In this excerpt from Ministers of Reconciliation, Raymond Chang argues that a biblical view of honor serves as a helpful framework for discussing issues of race and ethnic division and unity. As a second-generation Korean American, I straddle the line between the East and the West. In my upbringing, I was told to be “American”
Read more
Think About Sermon Writing as Sculpting
In this excerpt from Small Preaching, Jonathan T. Pennington compares the process of sermon writing to the art of sculpture. A few years back, my wife and I had the opportunity to drive around the beautiful North Island of New Zealand. In addition to exploring the stunning scenery, one of our most memorable adventures was
Read more
Addressing Racism in Light of the Image of God
In this excerpt from Ministers of Reconciliation, Matthew D. Kim discusses how pastors can address racism through a full understanding of the concept of the image of God. Race and ethnicity are taboo subjects in many pulpits across the United States. Knowing that some of their congregation will see it as “liberal” talk, a social
Read more
Theology for Preaching, Preaching for Theology
In this excerpt from Theology Is for Preaching, Chase R. Kuhn argues that the most biblical sound form of preaching is deliberately theological. There appears to be a growing hesitancy towards the discipline of systematic theology amongst some evangelical leaders. There is a concern that theological systems pollute a pure reading of the Bible, so
Read more
Bringing Asian Voices in the Church to Light
Lexham Press stands in solidarity with our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) colleagues, authors, and partners in light of the rise of racially motivated attacks across the country. We read in the Bible that God loves justice. We read that we are called to love one another. While we look first to the Bible
Read more
A Biblical Foundation for Understanding Baptism
Talk about baptism, and you’re immediately plunged into arguments. Whom should we baptize—professing converts or infants? How should we baptize—by immersion, pouring, or sprinkling? Why do we baptize—as a sign of God’s claim or as a convert’s public confession of faith? What does baptism do—nothing, something, everything? If it does something, how long does it
Read more
God Among Us: The Magnitude of Christ’s Advent
And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he
Read more
A Glimpse into John Stott’s Preaching Notes
It probably seems strange to publish an anthology of notes, quotes, and illustrations from the files of a preacher who professed not to “believe in illustrations.” But of course, while John Stott was never one of the great storytellers or showmen, he did become a preacher who took the need to interact with prevailing trends
Read more
Are Contextual Theologies Heretical Theologies?
Asian North American (ANA) preachers read and interpret Scripture with a unique lens. We need a contextual hermeneutic of our own that will inform our homiletic. But first, you may be wondering if there is a universal approach for interpreting Scripture. Do ANA pastors really interpret Scripture all that differently from members of other cultures?
Read more
When Calamity Strikes, You Need Jesus
Christ and calamity go together. As Jesus said: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, for I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). When calamity strikes, you need Jesus. God’s word and prayer are the means by which he sanctifies all things—even tribulation and distress. In the dark valleys of life you
Read more