David Norman

Interpreting the Text Theologically

One of the questions that often arises when interpreting a text concerns theology. As Steven W. Smith has emphasized: we don’t preach sermons; we preach texts. As such, the meaning of the pericope—the preaching text—should be our greatest concern. We mus... Read More »

Reflections for Reformation Day

On this date, the Christian world—of every stripe and denomination—stops to remember the moment an Augustinian friar nailed his 95 Theses to the Castle Church door in Wittenburg. In that moment, something happened that was far beyond the imagination of the... Read More »

Preaching as Congregational Reformation

The Puritan “plain style of preaching” is generally organized into three main parts: exegesis, doctrine, and uses (or application). While there is much to be gleaned from our Puritan forebears’ emphasis on interpreting a passage and unlocking the doctrin... Read More »

Assessing Theological Needs in the Church

As the author of Hebrews draws his letter to a close, he charges his readers to obey and submit to their leaders, and the reason for his instruction is clear: “they keep watch over your souls” (Heb 13:17). But then, the author explains the manner in which ... Read More »

Preaching Pointers from Micah

Preaching from the Minor Prophets is a daunting task. With a limited text before them, the preacher needs to be able to identify the historical setting of the author and book, as well as its place in redemptive history. Added to these tasks is the difficulty o... Read More »