Homiletics
Webster’s 1913 Dictionary defines “homiletics” as, “The art of preaching; that branch of theology which treats of homilies or sermons, and the best method of preparing and delivering them.”
Jesus’ saw announcing the “good news” of the kingdom as a part of his messianic mission (Isaiah 61:1, Matthew 4:17) and he appointed his apostles to join him in that mission. (Matthew 10:17). He was empowered by the Holy Spirit and commanded his disciples also to be empowered by the Spirit (Acts 1:8). Preaching the gospel has been a primary means throughout the ages by which people have heard the good news and given grace to become disciples.
Homiletics may be either evangelistic or as a means of exhortation and comfort to those who are already Christians. Homiletics necessarily entails not only a thorough knowledge of biblical content, both of the Old and New Testaments, but hermeneutics, sermon preparation and communication skills.
Contents
Recommended Reading
Johnson, Darrell W. The Glory of Preaching: Participating in God’s Transformation. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2009.
Robinson, Haddon H. Biblical Preaching: The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2014.
Stott, John R.W. Between Two Worlds: The Challenge of Preaching Today. 1982. Reprint, Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2000.
Resources for Further Study
Baxter, Richard. The Reformed Pastor. 1656. Edited by William Brown. Reprint, Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1974.
Chapell, Bryan. Christ-Centered Preaching: Redeeming the Expository Sermon. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2018.
Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn. Preaching and Preachers. Edited by Kevin deYoung. 40th anniv. ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012.
Long, Thomas G. The Witness of Preaching. 3rd ed. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2016.
