The prophetic text of Ezekiel offers important clues to the meaning of the ministry of Jesus. Ezekiel presents one of the central metaphors that Jesus would later use, particularly that of the shepherd leading the flock of the righteous to salvation. Ezekiel discusses the role of the shepherd in two different ways. First, the shepherd is responsible for searching for flock that has scattered or for flock in need of rescue. “I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness,” (Ezekiel 34:12). Second, Ezekiel refers to the shepherd’s role in discerning between the proverbial sheep and goats, administering justice according to measures like obedience. “I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice,” (Ezekiel 34:16). These passages in Ezekiel offer insight into Biblical models of leadership, which can also be incorporated into Christian ministry or even into everyday comportment. Discernment and righteous judgment are also major themes, as is the concept of spiritual justice. The New Testament offers some confirmation of the principles outlined in Ezekiel, but with some important differences embodied in the life of Christ. Matthew echoes Ezekiel with the imagery of the shepherd separating the flock into sheep and goats, symbolizing believers and nonbelievers. “All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats,” (Matthew...
However, the stakes seem higher in Matthew’s model. Justice means either eternal punishment versus eternal life. Of course, eternal life can only be located through faith in Christ. Both the Ezekiel and the Matthew versions of the sheep and goats offer instruction in how to properly guide a congregation, and to encourage ethical living throughout an entire Christian community. In both cases, God ultimately distinguishes between the sheep and the goats, uplifting the weak and humble who have devoted their lives to service while “destroying” the egotistical whims of those who have grown “fat” or “strong” through greed or corruption (Ezekiel 34:16). These passages are therefore linked through the themes of justice and judgment.
PREACHING In a, insightful, graduate level, I a book review Preaching Fred Craddock. Craddock, F. (1985). Preaching. Abingdon Press Fred B. Craddock's book Preaching is designed to be used as a textbook for seminarians entering the ministry and a guide for preachers currently spreading the gospel. It is intentionally designed to be used simultaneously an inspirational text and a 'nuts and bolts' guide to writing and delivering sermons; it guides students who wish
Holmes helps to elucidate the connection between the message of faith in the scriptures and compassion required to convey this through the oratorical exhorting of observation. This helps to highlight once key area of continuity between preaching in Paul's time and in our own. That is, preaching remains a powerful avenue through which to encourage social action, to discourse on political realities and to further distinctly Christian collective goals. In
Preaching the New Testament, is gracefully written collection of 17 essays by preachers who are also evangelical New Testament scholars. Edited by David Wenham and Ian Paul, the book does not just merely focus on 'persuasive communication, instead it concentrates on offering insights on how interpret, personalize and communicate the New Testament. In theological speak, it focuses on the hermeneutical and exegetical foundations of homiletics rather than the mere
Preaching is speaking the truth about the word of God. In the Second Edition of McDill’s now classic text, The 12 Essential Skills for Great Preaching, the author revises the original text to make it relevant to the next generation of preachers and to the general public interested in the fundamentals of delivering the good news. Just as scripture itself needs to be continually revisited to remain relevant to contemporary
Essay Topic Examples 1. The Role of Exegesis in Effective Biblical Preaching: This essay would explore the importance of exegesis�the critical explanation or interpretation of biblical texts�in preaching. It would discuss how in-depth analysis of scripture contributes to an accurate and meaningful sermon that stays true to the text's original intent and context. 2. The History and Evolution of Biblical Preaching: This topic would examine how the art and practice of preaching
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ,” (Ephesians 5:21). This outstanding sentence clarifies one of Paul’s main objectives in outlining the household codes of Ephesians. Christ is the head of the Church, to which all Christians belong. However, Paul quickly shifts focus to the patriarchal marriage union to model Christian social norms: “Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything,”
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