent monotonous sameness” (David Murray, How Sermons Work, 59).

“The gospel should lead us to pray, ‘God be merciful to me, a sinner. Please take away all the unrighteousness of self that fills me and fill me with all that I am missing — the righteousness of Jesus Christ.’… You are too sinful not to pray; sinners are the very people who need prayer. Therefore, pray” (James W. Beeke and Joel R. Beeke, Developing A Healthy Prayer Life, 3).