Every story (sermon) has several possible endings. Here is a checklist for determining an effective ending for a story (sermon).
1.It satisfies. It does not cheat or frustrate the listener/reader. It answers or at least addresses the questions raised in the sermon.
2. It fits the mood and subject matter and inspires a specific emotional reaction from your listener/reader.
3. It packs a surprise of some kind. It must contain a twist the listener/ reader couldn’t foresee.
4. It is logical. Even if the solution or ending is a complete surprise, it must be credible and convincing because you have planted subde signposts along the way.^*^
Choose the ending for your sermon that satisfies, fits the mood and subject matter, and is appropriate—one that springs a surprise; is logical according to the people, events, images, and ideas you’ve presented so far; and that inspires the reader with a promise. Your ending needs to tie up all the loose ends and harvest all the dramatic and emotional seeds planted in the beginning and cultivated in the middle. Plant, cultivate harvest.^^