John Henry Newman, the most seminal of modern Catholic theologians, is often called 'the Father of the Second Vatican Council.' the teachings of which he anticipated in so many ways, especially in his ecclesiology, with its emphasis on the role of the laity, but also in his theory of the development of doctrine, his ecumenism, and his concern for the renewal of Catholicism in the modern world.
An original selection of public sermons, private papers, and devotions—from one of the most definitive authorities on Christianity and theology and "one of the greatest of all spiritual writers" (Philip Zaleski, editor of The Best Spiritual Writing Series). In this collection, Newman’s thoughtful belief in the Word of God shines through, as do his teachings on how to be in this world but not of it, and how to reconcile faith and reason. Devoted to his own religious calling for nearly a century, John Henry Newman is one of the most definitive authorities on Christianity and theology. A cardinal of the Catholic Church, he had a pivotal role in Britian's reembrace of the Catholic Church in the 19th century. In 2010, he was officially canonized by Pope Benedict XVI.
Here's strong Bible teaching that's fun to read! This 1,400-page collection of the best of Charles Spurgeon provides a wonderful overview to the man called "The Prince of Preachers." The Baptist minister spoke to thousands each week in nineteenth-century London, and his sermons and books still have a fresh, encouraging, and challenging power. Featuring scores of Spurgeon's sermons, plus complete books like All of Grace and John Ploughman's Talks, The Essential Works of Charles Spurgeon has been lightly updated for ease of reading. This beautiful hardback is a must-have for under $25.
Psychologist, physician and preacher Richard Cox calls on the best modern neuroscience to prove that a better understanding of the brain can transform your preaching. Arguing that the sermon is a highly charged cognitive event, Cox explains the role of brain stimuli in such crucial pastoral tasks as delivering comfort and provoking moral action.
A total of 57 lectures of George Whitefield, one of the most celebrated preachers of England and the American colonies in the 18th century, are presented here. Together, these lectures offer a profound insight into an innovative and often controversial preacher. A man of immense gifts for expression, George Whitefield would commonly drive an audience to tears with his sincere expressions of faith. Pushing the boundaries of his era, Whitefield rebelled against church authority and claimed that God himself permitted that he preach itinerant indoors and in the open air. Whitefield rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most pivotal Christians of his era. Too poor to afford tutelage, the young Whitefield managed to avoid tuition by acting as a servant to other students; assisting them to wash; cleaning their quarters; and carrying their books and satchels. Such menial work appeared to fire George Whitefield's spirit; he converted to Christianity and fervently attended to his studies thereafter.
Listeners do love their pastors and they agree with the sermon content they hear,' Lori Carrell once explained to a group of pastors, 'but most sermons don't ask for change, and most listeners don't experience spiritual growth as a result of the sermon.' A participant responded: 'Let's get practical. I want my preaching to make a difference. What changes are worth making, and how do I make them?' In Preaching that Matters, Lori Carrell shares answers to that question, drawing on the experiences of thousands of people—preachers and their listeners—whose effort she has studied over many years. In each chapter of this book, she offers research revelations about high impact preaching that will encourage and challenge readers to continue to grow as preachers. She then links these principles with Reflective Practice Challenges (RPCs), exercises that honor the rich experiences of pastors while opening opportunities for self-analysis, spiritual introspection, conversation with a trusted other, or implementation of research-based preaching recommendations. The activities have been used by hundreds of other pastors, and each RPC has been carefully selected for its demonstrated contribution to the process of transforming sermon communication. A selection of the RPCs are available as a downloadable file. E-mail [email protected] for more information. As a communication expert, Carrell approaches preaching from a 'sermon communication' paradigm. She begins with the task of identifying the spiritually transformative purpose of the sermon and then explores exegeting, organizing, deepening, and delivering the sermon, as well as listening to the listeners and planning for continued transformation. Her own goal is simple: to inspire and equip clergy to make changes that will enhance the transformative power of their preaching. To connect with others reading Preaching That Matters and to find an onlne accountability partner, join the book's Google+ communities.
"If a sermon is preached in a church and no one is listening, does it make a difference?" There are many expository preachers who forego dynamic delivery and many dynamic preachers who lose sight of faithfully communicating the biblical text. Too often preachers feel they have to choose one or the other. But dynamic delivery and faithful exposition are not mutually exclusive. In Preaching to Be Heard, Lucas O'Neill shows pastors that presenting engaging sermons that are biblically focused is not an impossibility. In fact, the key to commanding attention lies in the text itself. Rather than relying on tricks or gimmicks, his approach to sermon writing focuses on maintaining tension throughout while sticking close to the biblical text. Using practical examples and a step-by-step method, O'Neill shows pastors how relying on the inherent anticipation within Scripture can lead to sermons that are powerful--and heard.
Many sermons preached today lack the divine knowledge and spiritual understanding available only through dynamic expository preaching. In Preaching: How to Preach Biblically, John MacArthur’' well-known passion for the Bible combines with the expertise of faculty members at The Master's Seminary to inspire and equip preachers in effective biblical preaching. Preaching: How to Preach Biblically flows from biblical foundations for expository preaching through a detailed process of developing expositions and creating sermons to the actual delivery of expository messages, connecting what pastors learn in seminary with the sermons preached in a local church. This volume shows how to progress purposefully from one phase to the next in preparing to minister to God's people through preaching. This book answers these questions and more: What is expository, biblical preaching? What are the theological and historical foundations for insisting on expository preaching? What are the steps involved in preparation for and participation in biblical preaching? What models exist for expository preaching today? The Master's Seminary faculty, with over thirty years' experience in preaching and seminary training of preachers, contributes a treasury of expertise alongside insights from expositor John MacArthur. While united on their commitment to exposition, the variety of individual expressions and methodological preferences discussed offers beneficial assistance for any preacher seeking a higher level of expository excellence.
