This book is written for preachers who suspect that the way they were taught to preach (and for the most part are still being taught to preach) simply does not work, but are not sure why. Using practical examples from real sermons, the book uncovers many of the faults of traditional preaching styles and inspires a new approach to the sermon that unites preacher, congregation, and scripture under the powerful Word of God's grace.

Shepherd's objective is to help sermons bring the Bible to life in all of its dimensions. To do that the preacher must understand his listeners as well as his...

Solidly grounded in contemporary biblical scholarship, this fascinating volume analyzes each of the major New Testament writers -- Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul -- and places their accounts of Jesus' resurrection in the broader context of their entire output. Shepherd carefully studies the literary, historical, theological, anthropological, and sociological dimensions that color each writer's unique view of the resurrection, and examines how these passages may be read in various interpretive communities. Each section also includes sample sermons that illustrate how a preacher might treat...

Does the idea of speaking without a manuscript in the pulpit make you feel like a trapeze artist trying to negotiate a high wire without a net? There you are, balancing delicately in the stratosphere and holding on for dear life with nothing but you and your ballet shoes, wondering "Why, oh why, didn't I bring even a sliver of paper up here to catch me when I fall?" For many pastors, preaching without notes is a terrifying prospect--yet reading verbatim from a manuscript prevents a sermon from being natural and spontaneous. This book shows how you can learn to preach freely without needing...