Description
Biblical apocalyptic texts are among the most difficult parts of the Bible to preach. Even so, these remarkable visions are a gift to the church and provide much needed perspective for the modern Christian. In this volume, students of preaching and active preachers will find interpretive and practical help for handling this challenging genre. Hermeneutic insights, homiletic strategies, and sample sermons aid readers in not only preaching these portions of God’s Word, but preaching them effectively.
Table of Contents
Series Introduction
Preface
1. Apocalyptic as Narrative: Every Vision is a Story
Interpretive Insights
Homiletical Strategy 1: Tell the Story
Homiletical Strategy 2: Divide the Text Appropriately
For Further Study
Talk about It
Dig Deeper
Practice
2. Apocalyptic Characterization: The Cast of Participants in the Vision
Interpretive Insights
Homiletical Strategy 3: Invite Hearers to Journey with the
For Further Study
Talk about It
Dig Deeper
Practice
3. Aural Effects of Apocalyptic: The Sound of the Vision
Interpretive Insights
Homiletical Strategy 4: Echo the Aural Effect
For Further Study
Talk about It
Dig Deeper
Practice
4. Apocalyptic Figurative Language: Signs, Symbols, and Numbers
Interpretive Insights
Homiletical Strategy 5: Paint the Picture
Homiletical Strategy 6: Follow the Vision Interpreter
For Further Study
Talk about It
Dig Deeper
Practice
5. Apocalyptic Transcendent Perspective: Good, Evil, and Revolutionary Thinking
Interpretive Insights
Homiletical Strategy 7: Offer Hope
For Further Study
Talk about It
Dig Deeper
Practice
6. Literary Context of Apocalyptic Visions: Visions as a Part of the Whole
Interpretive Insights
Homiletical Strategy 8: Connect the Contextual Dots
Homiletical Strategy 9: Preach the Gospel
Homiletical Strategy 10: Reveal the Eschatology
For Further Study
Talk about It
Dig Deeper
Practice
7. Rhetorical Effects of Apocalyptic Visions: What’s the Point?
Interpretive Insights
Homiletical Strategy 11: Aim for a Similar Rhetorical Effect
Homiletical Strategy 12: Plan Worship Services with Purpose
For Further Study
Talk about It
Dig Deeper
Practice
Conclusion
Appendix 1: A Philosophy of Preaching
Appendix 2: Sample Sermons on Old Testament Apocalyptic Visions
Appendix 3: Sample Sermons on New Testament Apocalyptic Visions
Appendix 4: Summary of Apocalyptic Hermeneutical
Endorsements
“Ryan Boys fills a gap, a rather large gap, in the preacher’s tool box: the ability to preach apocalyptic texts. Preaching and teaching from apocalyptic texts such as Daniel, Zechariah, the Olivet Discourse, and Revelation is no easy task. I recommend this volume to pastors and teachers who are passionate about proclaiming the whole counsel of God.”
—Benjamin L. Gladd, Professor of New Testament, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, MS
“Preaching the whole counsel of God means not avoiding tough apocalyptic texts. For those venturing into this oft-unfamiliar territory, Dr. Boys offers guidance that is exegetically robust and homiletically nuanced, yet crystal clear. The book left me more eager to preach apocalyptic passages and more prepared to to so in an edifying way.”
—Eric W. Zeller, Ph.D., President and Professor of New Testament, Gulf Theological Seminary
“Ryan Boys has written the “go to” book for preaching the apocalyptic literature of the Bible. No other resource that I know of combines a high view of Scripture, a knowledge of the original languages, deep research of the apocalyptic genre, and an understanding of expository preaching. And this is a book pastors like me need. This book will equip readers to confidently and responsibly preach the apocalyptic literature of the Bible in ways that will build up our flocks.”
—Chris Brauns, Senior Pastor of the Red Brick Church of Stillman Valley, Illinois, author of Unpacking Forgiveness
About the Author
Ryan Boys (DMin, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) serves as the Lead Pastor of Green Pond Bible Chapel in Rockaway, NJ.
