In Jay AdamsÆ (1983) Preaching with Purpose, the author provides a book on proper preaching and sermons that is intended to keep preachers on track with the Message of God. In this book, Adams provides insight and awareness about the importance for preachers of finding the ôendö or what he calls ôtelosö of scripture in order to ensure that its meaning is appropriate to the sermon being delivered (Adams 1983). Adams covers a number of topics in Preaching, which are intended to help preacherÆs discover, apply, and implement scripture through creative preaching. Among these topics, Adams provides information on the preacherÆs stance, the need for an outline, the importance of the introduction of a sermon, and the impact of good conclusions. The author also provides information on topics like invitations, illustrations, and counseling. Throughout the book, the author also provides instructions on applying the lessons and issues he covers. He criticizes the nature of the fire-and-brimstone sermon made popular by the English Puritan tradition, feeling that is undermines the Purpose of God and the meaning of scripture for hearers. Central to AdamsÆ approach is a six-month preaching plan, which he argues increases the efficacy of preaching the Word.
Adams, J. E. Preaching with Purpose: The Urgent Task of Homiletics. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1983.
In E.K. Bailey and Warren WiersbeÆs Preaching in Black and White: What We Can Learn from Each Other, the authors discuss a host of topics of significance to all ethnicities. The preachers take part in a dialogue with each other that addresses a variety of issues, from the content and delivery of sermons to how they personally feel about preaching style and the value of learning from others. Though Bailey is Black and Wiersbe is White, the contents of the book address issues of interest to all e
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