The original audience for the Gospel of Matthew included converts from Judaism who wrestled with how to be faithful to Jesus Christ under difficult circumstances in a changing world. The Gospel of Matthew became a first-aid manual for this church in the midst of a struggle.

Thomas Long identifies this first audience and its faith within the social and religious context of the day and clarifies the structure of the Gospel. Providing examples of contemporary relevance, Long helps today's reader discern the significance of this guide for faithful living in today's church.

Books...

Written in conversational style, "The Senses of Preaching" is a thought-provoking book using anecdotes to take a careful look at congregation/preacher relationships.

Tom Long explores four aspects of preaching: "the eyes of preaching" (vitality), "the voice" (the nature of sermonizing), "the ears" (the involvement of listening), and "the embodiment" (liturgical setting). He advocates and demonstrates a preaching style that creates a one-on-one relationship with each hearer. A sermon is a worship experience, a listening experience, a sharing experience... a proclamation of the gospel

He...

The world is slowly emerging from the worst global emergency in a century, and the myriad struggles of the contemporary moment—division, isolation, illness, and uncertainty—make living our faith a challenge. For Christians, a number of questions have gained new urgency: Where do we find hope when it seems in such short supply? Where are the signs of God's peace in this divided world? Where do we find a deeper sense of joy? Thomas G. Long and Donyelle C. McCray remind us that these are the questions of Advent in their new daily devotional, A Surprising God. Mindful of the stresses of life...