Hobbs College Library Archives

Preaching By The Book: Developing and Delivering Text-Driven Sermons

R. Scott Pace

Description

Preachers communicate God’s word by fully considering their context and their congregation.

Preaching by the Book is a practical handbook offering fundamental guidance for preachers beginning to explore their gifts, and fresh insights for seasoned veterans desiring to refine their craft. R. Scott Pace challenges preachers to develop their style and their substance by considering their unique personality and gifts, the work of the Spirit, and the particular audience on a given occasion.

Endorsements

“Preaching by the Book is a simple, concise, and faithful resource on how to prepare text driven sermons from Holy Scripture. It is clearly laid out and touches on all the essentials for faithful and engaging exposition. Scott Pace is a superb writer. This gift is put on marvelous display in this fine work on preaching. It is a joy to commend its wide use among students of homiletics.”

—Daniel L. Akin, president, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

“When I’m asked about a good introductory preaching book to put into the hands of a preacher, Preaching by the Book is one of the first books I will reach for. Scott Pace has produced a biblically and practically sound volume that is eminently readable. Especially important is his emphasis on calling people to faith in Christ in preaching. His content, clarity, and conciseness make this volume a helpful contribution and welcome addition to any preacher’s library.”

—David L. Allen, dean, School of Preaching, George W. Truett Chair of Pastoral Ministry, distinguished professor of preaching, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

“There cannot be too many good books on preaching, and I am glad to see Dr. Scott Pace’s Preaching by the Book: Developing and Delivering Text-Driven Sermons added to that list. Every preacher, and everyone who desires to know more about preaching, will benefit immensely by working through this book. Every preacher and the churches they serve will be strengthened by this book.”

—Jason K. Allen, president, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Scott Pace has provided a resource for preachers that is concise, accessible, and relevant. His brief theology of preaching provides the What and the Why before jumping into How to preach. He does, however, proceed to set forth a practical step-by-step model for preaching. This resource will help preachers at every level of experience and education. I thank God for the way this book will help shepherds feed the flock of God.”

—Hance Dilbeck Sr., pastor, Quail Springs Baptist Church, Oklahoma City, OK

“I wish someone would have given me a book on preaching like this one when I first started preaching! Dr. Pace has served (aspiring) preachers and teachers well by describing some of the foundations for expository preaching. His process for preparing and delivering text-driven sermons is very readable, clear, and to the point.”

—Tony Merida, pastor for preaching and vision, Imago Dei Church, Raleigh, NC, and associate professor of preaching, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

“R. Scott Pace understands that preaching reflects a preacher’s personality, but is fundamentally a theological endeavor. Thus, God’s scriptural revelation must form the presuppositions of every faithful preacher about the task of sermon preparation and preaching, as well as, shape his method and blood-earnest passion. Preaching by the Book focuses on the nuts-and-bolts of solid sermon preparation that lead to faithfulness in the pulpit. Too often, the basics for preaching fidelity are precisely what many homiletic texts neglect. Pace’s volume pursues clarity over cleverness and usefulness over trendiness, which means that this book will have a long shelf life.”

—David E. Prince, assistant professor of Christian preaching, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and pastor of preaching and vision, Ashland Avenue Baptist Church, Lexington, KY

“Simple, clear and substantive. Those are the qualities I think of when I read Scott Pace’s Preaching by the Book. He hasn’t attempted to over-analyze the sermon preparation and delivery process, but to boil it down so we can focus on the essentials. His simple and clear description of each component makes his work easy to read, and his substantive treatment of biblical exposition is faithful to a right understanding of what preaching is supposed to be. This is a delightful and helpful resource for both the weekly practitioner and the student-in-training.”

—Jim Shaddix, director, Center for Pastoral Leadership and Preaching, W. A. Criswell Chair of Expository Preaching, professor of preaching, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Details

Hardcover

96 Pages

$19.99

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The Story of Scripture: An Introduction to Biblical Theology

Matthew Y. Emerson

Hobbs College Library, Volume 1

Description

Although the Bible contains sixty-six books, written by forty authors, it is one book written by one author, the Holy Spirit, with one subject: Jesus Christ. How do these books, from Genesis to Revelation, fit together? The Story of Scripture guides the reader through the four major themes of the Bible—Creation, Fall, Redemption, New Creation—showing how each individual book of the Bible tells a cohesive story centered on Jesus.

Endorsements

“It takes a courageous author to write an introduction to biblical theology, and Matt Emerson has written a careful and compelling work. The Story of Scripture is thoroughly biblical and immensely helpful, showing how all the parts of the redemptive narrative point to Jesus. This work helps us see the striking beauty of the story of Scripture, and leads us to respond in worship of the Savior.”
—Matt Boswell, hymn writer; founder, Doxology and Theology; and pastor of ministries and worship, Providence Church, Frisco, TX

“I believe it’s a sign of spiritual health that so many evangelicals have become interested in biblical theology. You hold in your hand (or see on your screen!) the best brief introduction to the discipline. In The Story of Scripture, Matt Emerson expertly translates technical concepts for general readers and thoughtfully applies biblical theology to life and ministry. The result is an indispensable resource and an excellent first entry in a promising series that will do much to equip pastors, strengthen churches, and advance Christ’s kingdom.”
—Nathan A. Finn, dean of the School of Theology and Missions and professor of Christian thought and tradition, Union University

“The Story of Scripture provides a robust perspective that speaks to the coherency and the unity of God’s redemptive narrative. This book vigorously testifies to the person and work of Jesus Christ as the central theme of the Bible in a way that is informative and encouraging. Matthew Emerson has given us a resource that will serve both the pulpit and the pew well. It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend this work.”
—Earon M. James Sr., lead teaching pastor, Relevant Life Church, Pace, FL

“If you have any interest in the Bible, then I encourage you to take up and read this little book! Many people know stories in the Bible, but they don’t know the story of the Bible. Emerson has provided an easy-to-read introduction of biblical theology, showing the marvelous unity of the Bible, of which Jesus is the hero. The Story of Scripture will help you understand the redemptive drama of Scripture better, and will also build your faith, as you consider the divine nature of Scripture. I will be using it for years to come.”
—Tony Merida, associate professor of preaching, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and pastor for preaching and vision, Imago Dei Church, Raleigh, NC

“If you are looking for a primer that combines a predictable evangelical high view of scripture with an unpredictable historic/Christocentric read of the Bible, you are holding it in your hand. Emerson has provided a faithful and helpful volume: broad enough in scope to grasp some of the principal points of biblical interpretation, yet readable enough for the curious beginner.”
—D. Jeffrey Mooney, professor of Old Testament interpretation and theology, California Baptist University, and senior pastor, Redeemer Baptist Church, Riverside, CA

“This first volume of the promising Hobbs College Library is an insightful, solid, faithful, and edifying introduction to the biblical story and biblical theology. It will strengthen pastors, students, and church leaders alike.”
—Christopher W. Morgan, dean of the School of Christian Ministries and professor of theology, California Baptist University

“The Story of Scripture masterfully demonstrates the continuity in the storyline of the Bible. Matthew Emerson offers a vivid, yet accessible, description of how biblical theology has been conducted throughout the course of church history, and traces the essential theme of redemption through the biblical narrative. The volume culminates with an invitation to participate in God’s story, which it masterfully tells.”
—Walter R. Strickland II, associate vice president for kingdom diversity and assistant professor of systematic and contextual theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Matt Emerson’s The Story of Scripture maps the theological unity of Scripture. The terrain of Scripture is presented through an insightful, close reading of the Bible. Emerson contributes to one’s understanding of the biblical storyline by connecting how many sub-plots of the story connect to its main plot. He also adds brief, perceptive explanations of the underlying theological themes that construct the contours of the Bible. Emerson believes knowing how to apply biblical truth to our lives depends on recognizing the biblical story and where one is in the story. He persuasively illustrates this in his discussion on preaching, doctrine, biblical counseling, the Christian life, and the church’s mission.”
—Keith S. Whitfield, dean of graduate studies, vice president for academic administration, and assistant professor of theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary