Saturday, July 26, 2008

A Reading List for Expository Preachers

One of the readers of this series has asked for a reading list. This is, of course, a never-ending process, that of updating reading lists. So, since I am right now a bit like an Egyptian mummy, pressed for time, I will go ahead and offer this opportunity:

Anyone who has a book, article, etc. that they feel would be a help in the preparation of expository messages may recommend it on this blog.
Especially helpful would be recommendations of particular commentaries, writings on theology, hermeneutics, homiletics, history, & science.
However, recommend what you feel would be helpful. I like cartoons and humor too.

Yes, I realize there is the terrifying prospect of all kinds of stuff I do not agree with being recommended. Therefore, I give the disclaimer up front that the appearance of a recommendation on this blog does not necessarily constitute an endorsement or agreement by the blog-owner, namely me. I also reserve the right to refuse or to make later comments. So, please try to keep the recommendations helpful and edifying for the benefit of expository preachers.

Just leave your recommendations by posting a comment. Of course, providing full bibliographical information will help people find what you are recommending.

I have, throughout the history of this blog, mentioned some worthwhile books already, so I start the recommendations with those. I will write a follow-up to this, Lord willing, in a couple weeks or so.

1 comment:

  1. i enjoyed Preaching and Preachers by Dr.ML-J, but found some of it dated and overly methodological. (for instance, his appeal that Sunday evening services should be largely evangelistic because that's the best time to get unbelievers.)

    i'm reading through Him We Proclaim right now, but find him a bit overly covenantal. however, the challenge to preach Christ from all of Scripture is wonderful.

    i LOVED The Supremacy of God in Preaching by John Piper. LOVED IT!

    i also LOVED Feed my Sheep by a bunch of guys. Each chapter is wonderful.

    as for commentaries, i usually get a copy of the NAC (New American Commentary) for the book I am preaching. i picked one up years ago thinking it was a commentary from the new american standard translation (it's not...they are based out of the niv), but enjoyed the balance of scholarship, technical work and practical application that the series provides. however, i have found certain volumes to be a bit concerning at times. (and the romans one is scary thin!)

    for commentaries, i've found The Essential Commentaries for a Preacher's Library by Derek Thomas to be beneficial. Thomas not only lists good commentaries for every book of the Bible, but he also gives a brief explanation/recommendation for each commentary. They are also broken into categories according to the type of study or style one may be looking for. quite helpful.

    of course, i would add the keith shearer commentary on romans or hebrews to that list as well...if they ever get published!

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