Clay Smith

4 Ways to Avoid Emotional Manipulation

In Part 1, we defined manipulation as shrewd or devious influence that seeks one’s own advantage. Biblical persuasion and emotional manipulation are often confused for the simple fact that they are differentiated by intent. A preacher’s passionate plea for... Read More »

Manipulation vs. Persuasion

“Please stand for the reading of God’s Word.” There it is: manipulation. Before you disagree, let’s get technical. Manipulation is the action of operating, arranging or controlling something or someone else. Any behavioral modification you influence as... Read More »

Preaching Pointers from Obadiah

“Turn to the table of contents,” are likely to be the first words you utter in a sermon dealing with Obadiah. This minor prophet, the shortest in the entire Old Testament, is often relegated to obscurity in the hearts and minds of many preachers. Yet, the ... Read More »