Preaching Evangelistically: Proclaiming the Saving Message of Jesus
Overview
The authors ask the poignant question: What is the point to preaching? There are so many agendas competing for pulpit time these days, it can be easy to forget the exact purpose of one’s calling to preach, which is to proclaim God’s salvation through Jesus who died and is now resurrected. Preaching Evangelistically looks at the different elements of gospel preaching and how they are best used to effectively proclaim Jesus. These elements include: sermon setting, text selection, preparation, preaching with biblical authority, giving an invitation, and "Hiding Behind the Cross As You Preach." The book also provides examples of evangelistic sermons from selected preachers. Fasol, one of the co-writers, states, “The purpose of our book is to provide information on preaching evangelistically with integrity, with biblical accuracy, with appeal to contemporary listeners, and absolutely for the glory of God.”
Top Highlights
“The text must stir the preacher if it is to stir the hearer. The preacher must believe the text if he is to become passionate in preaching it. No fervent sermon has ever hatched from the infertile eggs of casual concern.” (Page 20)
“If filling seats is considered the only purpose of sharing the gospel as good news, preaching can degenerate into a kind of institutional recruitment, with little or no reference to the eternal agenda of God.” (Page 19)
“The evangelistic sermon should conclude with an open invitation to receive Christ as Savior and Lord.” (Page 14)
“The purpose of selecting the evangelistic text is to allow the text to address these felt needs and other issues without compromising the biblical intention. Felt needs are real needs to the person who has them. Our purpose as preachers is to bring those persons face-to-face with the God who can meet those needs.” (Page 25)
“Some preachers balk at such procedures. They say that ‘sinners’ prayers’ and public invitations are not biblical or necessary for people to be saved. I disagree. To preach the gospel of Christ without giving the listeners the opportunity to receive Christ as Savior and Lord on the spot is unthinkable! It is like telling a thirsty man about water but then denying him the opportunity to drink.” (Page 15)
Product Details
- Title: Preaching Evangelistically: Proclaiming the Saving Message of Jesus
- Authors: Al Fasol, Roy Fish, Steve Gaines, and Ralph Douglas West
- Publisher: Broadman and Holman
- Publication Date: 2006
- Pages: 156
About the Authors:
Al Fasol received an M.Div. and Th.D. from and is distinguished professor of preaching at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.
Roy Fish was distinguished professor of evangelism at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.
Steve Gaines is pastor of the Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN.
Ralph Douglas West is pastor of Brookhollow Baptist Church in Houston, Texas.