Review: Homiletics and Hermeneutics

Among evangelical preachers, many views on the homiletical process exist. These issues surround the theological and biblical underpinnings of what a sermon is meant to do, which informs interpretation, application, and proclamation. In Homiletics and Hermeneutics: Four Views on Preaching Today (Baker Academic, 2018), Scott Gibson and Matthew Kim gather four respected preachers: Bryan Chapell, Abraham Kuruvilla, Kenneth Langley, and Paul Scott Wilson, each offering their take on how the function of a sermon informs its preparation.

First up is Bryan Chapell, author of the celebrated preaching book Christ-Centered Preaching. In Chapell’s redemptive-historic view, he submits that all sermons are centered on Christ—not in that they mysteriously conjure Jesus out of each passage, but that each passage somehow points to God’s saving revelation in Christ. Next, Abraham Kuruvilla presents the christiconic view, maintaining that periscopes must be considered with respect to their original literary and historical context, rather than being drawn out or extrapolated. Kenneth Langley then argues for a theocentric view that places God’s mighty attributes at the fore of each and every sermon. Finally, Paul Scott Wilson, author of the famous Four Pages of the Sermon, uses his model of trouble and grace to show how a law-gospel view speaks to human needs while remaining biblically faithful.

Each contributor responds to the view at hand, providing a grace-filled yet lively debate on the nuances of each homiletician’s stance. The overall conclusion is that their methods may differ, but they end at a similar conclusion: sermons should be God-honoring and life-changing. This book is an excellent introduction to the matters that go behind a sermon and clearly delineate various evangelical approaches to homiletical hermeneutics. It is ideal for seminary students or pastors who desire to craft a more profound theology of preaching.

(A complimentary review copy was given in exchange for an honest review.)

Comments

Product Review: LL Bean Extra-Large Rolling Adventure Duffle

Overview When adventure strikes, the right bag makes all the difference. Too often, however, luggage bags are either large, ponderous suitcases or small, flimsy duffle bags. I have traveled to Central and South America multiple times with terribly large suitcases. It added extra complication to my trip—especially lugging the bag up the steps! This is the problem which LL Bean seeks to rectify in the LL Bean Extra-Large Rolling Adventure Duffle. With a 137-liter capacity, this duffel is able to hold the items of the biggest pack-rat while being easy to transport. It features a telescoping handle, smooth-gliding wheels, and cinch straps. Specifications Capacity: Approx. 8,350 cu. in., 137 L. Weight: 9 lb. 3 oz. Dimensions: 17"H x 34"W x 15"D. Highlights This bag is sturdy. Not only is it capable of holding many items, but it is incredibly durable. It has a reinforced nylon bottom and a thick plastic frame so that the bag does not sag or become weak.

Review: The Way of Worship

In The Way of Worship , respected worship leaders and teachers Michael Neale and Vernon Whaley present an introduction to thinking about worship leadership. This book is divided into two parts, Precepts and Practices. Each chapter includes an analogy of leading worship alongside a river journey, biblical application, and practical wisdom. These chapters are readable, offering brief vignettes into worship ministry. To be sure, this is not a book on the specifics of leading worship. You will not learn how to plan a service or how to lead rehearsals, but this book lays the theological and spiritual foundations for worship leadership. This book is more like a devotional that seeks to grow the soul of the worship leader. The subtitle of “living and leading authentic worship” should be understood as living a Christ-like life of worship rather than “planning and executing authentic worship services.” The student workbook includes helpful reflection questions. While this should not be consider

Review: The Four Pages of the Sermon, Revised and Updated

Paul Scott Wilson's celebrated preaching text, The Four Pages of the Sermon (Abingdon, 2018) is now available in a revised and updated edition, with additions that reflect advancements in homiletical scholarship and cultural dynamics. First published in 1999, Wilson challenged the New Homiletic movement to emphasize God's gracious activity within the text and to let it saturate the entirety of the sermon—not to use the Gospel as a tantalizing treat at the end of a well-crafted plot. Today, this text stands as one of the most respected and accessible works for preachers at all stages in their ministry. Wilson argues that there are four main moves, or "pages," in a sermon: the problem in the text, the problem in the world, the grace in the text, and the grace in the world. Like Eugene Lowry's "homiletical plot," Wilson's sermon upsets the listener by exposing a human need and then moves toward resolution through the power of the Gospel. These page

Leitourgia

Search This Blog