In Making Sense of Scripture, David Lose invites the reader to engage in a conversation, one that he imagines discussing around his kitchen table, about seven major questions of the Bible. More than a standard biblical reference book, Making Sense of Scripture is a dialogue that encourages readers to bring their questions or doubts to the table when reading Scripture. During this conversation, there are different opportunities for the reader to interact with the Bible, ultimately leaving room for personal transformation of the heart and mind.

Few if any books on preaching offer such a comprehensive investigation of postmodern thought or yield such a wealth of insights for relevant Christian proclamation. Significantly, Lose sees postmodernism not primarily as an obstacle to the church but as an opportunity for it to stand once again on faith alone rather than on attempts to prove the faith. According to Lose, preaching that seeks to be both faithful to the Christian tradition and responsive to our pluralistic, postmodern context is best understood as the public practice of confessing faith in Jesus Christ. He explores the practical implications of a confessional homiletic for preaching and also provides concrete methods for preparing sermons that meaningfully bridge biblical texts and contemporary congregations.

Making Sense of the Christian Faith is an exciting and inviting exploration of the major theological doctrines of the Christian faith. Written as a conversation that invites you to jump into the conversation, the text stimulates the reader's thinking instead of attempting to persuade a particular point of view.

Introduction

Chapter 1: God Talk: Theology

Chapter 2: Original Blessing: Creation

Chapter 3: Missing the Mark: Sin

Chapter 4: East of Eden: Covenant, Law, and Community

Chapter 5: God con Carne: Incarnation

Chapter 6: Life Wins: Atonement

Chapter 7: The Body of Christ: Church and Holy Spirit

Chapter 8: The End of All Things: Eschatology

Postmodernism. Secularism. Pluralism. These are the words often used to describe the tumultuous changes that have affected our culture and our churches. But what do they really mean? More importantly, what challenges and opportunities do they provide todays preachers? David Lose takes preachers on a tour of the major cultural influences of the last century, explaining how they have contributed to the diminishment of the church and exploring how they also offer opportunities to cultivate a more vibrant and relevant faith in the twenty-first century. Filled with lucid analysis and practical suggestions, Preaching at the Crossroads invites preachers to reclaim the art of preaching the timeless Gospel in a timely and compelling manner.

Listen in on a conversation between two people having an open and candid discussion about the cross. One assumes the role of teacher or coach, someone who has had the time and opportunity to study the faith in some depth. The other is curious, knows a little bit about the faith, and brings a lot of questions: So what's with the cross? What does the cross say about God? What's the big deal? Did Jesus have to die?

Introduction

Chapter 1: A Man Hanging on a Tree

Chapter 2: Portraits and Perspectives

Chapter 3: Ransom and Victory

Chapter 4: Substitution, Satisfaction, and Sacrifice

Chapter 5: Example and Encouragement

Chapter 6: Event and Experience

Making Sense of Martin Luther uses a conversational format to explore how Luther's dynamic understanding of God's life-changing gospel informs day-to-day faith and life in the world today

Chapter 1: The Reluctant Reformer-Introducing the Monk Who Changed the World;

Chapter 2: Freedom! Justification by Grace through Faith

Chapter 3: The Present-Tense God-Law and Gospel

Chapter 4: The Ambidextrous God-The Two Kingdoms and God's Ongoing Work in the World

Chapter 5: Called for Good-Vocation, Sinning Boldly, and the Respiratory System of the Body of Christ

Chapter 6: God Hidden and Revealed-Luther's Theology of the Cross and the Sacraments

Chapter 7: Semper Simul-Sin, Forgiveness, and Becoming Christian;

Accompanying leader guide and DVD will be available in December 2017.