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Biblical Preaching: A Pastor's Look at Homiletics

  1. Lesson One
    The Argument Against Preaching I: The Cybernetic Revolution
    4 Activities
  2. Lesson Two
    The Argument Against Preaching II: Four More Contrary Arguments
    4 Activities
  3. Lesson Three
    A Defense of Preaching
    4 Activities
  4. Lesson Four
    Preachers as Middlemen I: Stewards and Bridge-Builders
    4 Activities
  5. Lesson Five
    Preachers as Middlemen II: Ambassadors and Freedom Fighters
    4 Activities
  6. Lesson Six
    A Plea for Expository Preaching
    4 Activities
  7. Lesson Seven
    The Authority of the Bible
    4 Activities
  8. Lesson Eight
    The Authority of the New Testament
    4 Activities
  9. Lesson Nine
    Authority (cont.) and Introduction to Interpretation
    4 Activities
  10. Lesson Ten
    The Principles of Biblical Interpretation I: Simplicity and History
    4 Activities
  11. Lesson Eleven
    The Principles of Biblical Interpretation II: History (cont.) and Harmony
    3 Activities
  12. Lesson Twelve
    The Biblical Ideal: The Good Shepherd (John 10)
    3 Activities
  13. Lesson Thirteen
    The Historical Ideal: Charles Simeon (1759–1836)
    3 Activities
  14. Lesson Fourteen
    Characteristics of Biblical Preaching I: Accuracy, Relevance, and Courage
    4 Activities
  15. Lesson Fifteen
    Characteristics of Biblical Preaching II: Authority, Sincerity, and Humility
    4 Activities
  16. Lesson Sixteen
    The Practice of Preaching I: Sincerity and Humility (cont.) and Sermon Preparation
    4 Activities
  17. Lesson Seventeen
    The Practice of Preaching II: Sermon Preparation (cont.) and Delivery
    4 Activities
  18. Lesson Eighteen
    Illustrations of Biblical Preaching I: Verses and Short Paragraphs
    4 Activities
  19. Lesson Nineteen
    Illustrations of Biblical Preaching II: Long Paragraphs, Chapters, and Books
    4 Activities
  20. Lesson Twenty
    The Preacher’s Discipline in Study
    4 Activities
  21. Course Wrap-Up
    Course Completion
    1 Activity
    |
    1 Assessment

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Lesson Overview

Is preaching still important today, or is it a dying art? Over the past several decades an increasing number of people (including pastors) have questioned the value of preaching for the Christian life. In this lesson, Dr. Stott begins with a three-part examination of the argument about preaching. An “unrepentant believer” in preaching, Dr. Stott offers his introductory thoughts on the topic and introduces listeners to perhaps the most significant challenge to preaching—represented by Marshall McLuhan. According to McLuhan, preaching, lecturing, and writing are forms of communication that are inherently flawed. They detach the speaker/writer from the listener/reader and promote individualism—accusations of great concern to preachers.

Lesson Objectives

When you complete this lesson, you should be able to:

  • Present a introductory arguments for the importance of preaching.
  • Summarize Marshall McLuhan’s view of the Cybernetic Revolution and why it presents significant objection to preaching.
  • Explore Marshall McLuhan’s influence over present-day thinking about methods of communication in today’s culture.
  • Give a biblically based response to the first of McLuhan’s arguments.
  • Value preaching as indispensable for the Church.

Personal Reflection

As you proceed through this lesson have the following question in mind.
From your perspective, what is “preaching” and what is its purpose? How important is it for the Church? Does it have any inherent strengths or weaknesses?