Smith on Preaching

The death to self that is demanded of the preacher works life in his people. In this way, the preacher becomes like Christ, who died so that we might live. If we do not die, they do not live. (18).

An obsession with style will actually be counterproductive to the Gospel message (52).

For a preacher to die, he must die to his right to be thought of as a great preacher (53).

Paul is suggesting a horrific, criminal irony: the means of preaching displaces the message of preaching (74).

Preaching ourselves, even in small inconsequential ways, can be the few small lumens that keep people from the true satisfying glorious light of Christ (74).

Death is in the pew because few are willing to die in the pulpit (88).

We are redeemed rebels who are calling other rebels to be redeemed. We are no longer managing our image. No. We have thrown off our robes and are taking the long walk outside the city. We are looking up at the thrashed corpse and taking a stand-this is who we are! We are cross bearers because we are cross lovers (98).