R. Kent Hughes' Preaching the Word Collection (19 Volumes)

Genesis: Beginning and Blessing

R. Kent Hughes

The book of Genesis contains some of the most beautiful and well-known stories in the Bible: the garden, the flood, the tower of Babel, and the lives of the patriarchs. But these are more than just good stories. They lay the groundwork for God’s relationship with humanity and for his plan for our salvation, making Genesis foundational to understanding everything else that happens in the Bible.

Genesis reveals much about human nature and the nature of God. From the actions of the first man and woman, we see where our rebellious, sinful nature originates. And through the whole book we see the hand of a sovereign God who is loving and merciful, but also just and holy. Time and again in Genesis, God showers his grace upon undeserving humanity, giving us our first tastes of God’s enduring faithfulness that shines throughout the entire Bible.

R. Kent Hughes, respected pastor and author of many other commentaries in this series, takes readers back to the beginning of the Bible and moves through Genesis with careful exegesis. He explores the superbly crafted structure of the book as well as the weighty themes it contains. For those who preach, teach, and study God’s Word, this exceptionally detailed work will reveal much about the beginnings of God’s great story.

Exodus: Saved for God's Glory

Philip Graham Ryken

To read Exodus is to encounter God. The book is about the mercy, justice, holiness, and glory of almighty God, who rules history by his sovereign power, saves the people of his covenant, and delivers his people from bondage. Once heard, the stories recorded in Exodus leave a lasting impression. Readers return to these great acts of redemption again and again because they give captives the hope of freedom.

In this Preaching the Word volume, Philip Graham Ryken mines the majestic book of Exodus for knowledge of God’s character and instruction for his followers. So much can be learned about God through the accounts of his deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, his many divine interventions for them, and his transformation of them into an independent nation.

At once theologically instructive and decidedly practical, this commentary moves readers to great rejoicing at God’s work in the life of every person following him on the path to spiritual freedom. Ryken skillfully relates how the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery anticipated the salvation accomplished in Jesus Christ, proving that God remembers his covenant and always delivers on his promises. For those who preach, teach, and study God’s Word, this book is more than just a commentary; it is a celebration of God’s faithfulness.

Numbers: God's Presence in the Wilderness

Iain M. Duguid

The book of Numbers tells the story of the events occurring in the years between the nation of Israel’s exodus from Egypt and their entrance into the Promised Land. The lives of two generations are recorded: the first lacking in faith and receiving their just punishment from God and the second believing the Word of God and so entering into their inheritance as his children.

Like those generations of Israelites, Christians today are in the midst of a journey between events of deepest significance—the death of Christ that was the exodus from bondage to sin and death and Jesus’ second coming to usher his children into the true and final promised land as a glorious destination to the journey. Author Iain Duguid seeks to aid both pastors and laypeople on this journey by explaining the profundities of the biblical text, especially its less transparent portions, and communicating the lasting message of God’s devotion to those who follow him in faith.

Isaiah: God Saves Sinners

Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr.

Isaiah is widely considered the deepest, richest, and most theologically significant book in the Old Testament. It is, without question, a profound statement by God about his own sovereignty and majesty spoken through his chosen spokesman, the prophet Isaiah.

In this expository commentary on the book of Isaiah, Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr., argues that Isaiah imparts a single vision of God throughout all sixty-six chapters. It is a unified, woven whole presenting God’s revelation of himself to mankind, breaking through our pretense and clashing “with our intuitive sense of things.” Ortlund makes a point of man’s uninterest in God and his unfailing inclination to disbelief, and thus the need for God to “interrupt our familiar ways of thinking.”

The emphasis of this addition to the Preaching the Word series is this: God saves sinners. He saves them willfully and powerfully and needs no help from us, presenting himself in all his unmistakable glory. The message of Isaiah, shown thoroughly and thoughtfully in this commentary, will reignite a passion for the glory of God in the hearts of believers and will present that glory clearly and potently to those who have yet to be brought to saving faith.

Jeremiah and Lamentations: From Sorrow to Hope

Philip Graham Ryken

The "Weeping Prophet," the rabbis said, began wailing the moment he was born. Jeremiah had reason to weep--he witnessed the devastating consequences of life without God.

Sadly, the relativism Jeremiah saw in ancient Israel predominates in America today. That's why his words are so relevant for our lives. Better than anyone else, Jeremiah exemplifies through his courage, passion, even his sufferings, how believers can live for God in a society that has turned against Him.

While the book of Jeremiah shared the last, desperate days of the Jerusalem he loved, Lamentations expresses the cries of his heart. Yet they reveal more than the prophet's grief--they are an attempt to reflect on the meaning of human suffering. Lamentations gives voice to the deepest agonies, with the hope that some comfort may come from crying out to God for mercy. Together the two books illustrate the eternal principle that man reaps what he sows.

It is a lesson the world--and the church--needs to hear. With the heart of a pastor and the knowledge of a scholar, Philip Graham Ryken applies these words of life to us today. His commentary will not only help you understand and teach from these spiritually relevant books, but inspire you with the courage and passion of God's personal call for you to live in these times.

Daniel: The Triumph of God's Kingdom

Rodney Stortz

Containing both triumphant stories of God’s provision and difficult prophetic images, the book of Daniel stirs readers’ imagination and interest. Examples abound of Daniel’s unswerving dedication to the God of Israel, and the prophet describes the coming days in striking detail.

Throughout this book the nature of Daniel’s God is revealed to us. God’s plans for the future judgment and deliverance of this world, and his followers’ relationship with him throughout these events, mark the book. He is a God who loves his people and is in sovereign control over all the events of this world. His knowledge and control over both present circumstances and future events is undeniable.

In this study of Daniel, Pastor Rodney Stortz showcases the coming triumph of God’s kingdom. Stortz’s careful exegesis and perceptive applications focus on personal holiness, the wisdom and power of God, and the importance of Daniel’s prophecies concerning the Messiah, the Antichrist, and Antiochus Epiphanes. In addition, this commentary uses the light of the New Testament to unseal Daniel’s scroll, giving a clear understanding of his prophecies. This expositional commentary shows plainly how central the book of Daniel is for understanding coming judgment and the necessity for faithful living until then.

The Sermon on the Mount: The Message of the Kingdom

R. Kent Hughes

Within the three chapters of Matthew known as the Sermon on the Mount are truths so rich and deep that no matter how often or how closely we examine their words, they continually bring new relevance to our lives. Do you want to know what kind of character you should have as a Christian? What should define your outer way of life and your inner habit of mind? Then study the Sermon. Ponder each sentence and test yourself by it.

There is no other section of Scripture that brings you face to face with your own humanity and the grace of salvation as the Sermon does. As Christ masterfully expounds on the Kingdom of Heaven, He presents believers with the perfect standard of the Christian life. He challenges the genuineness of our words and actions, allowing us to know exactly where we stand in relation to the Kingdom. Both humbling and encouraging, it is the greatest message ever preached.

Kent Hughes faithfully explores the words that penetrate our hearts, and brings forth the lessons from this matchless model of the Christian life.

Mark: Jesus, Servant and Savior (Volumes 1 and 2)

R. Kent Hughes

In our age of aggressive evil and apathetic faith, the Gospel of Mark resounds with the dynamic power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps the most dramatic and action-packed of the synoptic Gospels, Mark's writing continues to inspire increased commitment in the Church at large.

Mark's portrayal of Christ as the Servant-Savior takes on fresh relevance in these masterful expositions by respected pastor/author R. Kent Hughes. With careful exegesis, the author draws from the text many practical lessons for everyday living and effective ministry. His numerous illustrations reflect wide interests, extensive reading, and years of experience pastoring and counseling those who seek to know Christ and walk in his ways.

This resource includes two volumes on Mark, the first part analyzes Jesus' teaching and healing ministry while the second volume focuses on the culmination of Jesus' time on earth. As the Messiah confronts evil spirits, heals the helpless, and challenges the orthodox, a final conflict with the religious establishment becomes inevitable--and we, like the ancient world, must decide if we will acknowledge him as our Lord and Savior.

Those who preach, teach, and study will find this book a gold mine of helpful information. With divisions and outlines that are never forced, but flow naturally from the text, Mark will be a great boon to those charged with communicating the Word, and to all who seek to grow in their faith through personal Bible study.

Luke: That You May Know the Truth (Volume 1)

R. Kent Hughes

Luke’s carefully researched and “orderly account” of the life of Christ is one of the finest pieces of historical writing in all of ancient literature. Yet it also accomplishes its divinely appointed – and more personal – purpose: that people of every century “may know the truth”.

In this volume, R. Kent Hughes’ covers the first eleven chapters of Luke with precision and refreshing originality. Luke the historian--with his painstaking reporting--will make you certain about the truth of not only his Gospel, but the gospel. Luke the theologian--with his careful recounting of Christ's mercy and compassion--will touch you with God's love and grace. And Luke the physician--with his heart for people, especially the less privileged--will help you to love others more deeply. This may well be the only commentary you'll ever need to teach and preach the power, the celebration, the glorious message of Luke's beloved Gospel.

Luke: That You May Know the Truth (Volume 2)

R. Kent Hughes

"Those who study Luke cannot stay the same," says commentator R. Kent Hughes. "He took great pains to present the gospel with maximum power under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The result is a compelling story." Especially when it is read and studied in sequence, as Hughes has done in these two volumes.

This second volume of Hughes’ commentary on Luke starts with chapter 11 and concludes with Christ’s Ascension in chapter 24 of the gospel. Luke the historian--with his painstaking reporting--will make you certain about the truth of not only his Gospel, but the gospel. Luke the theologian--with his careful recounting of Christ's mercy and compassion--will touch you with God's love and grace. And Luke the physician--with his heart for people, especially the less privileged--will help you to love others more deeply. This may well be the only commentary you'll ever need to teach and preach the power, the celebration, the glorious message of Luke's beloved Gospel.

John: That You May Believe

R. Kent Hughes

While each of the Gospels presents Christ with a distinct emphasis, the Gospel of John focuses on His greatness. As the timeless Creator-God of the universe. As the Word made flesh. As the gracious Lover of our souls who is the only Way to the Father.

Instead of detailing the facts and events of His earthly life, as the other Gospel writers did, John concentrates on the meaning of Jesus' words and the message of His works, clearly presenting Him as the long-awaited Messiah with one mission in mind--to do the work of the Father who sent Him.

Follow along with Pastor Kent Hughes in this engaging, verse-by-verse commentary as he leads you through this magnificent Gospel. His careful exposition and wise application will guide you to a richer understanding of not only God's greatness, but of His great goodness to us all.

Acts: The Church Afire

R. Kent Hughes

Dynamic churches--congregations that are experiencing phenomenal growth, Christian ministries that God is using to take down walls, churches where souls are being saved and lives transformed--inspire us and make for great reading. The book of Acts, the divinely inspired history of the early church, is all this and more.

In the author's words: "One reason I love to study the book of Acts is its uniqueness. It is the sourcebook for the spread of early Christianity. Without it we would know little about the apostolic church except what could be gleaned from Paul's epistles. It is the chronicle of the spreading flame of the Holy Spirit."

In this welcome addition to the Preaching the Word series, Pastor Kent Hughes provides fascinating commentary on the book of Acts:

• The birth of the church
• Bold gospel preaching that resulted in thousands being won to Christ
• The transformation of the church's greatest enemy into her greatest spokesman
• Expanded international witness due to persecution and in response to divine calling
• Walls of racial and religious pride blown away
• The dramatic missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul
• The cost of discipleship and the rewards of faithfulness

This encouraging commentary on a marvelous Bible book is sure to challenge all Christian believers who seek to walk with Christ and to serve him more effectively through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans: Righteousness from Heaven

R. Kent Hughes

Many Christians, pastors and laymen alike, consider the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Romans the richest lode of theological truth ever written. Its themes of justification by faith, abounding grace, freedom from sin and from the old nature, living sacrifices, God's sovereignty/man's responsibility, and much else have both challenged and nourished followers of Christ for centuries.

A systematic theology, a practical presentation of the Christian life, an apologetic for the gospel of Jesus Christ--the Book of Romans is all this and more. In this helpful commentary Pastor R. Kent Hughes brings all his talent for clear exposition, pointed application, and literary expression to bear on this power-packed Pauline letter.

Whether used as source material for sermons, adult Sunday school classes, and Bible study groups, or as a guide for individual study of the Scriptures, this volume will encourage and equip believers in their walk with God.

2 Corinthians: Power in Weakness

R. Kent Hughes

During Paul’s ministry, Corinth was a newly rebuilt, bustling, important city in the Roman Empire. It was a place full of pride, individualism, wealth, and religious pluralism. No wonder its inhabitants held little regard for Paul’s message!

Sound familiar? Our contemporary culture has much in common with ancient Corinth. The relevance of this book to churches today is astounding. Paul delivers powerful theology that turns the values of the ancient Roman world upside-down—the grace of God, the centrality of the cross, and God’s power made perfect in weakness. He challenges us to live counterculturally.

In this commentary on 2 Corinthians, Pastor R. Kent Hughes carefully examines this letter from the apostle Paul to the church in Corinth, continuing to provide rich biblical insight for the body of Christ.

Ephesians: The Mystery of the Body of Christ

R. Kent Hughes

The Apostle Paul's Letter to the Ephesians is one of the most dynamic portions of all of Scripture. Called by one commentator "the crown and climax of Pauline theology," it issues a clarion call to all who follow the Master. With its dual focus on Christ and the Church, with it's careful presentation of doctrine, then duty, it points the way to true Christian living and victory in a sin-embattled world.

In this helpful volume, Pastor Hughes provides an interesting treatment of the major themes of Ephesians:

• The celebration of full redemption
• The mystery of a new humanity - a third race - in Christ
• The fullness of Spirit for holy living
• The beauty of God-given roles in the home and workplace
• The implications of our position with Christ in the heavenly realms
• Resounding victory in spiritual warfare

This practical commentary on a strategic Bible book will challenge and equip preachers/teachers and their hearers for a walk of spiritual power.

Colossians and Philemon: The Supremacy of Christ

R. Kent Hughes

In our day of massive religious confusion, the message of Colossians is among the most timely of all the New Testament books. Today many seek to exclude belief in God from every corner of modern life. Others flaunt "New Age" ideas about God and Christ which collide with the Scriptures. Confusion reigns and many are in need of knowing the Truth.

Christians in the first-century city of Colosse lived in a similar situation. Having first received the true Christian faith, they were soon confronted with distortions of the truth concerning the divinity and humanity of Christ and at the same time tempted by spiritual elitism. And the answers they needed are the same timeless answers that the modern world cries out to hear.

In this study of Colossians; Pastor R. Kent Hughes' expositions go to the heart of the text in Colossians, amplifying its message with memorable illustrations and penetrating insight. His careful exegesis and perceptive applications offer new understanding and promote lasting growth in Christ.

Here is a resource with solid help for pastors, teachers, and indeed anyone who wishes to understand or to communicate the grand message of the book of Colossians--a timely volume with enduring value of the Church of Jesus Christ.

1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: To Guard the Deposit

R. Kent Hughes & Bryan Chapell

There are substantial reasons to be energized by the prospect of studying the Pastoral letters of Paul. Between them they teach the proper ordering of the church (1 Timothy), present a developed challenge to all who call themselves disciples of Christ (2 Timothy), and suggest God's plan and priorities for mature ministry (Titus)--all so that the Lord may be most glorified.

Whether you are corporately or privately concerned about the church's--or every Christian's--role and responsibility to communicate the truth of the gospel in this diverse and pluralistic society, the Pastorals offer great perspective. They remind us that, like Timothy, we are to guard what has been entrusted to our care. To fight the good fight. And to keep preaching the Word.

A well-ordered church, a clearly called and mature leadership with its priorities straight, and a body of believers committed to living a godly life in Christ are key to people being saved and coming to the knowledge of the truth. Through the apostle's words and the commentators' insights here, we gain an understanding of what God requires of those who would lead in the local church, as well as those who would be led. Embracing grace, loving godliness, and sharing Christ were not just charges to the early believers, and are not solely the responsibility of pastors, deacons, and elders in the church. They are exhortations for any of us who call ourselves disciples of Christ today.

Hebrews: An Anchor for the Soul (Volumes 1 and 2)

R. Kent Hughes

The book of Hebrews conveys a double dose of spiritual power. It not only presents the greatness of Christ in ways no other New Testament writing does, but it repeatedly demands a heart response from the reader. No one can study Hebrews and not grow spiritually and come face to face in a new way with Christ.

It is also true that no New Testament book has had more background research than Hebrews, and none has spawned a greater diversity of opinion. However, virtually all agree that the grand theme of this epistle is the supremacy and finality of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Life-changing themes come from God to us in this marvelous epistle. The unequalled glories of Jesus Christ--the solemn danger of drifting away from dependence on divine grace--a heavenly high priest who understands and is ever ready to help--the rest only God can give, even in the middle of trials and of demanding ministry--the hope that is ours through a blood covenant with an awesome God--these and other topics from Hebrews must be understood and put to work practically if we are to live and serve as God's people today.

Those who preach, teach, and study the Word of God will find this book a gold mine of helpful discussion a Bible book easily misunderstood and often overlooked. With divisions and outlines that are never forced but flow naturally from the text, Hebrews will be a great resource for all who desire to communicate God's truth and seek to grow in their own faith through personal Bible study.

James: Faith That Works

R. Kent Hughes

The epistle of James is perhaps the most practical--and most convicting--book of the entire New Testament. It is a marvelous exposition of the outworking of genuine Christian faith. True faith works!

• Joyful endurance in times of trial
• True wisdom
• Recognizing and resisting temptation in a temption world
• Beyond knowing the Word of God: doing
• The telltale signs of real faith
• Perils of the tongue
• Humility and grace
• The divine prescription for healing
• The prayer of the righteous

A marvelous commentary on a Bible book which is dangerous to read or study--it changes one's life! Like the earlier members of this series, this volume will challenge and equip preachers/teachers and their hearers for wise ministry for Christ founded on faith that works.