Preaching Old Testament Narratives (Preaching with Excellence)

There's no question that the Old Testament is foundational for the New Testament church. But foundational or not, it can be difficult for preachers to pin down useful resources for narrative texts within the Old Testament, much less to skillfully preach those passages to their congregations.Benjamin Walton provides the practical insight pastors need. In one volume, he demonstrates both the interpretive and homiletical skills necessary to preach Old Testament narratives well. Walton guides the preacher through selecting a text which is a complete unit of thought; describing the scene in a coherent way; determining the theological message of the text; and carefully crafting a meaningful take-home truth. He doesn't stop with discovering the core message-the majority of the book focuses on delivering the message drawn from these narrative texts.Walton's approach is not just theoretical. It has been read and tested anonymously by groups of pastors, and their feedback has been incorporated into the book. This valuable resource will help preachers put all the pieces together, have confidence in what they're imparting, and maximize their preaching potential for Old Testament narratives.ReviewBen Walton has written an excellent guide for Preaching Old Testament Narratives. Well-versed in biblical hermeneutics and homiletics, he offers an insightful, practical, clear, step-by-step method, illustrated with many examples, for preaching Old Testament narratives relevantly. I highly recommend this book to those who wish to preach Old Testament narratives with divine authority. -- Sidney Greidanus, Professor of Preaching Emeritus ? Calvin Theological Seminary Published On: 2016-05-01This is an outstanding work, a valuable tool that seasoned pastors and beginning pastors alike will want to read, study, and employ in their preaching. -- J. Daniel Hays, Professor of Biblical Studies ? Ouachita Baptist University Published On: 2016-05-01Read this book before you preach from any biblical narrative and it will skillfully steer you away from some common mistakes toward very constructive alternatives. . . . Take up and read! -- Greg R. Scharf, Department Chair, Pastoral Theology, Professor of Homiletics ? Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Published On: 2016-05-01Springing from the homiletical and theological world of Haddon Robinson and Donald Sunukjian, this book on preaching Old Testament narrative makes its own, fresh contribution. -- Thomas G. Long, Bandy Professor of Preaching, Emeritus ? Candler School of Theology, Emory University Published On: 2016-05-01Nailing down the theological message of Old Testament narratives is notoriously difficult. Walton has written an excellent 'how to' guide for preachers. Like the sermons he espouses, Walton’s book is accurate, relevant, clear and inspiring -- Brandon Cash, Pastor ? Oceanside Christian Fellowship Published On: 2016-05-01"The narratives of the Old Testament present a technical challenge for the preacher. But in the end, they are still just stories that compel attention even as they offer truth. Ben Walton helps us navigate these technical aspects without losing the heart of these stories. This book draws from deep reserves of homiletic wisdom. If we listen to this wisdom, we just might help our people deeper into the heart of God." -- Kenton C. Anderson ? Professor of Homiletics, ACTS Seminaries of Trinity Western University, Presiden Published On: 2016-06-02"Most Christians know only a limited number of the Old Testament’s narratives, largely because so few pastors have the confidence to preach them. Ben Walton helpfully addresses this problem, showing how these narratives continue to be relevant for Christians today and how they can be preached authentically. Preachers will find clear guidance, both in the processes of interpreting these narratives and also in the steps to developing interesting sermons on them." -- David G. Firth ? Old Testament Tutor