Hear The Word

Communicating the eternal truth of the Gospel in the continually changing context and language of contemporary culture can be a challenging task. In HEAR the WORD, author Dr. James A. Prette explores authentic Christian preaching in the postmodern culture. In this examination, Prette discusses the three essential elements of persuasive communicationpathos, ethos, and logosand their parallels in Christian spiritual transformationcontent, context, and conveyor. He offers a theological reflection exploring and defining a biblical paradigm for spiritual formation through the exposition of the biblical logos that crosses cultural and generational boundaries. He also delves into the cultural shift that has taken place in the ethos of western culture, from a modernist worldview to a postmodern one, and its impact on Christian life and ministry. HEAR the WORD offers nine important themes that can guide spiritual leaders in listening to and proclaiming the authentic word of God in this new postmodern paradigm.

This text is a theological reflection of the words, Hear the Word of the Lord in the Bible. The objective is to focus and provide a reflection on scriptures to help individuals in their spiritual growth and their capacity to respond to the struggles of life with more emotional and psychological victories.

Steeped in history, Connell situates the modern lectionary in the context of the Catholic tradition of liturgical proclamation.

"Of very few people can it be legitimately said that their work fundamentally reconfigured the landscape of two theological disciplines. But if there is anyone in recent memory who would be worthy of such an accolade, it is John Howard Yoder. The two disciplines are, of course, theological ethics and biblical studies--though Yoder would cringe at their separation, and his work was both explicitly and implicitly a prolonged exercise in maintaining their indissoluble union. For him, to hear the word rightly was to do the word publicly. . . . [Yoder] guides us toward a truly ecclesial yet missional reading of Scripture, with a profoundly Anabaptist yet ecumenical and catholic spirit, in historically astute and literarily sensitive ways that are nonetheless "straightforward" and pastoral. Or, as he would himself say, he guides us toward a reading of Scripture that proceeds from and focuses on Jesus: Vicit Agnus Noster, Eum Sequamur; 'Our Lamb has conquered; let us follow him.'" --from the foreword by Michael J. Gorman

Long before the words of the Bible were written, God's communication through the spoken word rang out loud and clear. Jesus in particular commissioned representatives to speak on his behalf even during the time of his earthly ministry. And yet today we are a reading culture. It is easy for modern Christians to take for granted that the Bible was handed down in written form, but the way we receive God's message is far different from how the original hearers would have heard it. These differences not only shape the way that we hear God's message to his people, but they put us at risk of misunderstanding his revelation. In Hear Ye the Word of the Lord, biblical scholar D. Brent Sandy explores how oral communication shaped the ways that biblical writers received God's message—and even more importantly, how the ancient and modern faithful receive it through hearing. Filled with helpful biblical insights related to oral communication and constructive ways for modern readers to become better hearers and performers of Scripture, Hear Ye the Word of the Lord provides a constructive way forward for readers interested in exploring how we can better hear God's Word.

When life is over and you stand before God, what will he say to you? There is no greater tragedy than for someone to go through their entire life thinking they are a Christian only to hear these seven fateful words at death: "I never knew you; depart from me" (Matt. 7:23). A.W. Tozer said, "It is my opinion that tens of thousands, if not millions, have been brought into some kind of religious experience by accepting Christ and they have not been saved." How can you be sure that your profession of faith is more than just words? Seven Words You Never Want to Hear explores the mystery of salvation through the Scriptures and personal stories. Author Denise Wilson invites you to take the challenge that the apostle Paul gave to the church at Corinth-examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith. The gospel changes everything-beliefs, lifestyles, and priorities. Has it changed you? Don't wait until death to find out if you got it right.

Acclaimed in a Baylor University survey as one of the twelve most effective preachers in the U.S., Walter Burghardt distills his wisdom on social justice in a practical, gentle guide.

Demystifying Meaningful Coincidences (Synchronicities) is an original naturalistic theory of meaningful coincidences (synchronicities) as well as a blueprint for identifying, decoding, interpreting, and utilizing their embedded self-generated 'messages' in ways that are intellectually innovative and experientially useful. Interested readers are promised an experience that will unquestionably stimulate their self-awareness and, in so doing, expand their consciousness.