Preaching through the Hard Texts. A Pastor's Guide to Faithful Proclamation of Scripture's Most Difficult Passages
Barry L Davis
Synopsis "Preaching through the Hard Texts. A Pastor's Guide to Faithful Proclamation of Scripture's Most Difficult Passages"
"This enlightening volume should be placed in the hands of every Bible College and Seminary Homiletics student!"
Every pastor eventually encounters passages they would rather avoid-texts that are difficult to interpret, uncomfortable to explain, or controversial to address.
But faithful preaching does not skip what God has spoken.
Preaching Through the Hard Texts equips pastors to approach Scripture's most challenging passages with clarity, conviction, and pastoral wisdom. Drawing on more than three decades of ministry experience, Barry L. Davis provides a practical framework for understanding why certain texts are difficult-and how to preach them without compromise or confusion.
This book will help you:Diagnose the real challenge behind difficult passagesPreach truth without softening or sidesteppingNavigate cultural tension with biblical clarityShepherd your congregation through hard truths with graceIf you are committed to proclaiming the whole counsel of God, this resource will strengthen both your study and your pulpit. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction: The Cost of Avoidance Part One: Know Your Text Before You Preach Your Text Chapter One: Not all Hard Texts are Hard for the Same Reason Chapter Two: The Difference Between a Hard Text and a Misread Text Chapter Three: Who is in the Room? Part Two: The Principles Chapter Four: The Whole Counsel of God Chapter Five: Let the Text Set the Agenda Chapter Six: Say It's Hard Chapter Seven: Distinguish the Text's Offense from Your Discomfort Chapter Eight: Preach Toward Trust, Not Just Understanding Part Three: Preaching the Categories Chapter Nine: Preaching Exegetically Difficult Texts Chapter Ten: Preaching Theologically Uncomfortable Texts Chapter Eleven: Preaching Culturally Controversial Texts Chapter Twelve: Preaching Historically Troubling Texts Chapter Thirteen: Preaching Personally Painful Texts Part Four: The Craft of Hard Preaching Chapter Fourteen: Writing the Hard Sermon Chapter Fifteen: Delivering the Hard Sermon Chapter Sixteen: After the Hard Sermon Epilogue: A Word Before You Go Back to the Study Appendix A: Thirty Hard Texts: A Quick-Reference Guide Appendix B: The Hard Sermon Preparation Checklist Appendix C: A Curated Bibliography for Further Study
