Reviews
Everyone loves a story. The power of the narrative has not disappeared. We are still captivated by a good story well told. And the Old Testament is a treasure trove of stories. Yet, the Old Testament narrative presents exegetical and homiletical challenges that any serious student of the Word will have to wrestle with. And the tension often lies between being faithful to the ancient text and making the sermon relevant. There are preachers who focus on the meaning of the biblical text, but sometimes at the expense of making the text meaningful to listeners. How can we remain faithful to the preaching of the Word without failing to engage our listeners today? To answer this dilemma, Dr. Ben Walton proposes that we consider three aspects of communication--words, genre, and message--as possible ways forward. Pastors, seminary students, and all who communicate God's Word should consider Dr. Walton's suggestions on how to preach with biblical integrity and homiletical clarity. --Desmond Soh, Assistant Professor of Homiletics and Intercultural Studies, Singapore Bible Col (06/02/2016) This is an outstanding work, a valuable tool that seasoned pastors and beginning pastors alike will want to read, study, and employ in their preaching.--J. Daniel Hays, Professor of Biblical Studies Ouachita Baptist University (05/01/2016) Springing from the homiletical and theological world of Haddon Robinson and Donald Sunukjian, this book on preaching Old Testament narrative makes its own, fresh contribution.--Thomas G. Long, Bandy Professor of Preaching, Emeritus Candler School of Theology, Emory University (05/01/2016) Read this book before you preach from any biblical narrative and it will skillfully steer you away from some common mistakes toward very constructive alternatives. . . . Take up and read!-- (05/01/2016) Nailing down the theological message of Old Testament narratives is notoriously difficult. Walton has written an excellent 'how to' guide for preachers. Like the sermons he espouses, Walton's book is accurate, relevant, clear and inspiring-- (05/01/2016) The narratives of the Old Testament present a technical challenge for the preacher. But in the end, they are still just stories that compel attention even as they offer truth. Ben Walton helps us navigate these technical aspects without losing the heart of these stories. This book draws from deep reserves of homiletic wisdom. If we listen to this wisdom, we just might help our people deeper into the heart of God. -- (06/02/2016) Most Christians know only a limited number of the Old Testament's narratives, largely because so few pastors have the confidence to preach them. Ben Walton helpfully addresses this problem, showing how these narratives continue to be relevant for Christians today and how they can be preached authentically. Preachers will find clear guidance, both in the processes of interpreting these narratives and also in the steps to developing interesting sermons on them. -- (06/02/2016) Ben Walton has given us a gift in this wonderful summary of a sound hermeneutical approach to the Scriptures. Paul admonished us to 'rightly divide the word of truth, ' and with this tool in hand any student of the Bible, if they have the discipline, will be able to be 'a workman who need not be ashamed.' -- (06/02/2016) A welcome, thorough guide for pastors brave enough to preach on Old Testament narratives--and to further sharpen their skills. A full menu of practical help and examples awaits them in this book. -- (06/02/2016) Preaching from Old Testament narrative texts can be tricky for beginning preachers and seasoned expositors alike. For many listeners today, Old Testament stories may sound archaic at best, and irrelevant at worst. In this very practical and helpful resource, Ben Walton moves adeptly from hermeneutics to homiletics and offers preachers a blueprint for how to faithfully communicate God's redemptive story from Old Testament narrative passages. Read it and you will acquire concrete tips for making this important genre of Scripture come alive and find new pathways for application in your listeners' lives. -- (06/02/2016) For a while now I have been looking for an up-to-date book that would enable my homiletics students to grapple with and grasp how to preach from the Old Testament. Here is the answer to my prayers. Since narratives make up so much of the Old Testament, this book will certainly be a great resource. Any homiletics student--and indeed any preacher--who makes his way through this book will find his preaching true to Scripture and powerfully applied to his hearers. -- (06/02/2016) Walton's careful analysis of a specific narrative is a helpful model that exemplifies the interpretation of narrative texts for preaching. His writing is lucid and dynamic, and his presence is felt at your side, a friendly guide helping you along as you make your way through the narrative of 2 Samuel 11-12. In his writing he has modeled the 'four pillars of excellent preaching' that he propounds: accuracy, clarity, relevance, and inspiring quality. -- (06/02/2016) In Preaching Old Testament Narratives, Ben Walton provides a clear, helpful, and thoughtful approach to preaching from this important genre. The book is well designed, enabling the experienced or novice preacher a clear path toward biblical preaching. -- (06/02/2016) Everybody loves a story! Perhaps that's why God put so many of them in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. Of course, these stories took place long, long ago in places far, far away. So how do we discover their message and their relevance for modern readers? How do those of us who preach and teach communicate effectively the relevance of these ancient stories to a modern audience? If, like me, you're still thinking through answers to these questions, you need to read Benjamin Walton's Preaching Old Testament Narratives. In this readable, insightful book Walton provides a clear, practical, and well-illustrated guide to discovering the message of the stories and to delivering that message in an accurate, relevant, clear, and inspiring manner. He shows the reader how to select a complete unit of thought, identify its theological and historical contexts, discern its plot, determine its original theological message, and craft its take-home truth. From there he shows how to construct a sermon that will not only inform listeners, but convince them to 'buy' and live out the take-home truth of the passage. As I read through the book, I found myself thinking: Yes, that makes sense! What a good idea! Why haven't I been doing this? This will really enhance my preaching! -- (06/02/2016) Pastors who have been trained to preach based on Pauline texts are often challenged when facing the task of preaching those fascinating stories found in the Old Testament. So pastors will welcome Ben Walton's new book Preaching Old Testament Narratives as a helpful source of exegetical and homiletical insights. Walton walks us through the process, from selecting and analyzing a narrative text to shaping and then delivering such a message. The book is packed with valuable preaching ideas and tools. This volume will be a welcome addition to many a preacher's bookshelf. -- (06/02/2016) I've always believed that God's Word is the greatest storybook of all time. While a comprehensive guide to theology and doctrine, its stories highlight the reality of God's work in human lives in colorful and dramatic ways. But preaching the narratives can often be challenging. Preaching Old Testament Narratives by Ben Walton will be a great guide to anyone who wants the stories of the Old Testament to come to life in their preaching without wavering from the true meaning of the text or over-spiritualizing the narrative. All of us who love telling the stories of Scripture will be grateful for Walton's contribution. -- (06/02/2016) Ben Walton honors the Old Testament's narratives by resisting the reductionist tendency to strip them down to bottom-line principles that will rarely do justice to the divinely inspired text. Preaching Old Testament Narratives is a wise, well-conceived book that is very accessible and overflows with practical instruction. Those who take to heart and practice the rubrics and advice provided here will preach the narratives with fresh Spirit-infused, Christ-centered power. -- (06/02/2006) In his encounter with an Ethiopian court official who was reading a passage from the scroll of Isaiah, Philip began at that passage and proclaimed Jesus to the official (Acts 8: 26-35). All who teach and proclaim the gospel should be able to do the same with Old Testament narratives. Ben Walton's book will help that to happen. Preaching Old Testament Narratives is unique in approach and practical in design. Examined and tested by groups of pastors prior to publication, the book gives understandable guidance on narrative interpretation and helpful steps on sermon development from text selection to formulation of the take-home truth. Organized in two main parts, Discover the Message and Deliver the Message, Preaching Old Testament Narratives is not just a quality textbook for personal study or for a course of study; it is a complete course in a textbook, and I highly recommend it as a vital resource for those who preach and teach Old Testament narratives. -- (06/02/2016) As children many of us were raised on wonderful stories from the Old Testament, but it is rare indeed to hear faithful and relevant exposition of those narratives in today's pulpits. Benjamin Walton's volume, Preaching Old Testament Narratives, offers the sort of clear guidance necessary for all who are serious about discovering and delivering the message of the Old Testament to the church in our age. Walton's work guides the preacher through a series of practical steps and clear illustrations designed to result in messages that are rooted deeply in stories of old while turning toward the Christ who makes all things new. I recommend it highly. -- (06/02/2016) The narratives of the Old Testament may be at once the easiest and the most demanding passages in the Bible for preachers--easiest, because they are vivid accounts filled with arresting details that easily hold an audience's interest; demanding, because it's difficult to preach them well, in the sense of getting their theological substance right and communicating their relevance effectively. This is where Ben Walton's Preaching Old Testament Narratives can help. Preachers who are intent on doing justice to the stories of the Old Testament will profit greatly from Walton's counsel on how to navigate the exegetical and homiletical challenges these marvelous passages pose. -- (06/02/2016) Ben Walton has written an excellent guide for Preaching Old Testament Narratives. Well-versed in biblical hermeneutics and homiletics, he offers an insightful, practical, clear, step-by-step method, illustrated with many examples, for preaching Old Testament narratives relevantly. I highly recommend this book to those who wish to preach Old Testament narratives with divine authority.-- (05/01/2016)
-Walton's careful analysis of a specific narrative is a helpful model that exemplifies the interpretation of narrative texts for preaching. His writing is lucid and dynamic, and his presence is felt at your side, a friendly guide helping you along as you make your way through the narrative of 2 Samuel 11-12. In his writing he has modeled the 'four pillars of excellent preaching' that he propounds: accuracy, clarity, relevance, and inspiring quality.---Abraham Kuruvilla, Research Professor of Pastoral Ministries, Dallas Theological Seminary (06/02/2016)
"""A welcome, thorough guide for pastors brave enough to preach on Old Testament narratives--and to further sharpen their skills. A full menu of practical help and examples awaits them in this book.""--Robert L. Hubbard, Jr. ""Professor of Biblical Literature Emeritus, North Park Theological Seminary"" (6/2/2016 12:00:00 AM) ""Ben Walton has given us a gift in this wonderful summary of a sound hermeneutical approach to the Scriptures. Paul admonished us to 'rightly divide the word of truth, ' and with this tool in hand any student of the Bible, if they have the discipline, will be able to be 'a workman who need not be ashamed.'""--Darryl DelHousaye ""President, Phoenix Seminary"" (6/2/2016 12:00:00 AM) ""Everyone loves a story. The power of the narrative has not disappeared. We are still captivated by a good story well told. And the Old Testament is a treasure trove of stories. Yet, the Old Testament narrative presents exegetical and homiletical challenges that any serious student of the Word will have to wrestle with. And the tension often lies between being faithful to the ancient text and making the sermon relevant. There are preachers who focus on the meaning of the biblical text, but sometimes at the expense of making the text meaningful to listeners. How can we remain faithful to the preaching of the Word without failing to engage our listeners today? ""To answer this dilemma, Dr. Ben Walton proposes that we consider three aspects of communication--words, genre, and message--as possible ways forward. Pastors, seminary students, and all who communicate God's Word should consider Dr. Walton's suggestions on how to preach with biblical integrity and homiletical clarity.""--Desmond Soh ""Assistant Professor of Homiletics and Intercultural Studies, Singapore Bible Col"" (6/2/2016 12:00:00 AM) ""For a while now I have been looking for an up-to-date book that would enable my homiletics students to grapple with and grasp how to preach from the Old Testament. Here is the answer to my prayers. Since narratives make up so much of the Old Testament, this book will certainly be a great resource. Any homiletics student--and indeed any preacher--who makes his way through this book will find his preaching true to Scripture and powerfully applied to his hearers.""--Conrad Mbewe, Chancellor ""African Christian University, Principal, Lusaka Ministerial College"" (6/2/2016 12:00:00 AM) ""Most Christians know only a limited number of the Old Testament's narratives, largely because so few pastors have the confidence to preach them. Ben Walton helpfully addresses this problem, showing how these narratives continue to be relevant for Christians today and how they can be preached authentically. Preachers will find clear guidance, both in the processes of interpreting these narratives and also in the steps to developing interesting sermons on them.""--David G. Firth ""Old Testament Tutor, Head of Research, St. John School of Mission (Nottingham, U"" (6/2/2016 12:00:00 AM) ""The narratives of the Old Testament present a technical challenge for the preacher. But in the end, they are still just stories that compel attention even as they offer truth. Ben Walton helps us navigate these technical aspects without losing the heart of these stories. This book draws from deep reserves of homiletic wisdom. If we listen to this wisdom, we just might help our people deeper into the heart of God.""--Kenton C. Anderson ""Professor of Homiletics, ACTS Seminaries of Trinity Western University, Presiden"" (6/2/2016 12:00:00 AM) ""Walton's careful analysis of a specific narrative is a helpful model that exemplifies the interpretation of narrative texts for preaching. His writing is lucid and dynamic, and his presence is felt at your side, a friendly guide helping you along as you make your way through the narrative of 2 Samuel 11-12. In his writing he has modeled the 'four pillars of excellent preaching' that he propounds: accuracy, clarity, relevance, and inspiring quality.""--Abraham Kuruvilla ""Research Professor of Pastoral Ministries, Dallas Theological Seminary"" (6/2/2016 12:00:00 AM) ""Preaching from Old Testament narrative texts can be tricky for beginning preachers and seasoned expositors alike. For many listeners today, Old Testament stories may sound archaic at best, and irrelevant at worst. In this very practical and helpful resource, Ben Walton moves adeptly from hermeneutics to homiletics and offers preachers a blueprint for how to faithfully communicate God's redemptive story from Old Testament narrative passages. Read it and you will acquire concrete tips for making this important genre of Scripture come alive and find new pathways for application in your listeners' lives.""--Matthew D. Kim ""Assistant Professor of Preaching and Ministry, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary"" (6/2/2016 12:00:00 AM) Nailing down the theological message of Old Testament narratives is notoriously difficult. Walton has written an excellent 'how to' guide for preachers. Like the sermons he espouses, Walton's book is accurate, relevant, clear and inspiring--Brandon Cash, Pastor ""Oceanside Christian Fellowship"" (5/1/2016 12:00:00 AM) Read this book before you preach from any biblical narrative and it will skillfully steer you away from some common mistakes toward very constructive alternatives. . . . Take up and read!--Greg R. Scharf, Department Chair, Pastoral Theology, Professor of Homiletics ""Trinity Evangelical Divinity School"" (5/1/2016 12:00:00 AM) Springing from the homiletical and theological world of Haddon Robinson and Donald Sunukjian, this book on preaching Old Testament narrative makes its own, fresh contribution.--Thomas G. Long, Bandy Professor of Preaching, Emeritus ""Candler School of Theology, Emory University"" (5/1/2016 12:00:00 AM) This is an outstanding work, a valuable tool that seasoned pastors and beginning pastors alike will want to read, study, and employ in their preaching.--J. Daniel Hays, Professor of Biblical Studies ""Ouachita Baptist University"" (5/1/2016 12:00:00 AM) ""As children many of us were raised on wonderful stories from the Old Testament, but it is rare indeed to hear faithful and relevant exposition of those narratives in today's pulpits. Benjamin Walton's volume, Preaching Old Testament Narratives, offers the sort of clear guidance necessary for all who are serious about discovering and delivering the message of the Old Testament to the church in our age. Walton's work guides the preacher through a series of practical steps and clear illustrations designed to result in messages that are rooted deeply in stories of old while turning toward the Christ who makes all things new. I recommend it highly.""--James Hiles, Dean ""College of Theology, Grand Canyon University"" (6/2/2016 12:00:00 AM) ""Ben Walton honors the Old Testament's narratives by resisting the reductionist tendency to strip them down to bottom-line principles that will rarely do justice to the divinely inspired text. Preaching Old Testament Narratives is a wise, well-conceived book that is very accessible and overflows with practical instruction. Those who take to heart and practice the rubrics and advice provided here will preach the narratives with fresh Spirit-infused, Christ-centered power.""--R. Kent Hughes ""Visiting Professor of Practical Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary"" (6/2/2006 12:00:00 AM) ""Everybody loves a story! Perhaps that's why God put so many of them in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. Of course, these stories took place long, long ago in places far, far away. So how do we discover their message and their relevance for modern readers? How do those of us who preach and teach communicate effectively the relevance of these ancient stories to a modern audience? If, like me, you're still thinking through answers to these questions, you need to read Benjamin Walton's Preaching Old Testament Narratives. In this readable, insightful book Walton provides a clear, practical, and well-illustrated guide to discovering the message of the stories and to delivering that message in an accurate, relevant, clear, and inspiring manner. He shows the reader how to select a complete unit of thought, identify its theological and historical contexts, discern its plot, determine its original theological message, and craft its take-home truth. From there he shows how to construct a sermon that will not only inform listeners, but convince them to 'buy' and live out the take-home truth of the passage. As I read through the book, I found myself thinking: Yes, that makes sense! What a good idea! Why haven't I been doing this? This will really enhance my preaching!""--Robert B. Chisholm, Jr. ""Chair and Senior Professor of Old Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary"" (6/2/2016 12:00:00 AM) ""I've always believed that God's Word is the greatest storybook of all time. While a comprehensive guide to theology and doctrine, its stories highlight the reality of God's work in human lives in colorful and dramatic ways. But preaching the narratives can often be challenging. Preaching Old Testament Narratives by Ben Walton will be a great guide to anyone who wants the stories of the Old Testament to come to life in their preaching without wavering from the true meaning of the text or over-spiritualizing the narrative. All of us who love telling the stories of Scripture will be grateful for Walton's contribution.""--Joe Stowell ""President, Cornerstone University"" (6/2/2016 12:00:00 AM) ""In Preaching Old Testament Narratives, Ben Walton provides a clear, helpful, and thoughtful approach to preaching from this important genre. The book is well designed, enabling the experienced or novice preacher a clear path toward biblical preaching.""--Scott M. Gibson ""Haddon W. Robinson Professor of Preaching and Ministry, Gordon-Conwell Theologic"" (6/2/2016 12:00:00 AM) ""In his encounter with an Ethiopian court official who was reading a passage from the scroll of Isaiah, Philip began at that passage and proclaimed Jesus to the official (Acts 8: 26-35). All who teach and proclaim the gospel should be able to do the same with Old Testament narratives. Ben Walton's book will help that to happen. Preaching Old Testament Narratives is unique in approach and practical in design. Examined and tested by groups of pastors prior to publication, the book gives understandable guidance on narrative interpretation and helpful steps on sermon development from text selection to formulation of the take-home truth. Organized in two main parts, Discover the Message and Deliver the Message, Preaching Old Testament Narratives is not just a quality textbook for personal study or for a course of study; it is a complete course in a textbook, and I highly recommend it as a vital resource for those who preach and teach Old Testament narratives.""--Jerry N Barlow ""Professor of Preaching and Pastoral Work, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary"" (6/2/2016 12:00:00 AM) ""Pastors who have been trained to preach based on Pauline texts are often challenged when facing the task of preaching those fascinating stories found in the Old Testament. So pastors will welcome Ben Walton's new book Preaching Old Testament Narratives as a helpful source of exegetical and homiletical insights. Walton walks us through the process, from selecting and analyzing a narrative text to shaping and then delivering such a message. The book is packed with valuable preaching ideas and tools. This volume will be a welcome addition to many a preacher's bookshelf.""--Michael Duduit, Dean ""College of Christian Studies and Clamp Divinity School, Anderson University"" (6/2/2016 12:00:00 AM) ""The narratives of the Old Testament may be at once the easiest and the most demanding passages in the Bible for preachers--easiest, because they are vivid accounts filled with arresting details that easily hold an audience's interest; demanding, because it's difficult to preach them well, in the sense of getting their theological substance right and communicating their relevance effectively. This is where Ben Walton's Preaching Old Testament Narratives can help. Preachers who are intent on doing justice to the stories of the Old Testament will profit greatly from Walton's counsel on how to navigate the exegetical and homiletical challenges these marvelous passages pose.""--Duane Litfin ""President Emeritus, Wheaton College"" (6/2/2016 12:00:00 AM) Ben Walton has written an excellent guide for Preaching Old Testament Narratives. Well-versed in biblical hermeneutics and homiletics, he offers an insightful, practical, clear, step-by-step method, illustrated with many examples, for preaching Old Testament narratives relevantly. I highly recommend this book to those who wish to preach Old Testament narratives with divine authority.--Sidney Greidanus, Professor of Preaching Emeritus ""Calvin Theological Seminary"" (5/1/2016 12:00:00 AM)"
Nailing down the theological message of Old Testament narratives is notoriously difficult. Walton has written an excellent 'how to' guide for preachers. Like the sermons he espouses, Walton's book is accurate, relevant, clear and inspiring--Brandon Cash, Pastor Oceanside Christian Fellowship (05/01/2016)
The narratives of the Old Testament present a technical challenge for the preacher. But in the end, they are still just stories that compel attention even as they offer truth. Ben Walton helps us navigate these technical aspects without losing the heart of these stories. This book draws from deep reserves of homiletic wisdom. If we listen to this wisdom, we just might help our people deeper into the heart of God. --Kenton C. Anderson, Professor of Homiletics, ACTS Seminaries of Trinity Western University, Presiden (06/02/2016) Most Christians know only a limited number of the Old Testament's narratives, largely because so few pastors have the confidence to preach them. Ben Walton helpfully addresses this problem, showing how these narratives continue to be relevant for Christians today and how they can be preached authentically. Preachers will find clear guidance, both in the processes of interpreting these narratives and also in the steps to developing interesting sermons on them. --David G. Firth, Old Testament Tutor, Head of Research, St. John School of Mission (Nottingham, U (06/02/2016) Ben Walton has given us a gift in this wonderful summary of a sound hermeneutical approach to the Scriptures. Paul admonished us to 'rightly divide the word of truth, ' and with this tool in hand any student of the Bible, if they have the discipline, will be able to be 'a workman who need not be ashamed.' --Darryl DelHousaye, President, Phoenix Seminary (06/02/2016) A welcome, thorough guide for pastors brave enough to preach on Old Testament narratives--and to further sharpen their skills. A full menu of practical help and examples awaits them in this book. --Robert L. Hubbard, Jr., Professor of Biblical Literature Emeritus, North Park Theological Seminary (06/02/2016) Preaching from Old Testament narrative texts can be tricky for beginning preachers and seasoned expositors alike. For many listeners today, Old Testament stories may sound archaic at best, and irrelevant at worst. In this very practical and helpful resource, Ben Walton moves adeptly from hermeneutics to homiletics and offers preachers a blueprint for how to faithfully communicate God's redemptive story from Old Testament narrative passages. Read it and you will acquire concrete tips for making this important genre of Scripture come alive and find new pathways for application in your listeners' lives. --Matthew D. Kim, Assistant Professor of Preaching and Ministry, Gordon-Conwell Theological Semina (06/02/2016) For a while now I have been looking for an up-to-date book that would enable my homiletics students to grapple with and grasp how to preach from the Old Testament. Here is the answer to my prayers. Since narratives make up so much of the Old Testament, this book will certainly be a great resource. Any homiletics student--and indeed any preacher--who makes his way through this book will find his preaching true to Scripture and powerfully applied to his hearers. --Conrad Mbewe, Chancellor, African Christian University, Principal, Lusaka Ministerial College (06/02/2016) Everyone loves a story. The power of the narrative has not disappeared. We are still captivated by a good story well told. And the Old Testament is a treasure trove of stories. Yet, the Old Testament narrative presents exegetical and homiletical challenges that any serious student of the Word will have to wrestle with. And the tension often lies between being faithful to the ancient text and making the sermon relevant. There are preachers who focus on the meaning of the biblical text, but sometimes at the expense of making the text meaningful to listeners. How can we remain faithful to the preaching of the Word without failing to engage our listeners today? To answer this dilemma, Dr. Ben Walton proposes that we consider three aspects of communication--words, genre, and message--as possible ways forward. Pastors, seminary students, and all who communicate God's Word should consider Dr. Walton's suggestions on how to preach with biblical integrity and homiletical clarity. --Desmond Soh, Assistant Professor of Homiletics and Intercultural Studies, Singapore Bible Col (06/02/2016) Walton's careful analysis of a specific narrative is a helpful model that exemplifies the interpretation of narrative texts for preaching. His writing is lucid and dynamic, and his presence is felt at your side, a friendly guide helping you along as you make your way through the narrative of 2 Samuel 11-12. In his writing he has modeled the 'four pillars of excellent preaching' that he propounds: accuracy, clarity, relevance, and inspiring quality. --Abraham Kuruvilla, Research Professor of Pastoral Ministries, Dallas Theological Seminary (06/02/2016) This is an outstanding work, a valuable tool that seasoned pastors and beginning pastors alike will want to read, study, and employ in their preaching.--J. Daniel Hays, Professor of Biblical Studies Ouachita Baptist University (05/01/2016) Read this book before you preach from any biblical narrative and it will skillfully steer you away from some common mistakes toward very constructive alternatives. . . . Take up and read!--Greg R. Scharf, Department Chair, Pastoral Theology, Professor of Homiletics Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (05/01/2016) Springing from the homiletical and theological world of Haddon Robinson and Donald Sunukjian, this book on preaching Old Testament narrative makes its own, fresh contribution.--Thomas G. Long, Bandy Professor of Preaching, Emeritus Candler School of Theology, Emory University (05/01/2016) Nailing down the theological message of Old Testament narratives is notoriously difficult. Walton has written an excellent 'how to' guide for preachers. Like the sermons he espouses, Walton's book is accurate, relevant, clear and inspiring--Brandon Cash, Pastor Oceanside Christian Fellowship (05/01/2016) Ben Walton has written an excellent guide for Preaching Old Testament Narratives. Well-versed in biblical hermeneutics and homiletics, he offers an insightful, practical, clear, step-by-step method, illustrated with many examples, for preaching Old Testament narratives relevantly. I highly recommend this book to those who wish to preach Old Testament narratives with divine authority.--Sidney Greidanus, Professor of Preaching Emeritus Calvin Theological Seminary (05/01/2016) In Preaching Old Testament Narratives, Ben Walton provides a clear, helpful, and thoughtful approach to preaching from this important genre. The book is well designed, enabling the experienced or novice preacher a clear path toward biblical preaching. --Scott M. Gibson, Haddon W. Robinson Professor of Preaching and Ministry, Gordon-Conwell Theologic (06/02/2016) Everybody loves a story! Perhaps that's why God put so many of them in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. Of course, these stories took place long, long ago in places far, far away. So how do we discover their message and their relevance for modern readers? How do those of us who preach and teach communicate effectively the relevance of these ancient stories to a modern audience? If, like me, you're still thinking through answers to these questions, you need to read Benjamin Walton's Preaching Old Testament Narratives. In this readable, insightful book Walton provides a clear, practical, and well-illustrated guide to discovering the message of the stories and to delivering that message in an accurate, relevant, clear, and inspiring manner. He shows the reader how to select a complete unit of thought, identify its theological and historical contexts, discern its plot, determine its original theological message, and craft its take-home truth. From there he shows how to construct a sermon that will not only inform listeners, but convince them to 'buy' and live out the take-home truth of the passage. As I read through the book, I found myself thinking: Yes, that makes sense! What a good idea! Why haven't I been doing this? This will really enhance my preaching! --Robert B. Chisholm, Jr., Chair and Senior Professor of Old Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary (06/02/2016) Pastors who have been trained to preach based on Pauline texts are often challenged when facing the task of preaching those fascinating stories found in the Old Testament. So pastors will welcome Ben Walton's new book Preaching Old Testament Narratives as a helpful source of exegetical and homiletical insights. Walton walks us through the process, from selecting and analyzing a narrative text to shaping and then delivering such a message. The book is packed with valuable preaching ideas and tools. This volume will be a welcome addition to many a preacher's bookshelf. --Michael Duduit, Dean, College of Christian Studies and Clamp Divinity School, Anderson University (06/02/2016) I've always believed that God's Word is the greatest storybook of all time. While a comprehensive guide to theology and doctrine, its stories highlight the reality of God's work in human lives in colorful and dramatic ways. But preaching the narratives can often be challenging. Preaching Old Testament Narratives by Ben Walton will be a great guide to anyone who wants the stories of the Old Testament to come to life in their preaching without wavering from the true meaning of the text or over-spiritualizing the narrative. All of us who love telling the stories of Scripture will be grateful for Walton's contribution. --Joe Stowell, President, Cornerstone University (06/02/2016) Ben Walton honors the Old Testament's narratives by resisting the reductionist tendency to strip them down to bottom-line principles that will rarely do justice to the divinely inspired text. Preaching Old Testament Narratives is a wise, well-conceived book that is very accessible and overflows with practical instruction. Those who take to heart and practice the rubrics and advice provided here will preach the narratives with fresh Spirit-infused, Christ-centered power. --R. Kent Hughes, Visiting Professor of Practical Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary (06/02/2006) In his encounter with an Ethiopian court official who was reading a passage from the scroll of Isaiah, Philip began at that passage and proclaimed Jesus to the official (Acts 8: 26-35). All who teach and proclaim the gospel should be able to do the same with Old Testament narratives. Ben Walton's book will help that to happen. Preaching Old Testament Narratives is unique in approach and practical in design. Examined and tested by groups of pastors prior to publication, the book gives understandable guidance on narrative interpretation and helpful steps on sermon development from text selection to formulation of the take-home truth. Organized in two main parts, Discover the Message and Deliver the Message, Preaching Old Testament Narratives is not just a quality textbook for personal study or for a course of study; it is a complete course in a textbook, and I highly recommend it as a vital resource for those who preach and teach Old Testament narratives. --Jerry N Barlow, Professor of Preaching and Pastoral Work, New Orleans Baptist Theological Semina (06/02/2016) As children many of us were raised on wonderful stories from the Old Testament, but it is rare indeed to hear faithful and relevant exposition of those narratives in today's pulpits. Benjamin Walton's volume, Preaching Old Testament Narratives, offers the sort of clear guidance necessary for all who are serious about discovering and delivering the message of the Old Testament to the church in our age. Walton's work guides the preacher through a series of practical steps and clear illustrations designed to result in messages that are rooted deeply in stories of old while turning toward the Christ who makes all things new. I recommend it highly. --James Hiles, Dean, College of Theology, Grand Canyon University (06/02/2016) The narratives of the Old Testament may be at once the easiest and the most demanding passages in the Bible for preachers--easiest, because they are vivid accounts filled with arresting details that easily hold an audience's interest; demanding, because it's difficult to preach them well, in the sense of getting their theological substance right and communicating their relevance effectively. This is where Ben Walton's Preaching Old Testament Narratives can help. Preachers who are intent on doing justice to the stories of the Old Testament will profit greatly from Walton's counsel on how to navigate the exegetical and homiletical challenges these marvelous passages pose. --Duane Litfin, President Emeritus, Wheaton College (06/02/2016)
Everyone loves a story. The power of the narrative has not disappeared. We are still captivated by a good story well told. And the Old Testament is a treasure trove of stories. Yet, the Old Testament narrative presents exegetical and homiletical challenges that any serious student of the Word will have to wrestle with. And the tension often lies between being faithful to the ancient text and making the sermon relevant. There are preachers who focus on the meaning of the biblical text, but sometimes at the expense of making the text meaningful to listeners. How can we remain faithful to the preaching of the Word without failing to engage our listeners today? To answer this dilemma, Dr. Ben Walton proposes that we consider three aspects of communication--words, genre, and message--as possible ways forward. Pastors, seminary students, and all who communicate God's Word should consider Dr. Walton's suggestions on how to preach with biblical integrity and homiletical clarity. --Desmond Soh, Assistant Professor of Homiletics and Intercultural Studies, Singapore Bible Col (06/02/2016) Springing from the homiletical and theological world of Haddon Robinson and Donald Sunukjian, this book on preaching Old Testament narrative makes its own, fresh contribution.--Thomas G. Long, Bandy Professor of Preaching, Emeritus Candler School of Theology, Emory University (05/01/2016) This is an outstanding work, a valuable tool that seasoned pastors and beginning pastors alike will want to read, study, and employ in their preaching.--J. Daniel Hays, Professor of Biblical Studies Ouachita Baptist University (05/01/2016) The narratives of the Old Testament present a technical challenge for the preacher. But in the end, they are still just stories that compel attention even as they offer truth. Ben Walton helps us navigate these technical aspects without losing the heart of these stories. This book draws from deep reserves of homiletic wisdom. If we listen to this wisdom, we just might help our people deeper into the heart of God. -- (06/02/2016) Most Christians know only a limited number of the Old Testament's narratives, largely because so few pastors have the confidence to preach them. Ben Walton helpfully addresses this problem, showing how these narratives continue to be relevant for Christians today and how they can be preached authentically. Preachers will find clear guidance, both in the processes of interpreting these narratives and also in the steps to developing interesting sermons on them. -- (06/02/2016) Ben Walton has given us a gift in this wonderful summary of a sound hermeneutical approach to the Scriptures. Paul admonished us to 'rightly divide the word of truth, ' and with this tool in hand any student of the Bible, if they have the discipline, will be able to be 'a workman who need not be ashamed.' -- (06/02/2016) A welcome, thorough guide for pastors brave enough to preach on Old Testament narratives--and to further sharpen their skills. A full menu of practical help and examples awaits them in this book. -- (06/02/2016) For a while now I have been looking for an up-to-date book that would enable my homiletics students to grapple with and grasp how to preach from the Old Testament. Here is the answer to my prayers. Since narratives make up so much of the Old Testament, this book will certainly be a great resource. Any homiletics student--and indeed any preacher--who makes his way through this book will find his preaching true to Scripture and powerfully applied to his hearers. -- (06/02/2016) Walton's careful analysis of a specific narrative is a helpful model that exemplifies the interpretation of narrative texts for preaching. His writing is lucid and dynamic, and his presence is felt at your side, a friendly guide helping you along as you make your way through the narrative of 2 Samuel 11-12. In his writing he has modeled the 'four pillars of excellent preaching' that he propounds: accuracy, clarity, relevance, and inspiring quality. -- (06/02/2016) Read this book before you preach from any biblical narrative and it will skillfully steer you away from some common mistakes toward very constructive alternatives. . . . Take up and read!-- (05/01/2016) Nailing down the theological message of Old Testament narratives is notoriously difficult. Walton has written an excellent 'how to' guide for preachers. Like the sermons he espouses, Walton's book is accurate, relevant, clear and inspiring-- (05/01/2016) Preaching from Old Testament narrative texts can be tricky for beginning preachers and seasoned expositors alike. For many listeners today, Old Testament stories may sound archaic at best, and irrelevant at worst. In this very practical and helpful resource, Ben Walton moves adeptly from hermeneutics to homiletics and offers preachers a blueprint for how to faithfully communicate God's redemptive story from Old Testament narrative passages. Read it and you will acquire concrete tips for making this important genre of Scripture come alive and find new pathways for application in your listeners' lives. -- (06/02/2016) In Preaching Old Testament Narratives, Ben Walton provides a clear, helpful, and thoughtful approach to preaching from this important genre. The book is well designed, enabling the experienced or novice preacher a clear path toward biblical preaching. -- (06/02/2016) Everybody loves a story! Perhaps that's why God put so many of them in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. Of course, these stories took place long, long ago in places far, far away. So how do we discover their message and their relevance for modern readers? How do those of us who preach and teach communicate effectively the relevance of these ancient stories to a modern audience? If, like me, you're still thinking through answers to these questions, you need to read Benjamin Walton's Preaching Old Testament Narratives. In this readable, insightful book Walton provides a clear, practical, and well-illustrated guide to discovering the message of the stories and to delivering that message in an accurate, relevant, clear, and inspiring manner. He shows the reader how to select a complete unit of thought, identify its theological and historical contexts, discern its plot, determine its original theological message, and craft its take-home truth. From there he shows how to construct a sermon that will not only inform listeners, but convince them to 'buy' and live out the take-home truth of the passage. As I read through the book, I found myself thinking: Yes, that makes sense! What a good idea! Why haven't I been doing this? This will really enhance my preaching! -- (06/02/2016) Pastors who have been trained to preach based on Pauline texts are often challenged when facing the task of preaching those fascinating stories found in the Old Testament. So pastors will welcome Ben Walton's new book Preaching Old Testament Narratives as a helpful source of exegetical and homiletical insights. Walton walks us through the process, from selecting and analyzing a narrative text to shaping and then delivering such a message. The book is packed with valuable preaching ideas and tools. This volume will be a welcome addition to many a preacher's bookshelf. -- (06/02/2016) Ben Walton honors the Old Testament's narratives by resisting the reductionist tendency to strip them down to bottom-line principles that will rarely do justice to the divinely inspired text. Preaching Old Testament Narratives is a wise, well-conceived book that is very accessible and overflows with practical instruction. Those who take to heart and practice the rubrics and advice provided here will preach the narratives with fresh Spirit-infused, Christ-centered power. -- (06/02/2006) As children many of us were raised on wonderful stories from the Old Testament, but it is rare indeed to hear faithful and relevant exposition of those narratives in today's pulpits. Benjamin Walton's volume, Preaching Old Testament Narratives, offers the sort of clear guidance necessary for all who are serious about discovering and delivering the message of the Old Testament to the church in our age. Walton's work guides the preacher through a series of practical steps and clear illustrations designed to result in messages that are rooted deeply in stories of old while turning toward the Christ who makes all things new. I recommend it highly. -- (06/02/2016) I've always believed that God's Word is the greatest storybook of all time. While a comprehensive guide to theology and doctrine, its stories highlight the reality of God's work in human lives in colorful and dramatic ways. But preaching the narratives can often be challenging. Preaching Old Testament Narratives by Ben Walton will be a great guide to anyone who wants the stories of the Old Testament to come to life in their preaching without wavering from the true meaning of the text or over-spiritualizing the narrative. All of us who love telling the stories of Scripture will be grateful for Walton's contribution. -- (06/02/2016) In his encounter with an Ethiopian court official who was reading a passage from the scroll of Isaiah, Philip began at that passage and proclaimed Jesus to the official (Acts 8: 26-35). All who teach and proclaim the gospel should be able to do the same with Old Testament narratives. Ben Walton's book will help that to happen. Preaching Old Testament Narratives is unique in approach and practical in design. Examined and tested by groups of pastors prior to publication, the book gives understandable guidance on narrative interpretation and helpful steps on sermon development from text selection to formulation of the take-home truth. Organized in two main parts, Discover the Message and Deliver the Message, Preaching Old Testament Narratives is not just a quality textbook for personal study or for a course of study; it is a complete course in a textbook, and I highly recommend it as a vital resource for those who preach and teach Old Testament narratives. -- (06/02/2016) The narratives of the Old Testament may be at once the easiest and the most demanding passages in the Bible for preachers--easiest, because they are vivid accounts filled with arresting details that easily hold an audience's interest; demanding, because it's difficult to preach them well, in the sense of getting their theological substance right and communicating their relevance effectively. This is where Ben Walton's Preaching Old Testament Narratives can help. Preachers who are intent on doing justice to the stories of the Old Testament will profit greatly from Walton's counsel on how to navigate the exegetical and homiletical challenges these marvelous passages pose. -- (06/02/2016) Ben Walton has written an excellent guide for Preaching Old Testament Narratives. Well-versed in biblical hermeneutics and homiletics, he offers an insightful, practical, clear, step-by-step method, illustrated with many examples, for preaching Old Testament narratives relevantly. I highly recommend this book to those who wish to preach Old Testament narratives with divine authority.-- (05/01/2016)
