Preaching Hope in Darkness
Preaching Hope in Darkness

Author: Scott M. Gibson

Publisher: Lexham Press

Published: 2020-11-23

Total Pages: 193

ISBN-13: 1683594126

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How can a preacher best address suicide from the pulpit? Pastors face many challenges. Suicide in a congregation is amongst the most heart-rending and intimidating. However, the preacher has a unique capacity to engender gospel hope for preparing the congregation and comforting the bereaved. To do so, preachers need help understanding the challenges and opportunities presented by addressing suicide from the pulpit. In Preaching Hope in Darkness, two practitioners in fields that do not typically interact--homiletics (Scott M. Gibson) and psychology (Karen Mason)--work together to support the preacher in this difficult task. Gibson and Mason offer wise advice on a range of topics such as suicide prevention, post-crisis care, and funeral sermon preparation. With an appendix of sample sermons and a sample funeral liturgy, Preaching Hope in Darkness is an essential go-to guide for this difficult topic.

Reformation Celebration
Reformation Celebration

Author: Gordon L. Isaac

Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers

Published: 2018-01-01

Total Pages: 286

ISBN-13: 1683071832

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Although the 500th anniversary celebration of the Reformation of 1517 is over, ministry in the church continues. In having looked to the past, we now focus on the present to see how the church can move forward with this strong historical base. Particularly, how do the solas of the Reformation apply as we look at Scripture and work within the church to nurture the laity in their practice of faith? This was the discussion at a recent conference, "Reformation Celebration," at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. This book (written and edited by Gordon-Conwell professors) is the result of that conference, with multidiscipline essays ranging from Luther on Scripture, grace, and Christ to the implication today of the Christology of Athanasius and Calvin. Some of the important questions addressed--historically, theologically, and sociologically--include: What does sola scriptura (scripture alone) have to say about spiritual formation?What does Bible translation have to do with Christian mission?How do grace and works compare in Islam and Christianity?In what ways does sola gratia (grace alone) affect Christian counseling?How are social ethics shaped by sola gratia?How is sola fide (faith alone) the foundation for ministry?In what way is solus Christus (Christ alone) related to Christian wholeness and maturity?