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Abstract

This work is a study of an expository, inductive, and narrative sermon form entitled the Cinematic Sermon.  It is a sermon type that can bridge the gap existing between the biblical text and a visually-driven audience.  It is an attempt to engage the modern audience by turning their ears into eyes.  This work sets forth the steps to preparing a visual sermon that can reach a generation that has been raised on a steady diet of visual media.

Because it is helpful for truth to be seen if it is to be understood by a visual generation, this work attempts to create a picture of the biblical truth for proclamation.  The Cinematic Sermon is a sermon that occurs in three acts, much like the standard full-length film.  Since the form is already a standard of communication in our culture, this work demonstrates how a sermon can follow this form without losing its biblical integrity. 

Combining the techniques of narrative preaching and scriptwriting, the Cinematic Sermon follows a preconceived plotline, communicating the biblical text through the power of story.  The sermon becomes a type of film, playing the message of the Bible on the imaginary screens inside the minds of the audience.  It is a proper use of creativity, preaching to change the hearts of visual listeners.