Brother Taylor,
   I want to just address one point you made only because it often comes 
up in the discussion of this topic and it boggles my mind a bit.  The 
sermons we have in Scripture are 'God-breathed' Scripture and not just 
the words of Paul and Peter.  I pray and trust that the Holy Spirit 
speaks through me when I preach even inspite of my weaknesses, but I 
don't dare claim my teaching to be infallible and inerrant.  There is a 
big difference between lifting a sermon from the book of Acts and 
lifting one from the internet.  One is infallible Word and the other is 
the fallible work of man.  I am not doubting that God can use it (he 
used an ass once) but the two are not the same.
   Also, you mention the 'mega preachers' who use students and staff to 
write sermons.  I have heard this as well and think it is in no 
uncertain terms a disgrace to the call of a minister of the Gospel.
   Finally, and this to all not just brother Taylor, I think the whole 
issue is one of integrity as I said in an earlier post.  If God has 
called you and entrusted you with the duty, responsibility and honor of 
preaching the Word then by all means do it faithfully and honestly. 
Again, I think there are different levels in this and some things 
(times) may be exusable - but to give the perception that you did it all 
and you don't give credit than that is deception - and not only does 
your congregation lose out and you lose out, but God is not honored.

Peace,
Steve

PS if you still have the original post that Derick posted click on the 
links for the different pastors listed and read their comments.

Pastor Taylor wrote:

> I labored over a message…much prayer and study…to my estimation the 
> finest most original sermon ever <grin>. A few weeks later I was 
> perusing a sermon web-site (I enjoy reading sermons, kinda like a 
> preaching/teaching to the preacher and I often use them as meat for my 
> personal strength) and lo and behold! MY MESSAGE!! MY outline, my 
> illustrations with some modifications  etc…but the same 4 “P”’s the same 
> “S” sub points. I could have been outraged by this “theft”…however, the 
> only way he could’ve “plagiarized” me was if he was in Buffalo Springs 
> Texas on the Sunday I preached it. The bottom line…he didn’t steal it 
> and it wasn’t “mine”…..all I can think is that it came from God.
> 
>  
> 
> I have no problem giving credit if credit is due…I am also careful of 
> calling someone a thief.
> 
>  
> 
> If I preach an expository sermon from the epistles…am I stealing Paul’s 
> sermons? Don’t you think he would be ok with it? Or even expect it?
> 
>  
> 
> Maybe we should all copyright our materials….force others to buy 
> them…and then bring charges against the transgressors that would dare 
> use “OUR” outlines without permission…or preach all 5 points of our 
> message….this all said tongue in cheek.
> 
>  
> 
> The bottom line with me….if I have it, created it, preached it, used it, 
> taught it or developed it into a tract. You can have it!!! As I have 
> freely received, I freely give. Just one thing I ask…use it to the glory 
> of God and to win souls to His kingdom!!!
> 
>  
> 
> By the way….I know quite a few “mega preachers” that have students 
> develop their sermons…does that fall under the same thing?
> 
>  
> 
> One more thing….3 Pastors can preach the same outline and when they 
> preach it is 3 different messages…hmmm
> 
>  
> 
> In Him
> 
>  
> 
> JT
> 
>  
> 
> -----Original Message-----
>