Resources for preaching/teaching

The prophet Amos called his audience to "hear this word which the LORD has spoken..." at a time when they were experiencing a "famine...for hearing the words of the LORD" (8:11-12).

This page is designed for Bethel students and alumni but is intended to provide helpful resources for all who are committed to preach and teach the text of Scripture.

Introduction

Although it did not last, the upsurge in church attendance in the aftermath of 11 September 2001 indicated a hunger for a Word from God. Haddon Robinson notes, "One of the things that is evident from the studies I've seen is that people really want the preacher to explain the Bible. They simply want a preacher who can help them understand God's Word."

E.K. Bailey laments that "some preachers open a book of the Bible to read a text and use the pulpit as a launching pad to catapult themselves into a planned discussion, without the slightest intent of ever returning to the text." If the Apostle Paul was right when he wrote to believers at Corinth, the only real basis for power and authority in teaching and preaching comes from the Scritpures, not from the skill or office of the preacher (1 Cor 1:17-2:5).

The history of the Church seems to support a direct correlation between the clear proclamation of the authoritative Scripture and a vital Church making a Spirit-empowered transforming impact on the world in which it was deployed to be "salt and light."

Guide to Use of Internet Sites
Digging into the Text: What the Text Says
Digging into the Text: What the Text Means
Applying the Text: What is its Significance
Delivering the Text: Communicating to a Specific Audience

Prepared by Dr. Paul W. Ferris Jr.

This is an ongoing project and your suggestions are invited. Any problems, suggestions or concerns about this page should be addressed to pferris-at-bethel.edu (-at- = @).

Most of the resources listed are in no way affiliated with Bethel. Inclusion of a resource does not necessarily reflect the opinion of or indicate endorsement by Bethel.

Last Revised: 10 Oct. 2007.