Did you know that our English word “sermon” originated from the Latin word “sermo,” meaning “conversation or discourse.”

In Classical Latin, sermo applied to common speech, or “the way people talk” with each other.

Hmmm …

Over time, it morphed into weekly staged, monopolizing, monologue lectures by a professional, institutional class of churchmen called “clergy” who arose in the 4th Century.

Unfortunately, they quickly corrupted not only our words, but so much more, by switching the New Testament focus from relational participatory gatherings for ministry to one another …

To scripted, spectator “church services” that focus on them.

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“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom …” Col. 3:16

“I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.” Rom. 15:14

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Heb. 10:24-25