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bible, christian, christianity, conference, drama, Hebrews, memorization, Psalms, ryan ferguson, scripture, video, worship
I debated whether or not to post these videos, since they’ve already been embedded on almost every blog in the universe. Okay, that’s a slight exaggeration, but still. They’re everywhere. However, on the off chance that even one of my visitors haven’t seen them, I decided to go ahead and post them after the jump.
Ryan Ferguson does something that every believer should do, and that’s memorize large chunks of God’s Word. Even though we don’t need to be able to give a dramatic recitation of Scripture, as Ryan does, we do need to memorize it. “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). I can tell you that I haven’t done a very good job of that myself, but these videos provide me with some motivation to work harder at it.
In the first video Ryan recites Hebrews chapters 9 and 10. It’s long, but trust me, it is not boring. Listen to the whole thing. (Incidentally, he has the entire book of Hebrews memorized even though he only recites two chapters here.)
The other videos are all from the book of Psalms.
Passion. Drama. Power. It’s all here.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12-13)
Hebrews 9-10
Psalm 22
Psalm 25
Psalm 145
Well, I guess I am one of those “off chance” people! Though really no chance, indeed! Thank you for posting this.
Absolutely amazing, I said amen! a dozen times, cried and praised the Lord during his powerful “sermon.” It’s been noted and is here clearly affirmed that Hebrews is a written sermon.
Thanks again for going with your hope that some might find this.
Kelly Bridenstine
Kelly,
Thanks so much for your encouraging comments. My reaction was the same as your the first time I saw that. I cried, and worshiped the Lord! What a powerful “sermon” indeed.
There’s an interesting follow-up to this post. Just this last Sunday, our pastor challenged our entire congregation to memorize Isaiah 52:13-53:12, as he preaches through the book. I’m eager to take up the challenge.
That’s awesome.
I realized while watching this that if I spend as much time hiding within my heart the Word of God instead of all of the other forgotten time-life-wasters I engage in . . .what an amazing transformation in life and ministry will occur.
I am currently preaching through Ephesians and will begin chapter 4 on Sunday. So, I have committed now to memorizing, at the very least, the unit I will be preaching on and “preaching” it as passionately as possible on Sunday. Pray that God empowers the effort and blesses His people through this.
I have two verses memorized so far and finished “preaching” them to my wife a little while ago!
Your blog is very encouraging. I pray that God use this platform as a means of grace to others and glory to God.
Kelly
Kelly,
Thanks again for visiting and taking the time to comment. I want you to know that you’ve also encouraged me tremendously with your heartfelt and insightful comments.
I’ll be praying for your memorization effort. I’m already eager to hear how God blesses you and your congregation as you hide His Word in your heart, and preach it passionately and faithfully!
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How could I contact Ryan?
I’ve not come across Ryan before. Who is he? I think this recitation of Hebrews lends weight to the idea that Hebrews was originally a sermon. Many scholars have noticed that there is a certain rhetorical rhythm to the text.
Ryan is a pastor at North Hills Community Church in Greenville, SC. He had at one time memorized the entire book of Hebrews. I’m convinced Hebrews was a sermon, and as you rightly pointed out, this dramatic recitation makes the theory pretty convincing. Thanks for visiting and commenting!
Ah, thanks. Are you aware of the growing scholarly work on the gospels as originally written for performance too? There was a seminar thread on this at this year’s SBL.
I’m not. Do you have a link to any information on it?
You need to look at recent books by Tom Thatcher on John’s gospel. It is a special interest of his.