Handbook of Contemporary Preaching: A Wealth of Counsel for Creative and Effective Proclamation

Top Highlights

“Our God-talk must therefore begin and end with what God has spoken concerning Himself. Preaching is not the business of speculating about God’s nature, will, or ways, but is bearing witness to what God has spoken concerning Himself. Preaching does not consist of speculation but of exposition.” (Page 14)

“The primary Greek form of the word ‘preach’ (kērusso) reveals its intrinsic rootage in the kerygma—the gospel itself. Preaching is an inescapably theological act, for the preacher dares to speak of God and, in a very real sense, for God. A theology of preaching should take trinitarian form, reflecting the very nature of the self-revealing God. In so doing, it bears witness to the God who speaks, the Son who saves, and the Spirit who illuminates.” (Page 14)

“True preaching begins with this confession: we preach because God has spoken.” (Page 14)

“First, an expository sermon contains a clear statement of the primary biblical idea that is legitimately derived from a passage or passages.” (Page 63)

“Second, the structure of the sermon must be consistent with the structure of the text or texts.” (Page 64)