Preaching Hard Texts of the Old Testament


Book Description

Elizabeth Achtemeier has carefully chosen thirty-one Old Testament passages that are difficult to understand and more difficult still to preach. The sacrifice of Isaac, God's command for Hosea to marry a harlot, Moses' use of the bronze serpent to heal snake-bitten Israelites--these and many other passages are illumined for the preacher who no longer wants to fear these texts. In each chapter, Achtemeier discusses the text and then offers suggestions for forming a sermon based on that text. In treating specific unsettling passages, Achtemeier also addresses thematic difficulties found throughout the Old Testament, such as the frequent militaristic portrayals of God, the often perplexing behavior of Old Testament prophets, and the many anthropomorphic descriptions of God.




Wondrous Depth


Book Description

Davis demonstrates that the activities of biblical interpretation and preaching are essentially related as arts and, in fact, as the arts most fundamental to the life of the church.




Reclaiming the Old Testament for Christian Preaching


Book Description

Based on the conviction that the Old Testament texts are a vital and dynamic part of the Christian canon and pertinent to Christian practice, this stimulating volume offers guidance for expository preaching and practical suggestions for understanding the message of its diverse literature.




Preaching from the Old Testament


Book Description

This book provides theological insights as well as practical sermon suggestions for preachers and seminary students. It treats the reader to a thorough examination of how to approach and interpret any portion of the Old Testament.




Preaching Christ from the Old Testament


Book Description

Arguing for the need both to preach Christ in every sermon and to preach regularly from the Old Testament, Sidney Greidanus develops a christocentric method that will help preachers do both simultaneously. Greidanus challenges Old Testament scholars to broaden their focus and to understand the Old Testament not only in its own historical context but also in the context of the New Testament. Suggesting specific steps and providing concrete examples, this volume provides a practical guide for preaching Christ from the Old Testament.




Preaching Difficult Texts of the Old Testament


Book Description

Practical, homiletical advice for preachers on some of the most challenging genres of Scripture What should a preacher do when facing a genealogy while preaching the book of Genesis? How should one handle the geographically rich chapters of Joshua? What about all those laborious architectural details on the tabernacle in Exodus? From the theologically complex to the well-worn narrative, from the long pericopes to the tiniest archaeological details, this book seeks to give honest, practical advice that will better equip preachers to tackle such topics. Each chapter includes an introduction of the difficult passages, definition and examples of the difficult passages, function/purpose of the difficult passages, and how to preach the difficult passages. Chapter topics include:Preaching the GenealogiesPreaching the LawPreaching the Lists and Construction DetailsPreaching the Violent Texts and ImprecationsPreaching the Sexually Explicit TextsPreaching the GeographyPreaching Intertextuality and Complex Language IssuesPreaching the Well-Worn StoriesPreaching Theologically Complex or Controversial PassagesPreaching Long Pericopes




Honest to God Preaching


Book Description

Brent A. Strawn focuses on the importance of honesty in preaching, especially around three challenging Old Testament themes: sin, suffering, and violence. He makes the case that preaching honestly about these topics is critical in the church today. Without honesty regarding them, there is no way forward to reconciliation, health, and recovery. He frames this work specifically for working preachers, to help them speak to these thorny themes with depth and clarity.




Preaching the Old Testament


Book Description

Preaching the Old Testament equips pastors to journey into the forest and find a passion and confidence for preaching on the Old Testament.




The Word Became Fresh


Book Description

"There is no more gifted expositor of the Old Testament in our day than Ralph Davis. His book not only brings scholarly research to bear on the subject, but also reflects his many years of preaching week after week through the OT. What a gift to the church to have such a fine book." Richard Pratt




Preaching and Teaching from the Old Testament


Book Description

Viewed as antiquated and remote, the Old Testament is frequently neglected in the preaching and teaching ministry of the church. But contrary to the prevailing attitude, might the Old Testament contain relevant and meaningful application for today? Renowned author and scholar Walter Kaiser shows why the Old Testament deserves equal attention with the New Testament and offers a helpful guide on how preachers and teachers can give it the full attention it deserves. Growing out of his teaching material from the last decade, Preaching and Teaching from the Old Testament demonstrates Kaiser's celebrated straightforward exposition. Offering an apologetic for the Christian use of the Old Testament, the opening chapters deal with the value, problem, and task of preaching from it. Following a discussion of the role of expository preaching, Kaiser provides a practical focus by examining preaching and teaching from the texts of various genres. A final chapter explores the relevance of the Old Testament in speaking to a contemporary audience. Bible teachers, pastors, seminary students, and professors will appreciate Kaiser's practical focus and relevant applications. Additional helps include a glossary and suggested outlines and worksheets for expository preaching.