Reclaiming and proclaiming the Christian heritage- Fewer people today are familiar with the vital theological ideas from the Christian tradition. Preaching about the continuing relevance and richness of this heritage is one of the pastor's most important responsibilities in this age of relativities. Robert Hughes and Robert Kysar show how this situation has come about and offer imaginative and empowering suggestions for proclaiming Christianity's profoundest truths to a new generation. "Preaching Doctrine is a delightfully clear and helpful re-introduction to the theological art of preaching. Hughes and Kysar bring a rare mix of theological, practical, and biblical wisdom to bear on the weekly task of proclamation. Their reflections provide the working pastor with an easily digested compendium of homiletical theory for the postmodern era. I will use this book." -Richard Lischer Duke Divinity School "Hughes and Kysar show us how, with imagination and imaginal language, to re-mint traditional biblical and theological coinage for new purchasing power in human consciousness. And they do it with clarity and integrity." -Don Wardlaw McCormick Theological Seminary Robert Kysar is Bandy Professor Emeritus of Preaching and New Testament at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, and an ordained ELCA pastor. He is a renowned Johannine scholar and author of John: The Maverick Gospel, A Beginner's Guide to the Books of the Bible, Called to Care: Biblical Images for Social Ministry, and The Fourth Evangelist and His Gospel. Robert G. Hughes is former President and St. John Professor Emeritus of Practical Theology at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia.

"John, the Maverick Gospel" has long been regarded as one of the most trustworthy introductions to the Fourth Gospel, paying special attention to the literary and theological dimensions of this Gospel without neglecting historical and other approaches. Robert Kysar, an international expert on John's Gospel, has now revised this useful classroom tool to bring the scholarly discussions up to date and to add sections on women in the Gospel of John as well as postmodern appraoches to the Gospel. This classic text provides an accessible entry into the important critical issues of John's Gospel, both on its own terms and in comparison to the Synoptic Gospels, offering a sure foundation for scholarly study of the book as well as theological interpretation and preaching.

The Gospel of John exhibits a peculiar Christian language and thought that need to be understood and employed in the preaching ministry. The preacher's task involves penetrating the thick and often confusing language of the Gospel and comprehending its frequently paradoxical theology. The preacher can find new and powerful resources for preaching in Johannine language and thought, as well as its use of narrative and discourse. These discoveries facilitate preaching John in ways that are consistent with recent trends in homiletic theory. The method of this book is to combine the practical (how to preach John) with proposals for understanding the Gospel. The author offers a variety of sermon ideas and designs throughout each chapter based on numerous passages selected from the Revised Common Lectionary.

Explores the reasons for social ministry as they arise in the witness of Scripture-not only the usual justice texts but also those that seem to counter this position. Shows how the Bible addresses practical, contemporary concerns and fears.

Before starting to read one of the 66 books in the Bible, it is helpful to have an overview of the book. A Beginner's Guide to the Books of the Bible provides accurate, concise, and easy-to-understand introductions to each of the 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 books of the New Testament. Each description discusses the book's purpose, approximate date of composition, authorship, contents, and distinctive features. Also included are introductions to larger sections of the Bible, such as the major and minor prophets.

A knowledge of basic Greek grammar can illuminate scripture passages for preachers seeking a better understanding of the Bible and fresh perspectives for faithful sermons. Joseph Webb and Robert Kysar review rudiments of New Testament Greek with specific attention to how preachers can use their growing knowledge of Greek to integrate linguistic and exegetical insights in ways that are faithful to the sermon without overwhelming the listeners.