Sermons Books

Book SynopsisA compilation of the Books of Homilies, collections of model sermons produced by the Church of England during the 16th century, and which offer an enduring insight into Anglican doctrine of the period.Trade Review"The Homilies are of major significance for understanding Church of England doctrine and discipline at the Reformation. We are in Gerald Bray's debt for this new critical edition for a modern readership, which at last moves us beyond the familiar Victorian reprints. It is a perfect combination of careful scholarship and accessibility, and essential reading for every serious student of Anglicanism." Andrew Atherstone, Latimer Research Fellow, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford "Gerald Bray deserves thanks for producing in a modern critical edition The Books of Homilies, one of the key texts from the English Reformation, and making it more accessible for those interested in the Anglican tradition, homiletics, theology, and history." -Jane E.A. Dawson, The Expository Times, Vol. 128 No. 3, December 2016 "[This book] offers a valuable insight not only into the relative doctrinal positions of those on both sides of the English Reformation divide, but also into the various social ills of the period." -Paul F. Bradshaw (University of Notre Dame), Worship, Book Reviews, Volume 91, May 2017 "Gerald Bray's critical edition of the Book of Homilies is a welcome addition to the few modern texts available. Bray provides a concise and detailed discussion of the expected critical issues related to all three books of homilies." Benjamin J. Snyder, Asbury Theological Seminary, July 2018 On one point is his edition clearly superior to the old (on the internet thought google books freely available) Griffiths eidition: It makes the Homilies Collection available, it's squeezed in between the first and second book of Homilies -Martin Ohst, Theologische Literaturzeitung, June 2019Table of ContentsBiblical and Other Ancient Names Introduction The First Book of Homilies Bishop Bonner's Homilies The Second Book of Homilies Subject Index Names Index Scripture Index Author Index

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Book SynopsisSelected from sermons delivered by C. S. Lewis during World War II, these nine addresses show the beloved author and theologian bringing hope and courage in a time of great doubt.Addressing some of the most difficult issues we face in our day-to-day lives, C.S. Lewis's ardent and timeless words provide an unparalleled path to greater spiritual understanding.Considered by many to be Lewis's finest sermon of all, and his most moving address, The Weight of Glory' extols a compassionate vision of Christianity an dincludes lucid and compelling discussions on faith.Also included in this volume are Transposition, On Forgiveness, Why I Am Not a Pacifist, and Learning in War-Time.Trade Review“I read Lewis for comfort and pleasure many years ago, and a glance into the books revives my old admiration.” – John Updike “If wit and wisdom, style and scholarship are requisites to passage through the pearly gates, Mr. Lewis will be among the angels.” – The New Yorker “C. S. Lewis is the ideal persuader for the half-convinced, for the good man who would like to be a Christian but finds his intellect getting in the way.” – New York Times Book Review “Lewis, perhaps more than any other twentieth-century writer, forced those who listened to him and read his works to come to terms with their own philosophical presuppositions.” – Los Angeles Times

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Book SynopsisLloyd-Jones draws out the timeless truths from Christ's prayer in the garden just before he was betrayed (John 17), highlighting our union with Christ, assurance of salvation, and confidence in the love and grace of God. Now available in paperback and a redesigned cover.

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Book SynopsisWhat makes some preaching gripping - unforgettable even? What can we learn from the best preachers? How can we appreciate great preaching, often at the click of a mouse, without devaluing the role of the local church minister? 'Without creating a guru mentality, I focus on one positive aspect from each preacher and offer hints on how other preachers might emulate them.' says author Simon Vibert. He also looks at the Bible's own take on good preaching, and focuses on the exemplary models of Jesus and Paul. This is not a how-to manual, nor a biblical theology of preaching, nor even a critique of the subjects. Rather, it is a focus on modern-day practitioners, from whom all preachers can form a composite picture of excellence, and from whom all preachers would do well to learn.Trade ReviewA great idea and there are worthwhile nuggets to be gleaned from his observations. * Time for Thought *

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Book SynopsisFour preaching experts present and defend their approaches to homiletics, introducing pastors and ministry students to the hermeneutics of preaching.Table of ContentsContentsIntroduction1. Redemptive-Historic View, by Bryan Chapell Response by Abraham KuruvillaResponse by Kenneth LangleyResponse by Paul Scott Wilson2. Christiconic View, by Abraham KuruvillaResponse by Bryan ChapellResponse by Kenneth LangleyResponse by Paul Scott Wilson3. Theocentric View, by Kenneth LangleyResponse by Bryan ChapellResponse by Abraham KuruvillaResponse by Paul Scott Wilson4. Law-Gospel View, by Paul Scott WilsonResponse by Bryan ChapellResponse by Abraham KuruvillaResponse by Kenneth LangleyConclusionIndexes

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Book SynopsisRowan Williams is the Archbishop of Canterbury. In this collection of pastoral sermons and addresses, Williams shows how the faith of the creeds can still equip Christians for a vigorous and critical engagement with the world of today. In his often poetic, sometimes scholarly, and always thoughtful and engaging style, Williams reflects with wisdom and empathy on the gospel connections to issues of peace, war, justice, sexuality, wholeness, suffering, loneliness, vocation, and mission. Sermons from the church year and practical matters of Christian spirituality such as intercessory prayer and Bible study are also included; still others celebrate great Christian figures across the centuries, from the Anglo-Saxon saints to Michael Ramsey and T. S. Eliot. Also, published for the first time are Williams’s addresses on Mission and Spirituality delivered at Yale in 1991, a sharp but sympathetic perspective on evangelism in the church today.Trade ReviewWilliams’ standpoint is that of Catholic and critical orthodoxy . . . with an originality reminiscent of such recent Anglican divines as Austin Farrer and Donald MacKinnon. These sermons also reveal a bishop who is at the same time a serious theologian and a sensitive pastor. * Church Times *This book of addresses and sermons given to particular congregations is accessible and sometimes very moving. His thinking is always original and deep, combining erudition and personal spirituality. There are many good things in this nutritious book. * The Julian Meeting *These sermons aimed at deepening understanding of the faith of believers and enriching their spirituality certainly merit a place in the best Anglican tradition of preaching. * Theologia Cambrensis *Books of sermons, meditations, ‘reflections,’ etc., that actually instruct the preacher are rare indeed. What is not so rare is that these books often arise from the distinguished Anglican tradition of theology and preaching. Rowan Williams’ new book, A Ray of Darkness, is one of them. It is a hefty collection of 45 pieces. The work is filled with sensitive theology, spirituality, and erudition. The book makes one want to be a better preacher. “There is great variety in these pieces, but the variety, significantly, is largely in the range of ‘occasions’ for which Williams is able to shape gospel. For example, there is a jewel of a short wedding sermon here, well worth emulation. There is a striking piece here on the relation between music and the gospel titled ‘Keeping Time,’ preached, we are told, ‘For the Three Choirs Festival.’ There is a profound university sermon preached ‘at the outbreak of the Gulf War.’ There are what appear to be tributes to ‘saints’ such as John Wesley, T. S. Eliot, and Michael Ramsey; but they are, instead, gospel statements, some would say sermons, framed in a highly original and provocative manner. One comes away from the volume wanting to speak on ‘special occasions’ and charged with a new sense about how to do so. . . . “Williams’ book treats each Scripture text like an old grime-covered window. For him, the preacher’s task is to rub a small clearing on the window through which to peer, with face pressed to the glass, into an obscure and shadowy room. Sermons have a probing, searching quality when texts are treated in this manner. As to the difficult matters of doctrine and creed, Williams demonstrates how one can explore the metaphorical, even mythic, dimensions of creedal ideas while, at the same time, affirming those ideas in fresh form for the church’s life and health. -- Joseph Webb, the School of Theology at Claremont

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Book SynopsisThe book of Joshua is an epic. Conquest, battles, scandal, tribalism, deceit, land registration and farewell speeches all make up this remarkable narrative. Some of the episodes are well known, other sections are largely passed over. However behind all the twists and turns, highs and lows is the God who makes and keeps promises. The book of Joshua is profoundly relevant for today and needs to be declared faithfully in its entirety. To be repeatedly reminded through the pages of Joshua that God is faithful to his promises and sovereign over his people, guiding them by his powerful word to his promised rest, is truth we must never tire of hearing. The book of Joshua has also been a battlefield on which the Christian faith and particularly the Old Testament has been attacked by new atheism, therefore digging deep into Joshua will strengthen and resource people to stand firm amidst such opposition. Teaching Joshua is a great addition to the growing ‘Teaching the Bible’ series. Doug Johnson has done a brilliant job of both guiding the reader towards the main thrust of each passage whilst not overlooking the detail or the various complexities. Teaching Joshua will be a great aid to those who have the privilege and the joy of preaching or teaching this particular book. Whether you are a small group leader, preacher, youth worker or someone who simply wants help with their personal Bible study, this book will help you to understand and communicate the message of Joshua.Trade ReviewIn keeping with this excellent series, Doug Johnson ticks all the boxes of the most helpful Bible teaching aids; attention to the details of the text, careful concern for the context and a clear sight of Christ. He is especially good at retrieving the so called ‘difficulties’ for the teacher (the lists of lists and the bloodshed) from any sense of apology and showing how they fit with the faithfulness of God and the purposes of the book. With its clear headed sanity, God–centred focus and nourishment for the Christian believer, this is an essential tool for any teaching on Joshua. -- Nick Hiscocks (Vicar, Christ Church, Westbourne, Bournemouth)The primary task of a faithful Bible teacher (and an honest Bible reader) is to understand the Bible as it actually is, the words of God that are able to make us wise enough to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and so be saved. How do we do that with the Old Testament book of Joshua? Doug Johnson’s excellent book provides a careful, thoughtful and reliable guide that will help many to do this well. Highly recommended. -- John Woodhouse (Retired Principal and Lecturer in Doctrine and Old Testament, Moore College, Sydney, Australia)Doug Johnson’s careful study of the book of Joshua, based on many years of deep acquaintance with the text, will put strength into our preachers. It will deepen their confidence in the power of the Word of God to equip the church for its work. -- Edward Lobb (Director of Training, The Scottish Cornhill Training Course Glasgow)This commentary on Joshua by Doug Johnson makes me want to preach on this book of the Bible. It is a perfect preaching and teaching tool for ministers and bible study leaders. His handling of the text is matched by his application of the text to give us an excellent commentary on a book of the Bible that reveals the God who makes and keeps promises. -- Mark Jones (Minister, Faith Reformed Presbyterian Church (PCA), Vancouver, Canada)

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Book SynopsisThe teaching guide developed for Middle/High schools is designed to be used in conjunction with Liberty for All?, the fifth book in A History of US.Trade Review"[An] exciting series... Ms. Hakim braids multiple narratives together to bring alive material long dead to children's imaginations."--The New York Times Book Review "Joy Hakim didn't rewrite history. But she did make it a whole lot more fun to read."--Education Week "Readers young and old will find themselves amused, amazed, and engrossed by this searching, opinionated survey. In every sense a fresh look at our history." --Kirkus Reviews "Merits every accolade, starting with the most personal: I couldn't put it down."--Washington Post Book World "The liveliest, most realistic, most well-received American history series ever written for children."--Los Angeles Times "A thorough and accurate narrative of our nation's history."--The Philadelphia Inquirer "I think this is the best American history written for young people that I have ever seen."--David Herbert Donald, Harvard University; Pulitzer prize-winning author of Lincoln "When master storyteller Joy Hakim wields her pen, you're in for a breathtaking adventure."--Teaching K-8 "An attention to detail and drama alike make these recommended choices for not only readers ages 8-13 but for entire families."--Children's Bookwatch "Absorbing, real and even fun to read."--Voice of Youth Advocates "Books of real substance that speak directly to kids."--Jean Fritz, author of Shhh, We're Writing the Constitution "One of the best nonfiction series of the decade. Impossible to put down."--School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewHe [Shaver] pushes contemporary eucharistic theology in a way that will likely prove to be invaluable. His work builds upon Hunsinger's writing with a remarkable freshness and offers a framework for taking an old conversation in a new direction. * Cody C. Warta, St Mary's College, University of St Andrews, International Journal of Systematic Theology *Shaver's book provides a constructive and innovative contribution to contemporary sacramental and ecumenical theology. * Robert Masson, Heythrop Journal *Table of ContentsPreface Abbreviations Chapter 1. Introduction: Theology in Multiple Metaphors 1.1 Liturgical theology and the embodied mind 1.2 An additive method 1.3 Metaphors of eucharistic presence 1.4 Some notes on scope and standpoint Chapter 2. Metaphor, Embodied Realism, and Sacramental Truth 2.1 Introducing conceptual metaphor theory 2.2 More complex metaphors 2.3 Metonymy 2.4 Polysemy and prototypicality: beyond classical categories 2.5 Beyond objectivism: embodied realism for theologians Conclusions Chapter 3. Conceptual Blending and Two Ways of Feeding on Jesus 3.1 Conceptual blending 3.2 Asymmetric blends: bread is Jesus, Jesus is bread 3.3 The Synoptic/Pauline metaphor: this loaf and wine are jesus' body and blood 3.4 The Johannine metaphor: Jesus' flesh and blood are heavenly life-giving bread and drink Conclusions Chapter 4. Identity: The Great Divide 4.1 The identity motif in Christian tradition 4.2 Zwingli: "is" as a trope 4.3 Luther: "is" as literal predication 4.4 Some illustrative exchanges 4.5 A cognitive-linguistic assessment 4.6 Broader implications of the great divide Conclusions Chapter 5. Identity: Bridging the Divide 5.1 Overcoming the dichotomy: Robert Masson and the tectonic process 5.2 Building on Masson's work: radial extension and prototypicality 5.3 The Synoptic/Pauline metaphor as a tectonic shift 5.4 Polysemy: identity and distinction in tension Conclusions Chapter 6. Representation 6.1 Symbols as material anchors 6.2 The Y2 construction: a more complex integration network 6.3 Representation and Identity in coexistence 6.4 Revisiting the polysemy networks from Chapter 5 Conclusions Chapter 7. Change 7.1 Development and variations of the change motif 7.2 Reformed and Lutheran responses to the change motif 7.3 The eucharistic gifts as bread and wine Conclusions Chapter 8. Containment 8.1 Development and variations of the containment motif 8.2 Post-Reformation responses to the containment motif 8.3 Transubstantiation: a special combination of change and containment Conclusions Chapter 9. Conduit 9.1 Verticality and the emergence of the conduit motif 9.2 Visual conduit language 9.3 Reformed and Roman visual piety: an unexpected convergence Conclusions Chapter 10. Bringing the Repertoire Together 10.1 Affirmations in common: the ecumenical repertoire of metaphors 10.2 Embodied entailments: the duration of Christ's presence 10.3 Embodied entailments: adoration Conclusions Selected Bibliography in Cognitive Linguistics

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Book SynopsisOne of the mysteries of Christianity is why Christians rarely admit that so much of it is a mystery.'God, people, faith, the universe, the whole of creation Award-winning comedian Milton Jones considers the biggest questions using the smallest number of words. With short, sharp, surreal one-liners and an eye for what really matters, he may bring you closer to the answers than some of the longer sermons you've heard in church.Includes Milton's own cartoons!Trade Review'King of the surreal one-liners.' -- The Times'Sultan of the Surreal.' -- The Guardian'He's fast, absurd and very funny.' -- Radio Times

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Book SynopsisA collection of talks and sermons from Rowan Williams, one of the finest theological minds of our day, covering a range of issues from war, social justice and sexuality to prayer, spirituality and evangelism. Williams shows the connections between contemporary issues, biblical texts and the Christian tradition, each element drawing new and often surprising things out of the others, and challenges us to make our own connections between the gospel, contemporary problems and our personal struggles.

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Book SynopsisThese remarkable sermons by John Henry Newman (1801-1890) were first published at Oxford in 1843, two years before he was received into the Roman Catholic Church. Published here in its entirety is the third edition of 1872 for which Newman added an additional sermon, bracketed notes, and, importantly, a comprehensive, condensed Preface. In her introduction, noted Newman scholar Mary Katherine Tillman considers the volume as an integral whole, showing how all of the sermons systematically relate to the central theme of the faith-reason relationship.Trade Review“Because faith restores all things natural, it gives the intellectual back his intellect. One might almost characterize the Fifteen Sermons as lessons in how to think—but that is not their only reason. As they lead the reader through the intricate relations of faith and reason, they may also prompt the educated man to pay a little more attention to his nightly prayers.” —New Oxford Review

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Because faith restores all things natural, it gives the intellectual back his intellect. One might almost characterize the Fifteen Sermons as lessons in how to think—but that is not their only reason. As they lead the reader through the intricate relations of faith and reason, they may also prompt the educated man to pay a little more attention to his nightly prayers.” —New Oxford Review

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Book SynopsisLearn to develop and deliver a biblical sermon that connects with today''s audiences.Preaching God''s Word is a user-friendly and practical homiletics textbook that integrates hermeneutical principles and stresses the importance of a strong exegetical foundation. It teaches you how to understand your audience, develop powerful applications, use illustrations well, and communicate effectively.Preaching God''s Word addresses: How to develop and preach a biblical sermon Common issues with biblical preaching and how to avoid them Unique challenges and opportunities of preaching from specific biblical genres New Testament preaching Old Testament preaching Whether you are a student who is new to preaching or a veteran looking to brush up on your skills, you will benefit from this hands-on approach to preparing, developing, and delivering the sermon

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Book SynopsisThis second collection of sermons preached by Karl Barth in Basel prison won the same high praise as its predecessor, Deliverance to the Captives. Whether beginning from the Old Testament or the New, Barth has a unique gift of becoming a vehicle for conveying the majesty and the mercy of God.

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Book Synopsis'Few preachers will lay down this book without an unhappy feeling of the cheapness of their own preaching; but equally, few preachers will lay it down without a new sense of the mystery and the splendour of the gospel which they preach. This will inevitably never be one of the popular books on preaching; it makes too many mental and spiritual demands on the reader for that; but it will remain one of the great books on preaching' (The Expository Times). With a biographical memoir by Ronal H. Preston.

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Book SynopsisA collection of Juergen Moltmann's sermons on the themes of power and powerlessness.

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Book SynopsisA brilliant collection from the pre-eminent New Testament scholar who wrote The Shadow of the Galilean. He believes that modern sermons are indications that God is alive and getting in touch through the barriers put up by our everyday mentality.

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Book SynopsisThese 18 sermons on the central themes of the Gospel were first published in 1961, with an introductory essay by Dr. John Marsh, Principal of Mansfield College, Oxford. 'Most of these sermons were in fact preached to inmates of Basel Prison, where the great theologian is a visitor.

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Book SynopsisIt has been said that the day of the sermon is over. Kate Bruce argues that the day of the poorly conceived, ill prepared, dull, disconnected, boring, irrelevant, authoritarian, yawn-inducing, patronizing, pontificating, pointless and badly delivered sermon, is indeed over. Imagination can help to engage the hearer in a sermon which seeks to evoke rather than to inform. Imagination frames how we see the world and ourselves in it. As such it has a vital role in how preachers see the preaching task itself, which in turn affects how we go about the task. A theology of imagination is presented to demonstrate the central importance of imagination in the life of faith. Allied to this is an analysis of the sacramental nature of preaching and the role of imagination in enabling the aha, now I get it' moment of sacramental seeing-as'. Connected to enabling new seeing, preaching in the lyrical voice is defined and discussed along with the importance of preachers shaping sermons for the ear.Trade Review‘Just occasionally weary preachers stub their toes against treasure hidden beneath the surface of a well-trodden path. In this book Kate Bruce draws on her considerable experience as school teacher, parish priest, theological college tutor and stand-up comic. With an assured grasp of homiletic theory and a passion for creative sermon construction, she shows us how the imagination can disclose new worlds, turn our assumptions upside down, provoke us to ask ‘what if?’ and help us live in the minds of other people. In this she follows the example of Jesus who did not despise the parable, the haunting image, or the disturbing paradox. This is a book for preachers who would prefer their sermons to dance and sing rather than trudge, hobble and plod. -- David Day‘Kate Bruce has done congregations a great service by offering preachers a feast of ideas, insights and worked examples on the underexplored theme of preaching with the imagination. Her analysis is anchored in careful theology and attentive awareness of the contexts and cultures in which preaching is offered and received. The result is a gracious, well-argued and timely book, a treat-in-waiting for all preachers still alive to their task.’ -- Bishop John Pritchard‘Tired of dull boring sermons with no theological depth? And tired of dull boring books on preaching which equally lack theological depth? This book is the solution! Kate Bruce is an outstanding practitioner and teacher of preaching. Out of that expertise she shows how the interaction of the imagination with both the biblical text and contemporary culture can transform the preaching event and allow God to work in exciting and relevant ways. Honest, humane and humble, this is the book for all preachers who have a passion for God to speak.’ -- Revd Professor David Wilkinson, Principal, St John’s College Durham‘Expect to be enriched, challenged, encouraged and inspired by this book. Kate Bruce argues that the sermon is essential in the life of the Church and that imagination is essential for preaching that ignites the heart. An exploration of the theology of imagination and language, examples from sermons, models of preaching and guidance for good practice are offered in a book which will appeal to a wide readership. I commend this book to all preachers who hope that through their sermons God will be encountered as the Spirit breathes life into their words and hearts are warmed.’ -- Ruth Gee was Chair of Methodist Conference (2013-14)Kate Bruce skips the conventional wisdom related to preaching and tackles the peculiar challenges and demands of the craft itself. She walks the reader through the creative process toward a fuller realization of the sacramental imagination. Her valuable book will remind us all--whether beginner or busy pastor--to love and cultivate the art we practice. -- Richard Lischer, Duke Divinity School, Author of The End of Words and Reading the ParablesAn experienced preacher and tutor in homiletics, Bruce seeks in this engaging and persuasive book to inspire and equip preachers to be imaginative in the way they think about, prepare and deliver sermons. Covering the 'why' and 'how' of this comprehensively, her approach is grounded and inspiring and her style is accessible, insightful, and humane -- Peter Wright * The Reader, Autumn 2016 *Bruce seeks in this engaging and persuasive book to inspire and equip preachers to be imaginative. Her approach is grounded and inspiring and her style is accessible, insightful, and humane. This valuable and enjoyable book is a strongly recommended resource for beginners and experienced preachers alike. -- Peter Wright * The Reader, Autumn 2016, Vol 116 No1 *

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Book SynopsisBy exploring the historical, theoretical, and practical elements of the tradition of testimony, Anna Carter Florence seeks in this much-anticipated book to establish the historical and contemporary validity of women's preaching and to introduce testimony to a new generation of preachers and teachers. She begins with the stories of three women...

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Book SynopsisWestminster John Knox Press is proud to present this special collection of fourteen of Karl Barth's World War I-era sermons--the only English language collection of Barth's sermons preached between 1917 and 1920 when he was a parish pastor in Safenwil, Switzerland. This volume offers a fascinating glimpse into Barth's interpretation of...

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Book SynopsisSunday worship is the central act of the Christian faith, yet few people truly understand what is happening during the service, and why, and how. Based on numerous visits with congregations of many denominations, Jane Rogers Vann examines how we can eliminate the barrier between the preacher and the people in the pew and offers practical advice...

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Book SynopsisThis collection of more than fifty of Fred Craddock's sermons provides a glimpse of a master preacher at work. Amazingly, only one of the sermons was preached from a manuscript written in advance, as Craddock considered a sermon to be an event in the world of sound. As a result, the selections here wonderfully reflect and preserve Craddock's...

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Book SynopsisThis book offers a practical model for developing sermons for occasions when the Bible offers little specific guidance for interpreting an issue, need, or situation. Ronald Allen describes why and how topical sermons should be used, discusses special occasions when they are appropriate, and outlines strategies for developing topical sermons...

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Preachers are guided by Karl Barth's advice to go into the pulpit with an open Bible in one hand and the daily newspaper in the other hand. The relationship between the two, the scriptural text and what is happening at the moment in the community and world, is critical, complicated, and, at times, fraught. Connections is a welcome preaching resource that addresses that important relationship, grounded in sound and current biblical scholarship and reflecting the ways the Word can engage creatively and thoughtfully the world God so dearly loves and Jesus Christ came to redeem. I can think of no more valuable help for those who stand up in the midst of their congregations weekly and attempt to speak a faithful, challenging and reconciling word." —John M. Buchanan, former Editor, The Christian Century, and author of From the Editor's Desk: Thinking Critically, Living Faithfully at the Dawn of a New Christian Century, also published by Westminster John Knox Press."In a culture of do-it-yourself religion, we all need Connections! More than a commentary, Connections is a stimulating conversation among a diverse company of preachers, theologians, and biblical scholars. We are invited to listen in, as it were, to be enriched by the discussion, and then to continue the conversation in our own ministries of the Word. Once again, Westminster John Knox takes the lead by taking the Bible seriously. Word of God for the people of God: thanks be to God!" —Richard Lischer, Duke Divinity School, author of Reading the Parables, also published by Westminster John Knox Press"In this day when potential listeners are biblically and theologically untutored, distracted and disconnected, Connections is just what the doctor ordered for contemporary preaching. Connections is well named, for it equips preachers to preach sermons that connect with both Scripture and contemporary life, sermons that are both faithful to their biblical contexts and fitting to the contexts of their congregations in the world. Connections provides an antidote to biblical lectures with little acquaintance with contemporary life as well as to strings of stories that lack biblical grounding. We owe the publisher, editors, and authors of this series a debt of gratitude for the gift of this resource for preaching." —Alyce M. McKenzie, Le Van Professor of Preaching and Worship, Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor, and Director, The Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University"Connections takes the urgency of the contemporary moment as seriously as it takes Scripture. These essays clear the path from meaning to implication and help preachers unearth new dimensions of truth. As a preacher and teacher, I'm grateful for the way this commentary approaches Scripture as a symphony and gives us ears to hear how each verse contributes to the whole. I see Connections as a launching pad for those who want to understand the Word and live on it." —Donyelle McCray, Yale University Divinity School"Pity the poor preacher. The sabbath seems to come back around every ten minutes and pastoral life is already full to overflowing. Thank God for Westminster John Knox Press and for these editors and this small army of writers. The fantastic biblical resources in Connections will help many poor preachers remember the biblical and theological substance of our calling. Reading these commentaries reminds me of the joy of leading in the church—we actually get to participate with God in the renewal of creation." —Jason Byassee, Butler Chair in Homiletics and Biblical Hermeneutics at the Vancouver School of Theology"Given the deep crisis we face in church and in society, the recovery of the biblical text in all its glorious truth-telling is an urgent task for us preachers. For much too long the text has been neglected through complacency, timidity, and embarrassment. Now is the time of recovery of the test. There are few resources as useful for such a recovery as Connections. It is interpretive work done by our best interpreters, skilled in our best methods, grounded in deep faith, and linked to lived reality. This resource is an immense treasure that invites boldness and imagination in our shared work of proclamation." —Walter Brueggemann"Having to preach Sunday after Sunday can lead preachers to acquire laser vision into biblical passages so that we can discover a message for the sermon quickly and skillfully. This relentless routine, however, can also lead us to neglect subtle nuances in the texts. Without adding days to our sermon preparation process, Connections brings to us a wide range of scholars and preachers to interpret lectionary texts with a thick examination of their interrelatedness to the wider ancient biblical canon and the depths of the contemporary world. The pairing of these two concerns in commentaries on every lection for the year will help preachers discover wonderful, new homiletical possibilities that we missed three years ago." —O. Wesley Allen Jr., Lois Craddock Perkins Professor of Homiletics, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University "Here is a resource that puts hundreds and hundreds of focused scholars in the preacher's study, ready to help shovel the diamonds of Scripture for the Sunday sermon. Every congregation in the country should buy their pastor a complete set, both for their own good and the good of the world." —Barbara Brown Taylor

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Book SynopsisIs the art of preaching dead? This book belongs to a series of works which intend to show that, far from being moribund, the tradition of preaching is alive and well. Included in this text are readings on seasons in the Christian year, saints and occasions, as well as a practical epilogue on preaching.

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Book SynopsisTozer captures the spirit of the apostle John and his gospel presentation of the Incarnation. A winsome and enthralling portrait of Christ that challenges readers to discover a fresh and overwhelming desire for him.

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