Al Fasol

Learning a new art requires a knowledge of the fundamentals, and the art of preaching is no exception. In Essentials for Biblical Preaching veteran homiletician Al Fasol covers every aspect the aspiring preacher needs to know. "This volume introduces the preacher to the whole field of biblical preaching," writes the author. "It takes the novitiate pulpiteer through an understanding of the nature of the preacher, to a grasp of the proclamation task, and on into the mystery of basic sermon preparation." It can be used effectively on either the graduate or the undergraduate level. After surveying the history of preaching, Fasol offers practical guidelines, peppered with examples, for preparing and delivering effective sermons. Topics include collecting sermon ideas, interpreting the biblical text, organizing the sermon, using illustrations, making applications, varying sermon methods, and employing communication principles.

Learning a new art requires a knowledge of the fundamentals, and the art of preaching is no exception. In Essentials for Biblical Preaching veteran homiletician Al Fasol covers every aspect the aspiring preacher needs to know. "This volume introduces the preacher to the whole field of biblical preaching," writes the author. "It takes the novitiate pulpiteer through an understanding of the nature of the preacher, to a grasp of the proclamation task, and on into the mystery of basic sermon preparation." It can be used effectively on either the graduate or the undergraduate level. After surveying the history of preaching, Fasol offers practical guidelines, peppered with examples, for preparing and delivering effective sermons. Topics include collecting sermon ideas, interpreting the biblical text, organizing the sermon, using illustrations, making applications, varying sermon methods, and employing communication principles.

The Bible offers scant information of the time between the Testaments. In those 430 years between the prophet Malachi and the birth of Jesus, many events occurred in Israel. We are still learning about those events, especially through archeological discoveries. Like A Cloud Without Water--the title is quoted from Jude verse 12- is a historical/fiction approach to describing life in Israel during this period. Focus is placed on one family in the tribe of Asher. Through this family, we learn many things including how it may have occurred that Pharisees, about whom we know nothing in the Old Testament, are fully grown and prominent in the New Testament. We also learn of a heavy Greek influence on the culture of Israel, of strong resistance to Antiochus IV who would incite the Maccabean revolt. The book ends by quoting most of Luke 2 and we find Anna, of the tribe of Asher, seeing the baby Jesus. And now, Israel no longer is Like A Cloud Without Water.

This book is a review of preachers who made significant contributions to Baptist preaching in the South. Contents: Introduction. Chapter 1: "Very Respected Citizens": 1670's-1800. Chapter 2: "A Divine Operation": 1800-1845. Chapter 3: "Fly Like An Angel": 1845-1900. Chapter 4: "The Testing Time": 1900-1945. Chapter 5: "Blessings and Conflicts": 1945-1979. Where Have We Been? Where Are We Going? Selected Bibliography.