The narrative reinterprets the Biblical tale of Israel's first king, focusing on Saul, Samuel, and David. It explores the dynamics of power, personal conflicts, and the manipulation of religion during the formation of Israel three thousand years ago. Holbert's fresh perspective highlights the contemporary relevance of these ancient events, showcasing how the struggles for authority and the complexities of human relationships resonate with modern themes.
The book explores the pressing environmental crises affecting the planet, highlighting the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and plants within God's creation. It addresses the alarming rise in temperatures and ocean levels, as well as the destruction of rainforests and melting polar ice caps. By placing environmental issues at the forefront, it invites readers to consider the urgent challenges facing ecosystems and the future of life on Earth.
Combining pastoral insight with scholarly expertise, John Holbert presents a novel perspective on preaching familiar scripture. His approach aims to revitalize the message and engage congregations in new ways, making the text more relevant and impactful for contemporary audiences.
Focusing on the art of preaching and interpreting the Hebrew Bible, this book offers a comprehensive examination of narrative reading and story preaching. Authored by John C. Holbert, a seasoned educator in theology, it explores the historical context of story preaching within the church. Readers will discover effective strategies for analyzing biblical narratives and techniques for delivering various types of story sermons, making it a valuable resource for both preachers and students of scripture.
This volume is for anyone who would like to imaginatively and memorably retell Bible stories from Genesis. Whether you are a preacher, a Sunday school teacher, or a parent, you will discover in this book everything you need to dynamically retell many of the foundational stories of the Jewish and Christian faiths. The authors stress that retellings are not intended to be memorized, but rather to spark your imagination. Additionally, Jewish midrashim offer unique, rabbinic interpretations of the stories in Genesis.