Preaching is an oral event; the preacher communicates through the use of words. Although not using the term “preaching” in the formalized definition we give it now, this is Paul’s argument in Romans 10:14, “And how are they to hear without someone prea... Read More »

“It’s just rhetoric.” Ever heard someone say that in reference to a speech or series of speeches? As this article is being written, the presidential campaign for the 2020 election is gearing up. The plethora of candidates are giving speeches filled with ... Read More »

Reformer John Calvin wrote in his Institutes that “the human mind is, so to speak, a perpetual forge of idols.”[1]John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, vol. 1, trans. Henry Beveridge (Edinburgh: The Calvin Translation Society, 1843), 129. Unfo... Read More »

Dr. Steven Smith states, “Text-Driven preaching is the interpretation and communication of a Biblical text in a sermon that re-presents the substance, structure, and the spirit of the text.”  As a pastor, I have greatly benefited from learning and... Read More »

You would be hard pressed to find a more practical book in the New Testament to preach than James. It is the gospel in shoe leather. There are many valuable resources available on James that every preacher should consider consulting. Most of the list below con... Read More »

Martin Luther, the Reformer who famously (and unknowingly) ignited the Protestant Reformation by nailing his ninety-five theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, found solace in Paul’s teaching on justification by faith alone in Christ... Read More »

The book of James is a practical book.  In chapter one James exhorts his readers to stand strong in the face of trials and temptations.  Chapter two exposes the hypocrisy of a faith that lacks corresponding good works. Chapter three is James’ exposition on... Read More »

The book of James is one of the most beloved books of the New Testament because of its street-level practicality. Its applicational nature is further enhanced by its frequent word pictures and everyday illustrations that can seamlessly translate into vivid and... Read More »

When the Lord spoke to his prophets in the Hebrew Bible, the common refrain was “Thus says the Lord.” The prophet was to repeat what the Lord said to his people, heralding the command of the Lord to a people who rarely listened and obeyed. The Lord also co... Read More »

Great detectives know how to follow clues to find answers, and the same skill is required for any student of the scriptures. Understanding context clues helps us get a better grasp of the meaning of the letter and the original intent of the author. Without con... Read More »

The structure of the letter of James has been described by Martin Dibelius as “totally ad hoc and superficial.”[1]As quoted by William R. Baker, “James,” in The Theological Interpretation of the New Testament: A Book–by–Book Survey (ed., Ke... Read More »

I raised my son Joseph on a steady diet of Bob Dylan. I wasn’t too surprised, therefore, when Joseph became a fan of the young indie-rock and folk songwriter, Connor Oberst. Joseph noticed similarities between the younger artist’s writing style and the fam... Read More »