Preface
Introduction: Why Study How to Preach?
 
Part 1: A Theology of Preaching
Chapter 1: The Uniqueness of Preaching
Chapter 2: The Authority and Power of Preaching
Chapter 3: The Characteristics of Preaching: Explanation
Chapter 4: The Characteristics of Preaching: Application
 
Part 2: Preparing Sermons
Chapter 5: Selecting Texts or Topics and Planning a Series
Chapter 6: Exegeting the Text for Clear and Compelling Explanation
Chapter 7: Meditating Prayerfully on the Text as a Spiritual Exercise
Chapter 8: Seeing and Proclaiming Christ
Chapter 9: Organizing an Outline
Chapter 10: Composing the Body of the Sermon
Chapter 11: Developing Applications
Chapter 12: Targeting Applications
Chapter 13: Crafting Illustrations
Chapter 14: Writing the Introduction and the Conclusion
 
Part 3: Delivering Sermons
Chapter 15: The Ministry of the Holy Spirit Through the Man of God
Chapter 16: The Physical Factors in Sermon Delivery
Chapter 17: The Mind and Affections in Sermon Delivery
 
Part 4: Reflecting on Sermons
Chapter 18: Ministry After the Sermon Is Preached
Chapter 19: The Preacher as a Lifelong Learner
 
Appendix: Forms for Sermon Evaluation
Bibliography
Analytical Outline
Index

“Every generation of preachers needs faithful guides to remind them that the task to which God has called them involves far more than merely constructing sermons. Preaching means proclaiming the word of God with accuracy, simplicity, conviction, and pastoral wisdom. Joel Beeke and Paul Smalley are not only the voices of vast experience and proven ability this generation needs but also expert teachers with an approach that is richly biblical, deeply theological, and eminently practical. The Basics of Reformed Preaching equips nascent and seasoned ministers alike to handle the Scriptures carefully and communicate them clearly. This volume will inform and inspire anyone aspiring to digest and deliver the truths of the Bible to God’s people.”
Hershael W. York, Victor and Louise Lester Professor of Christian Preaching and Dean of the School of Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Pastor Emeritus, Buck Run Baptist Church, Frankfort, KY; author, Preaching with Bold Assurance

“Having been a preacher for half a century, and having taught preaching at a seminary for a season, I am amazed that there are aspects of preaching I had not thought about sufficiently until I read this book. There are many fine books on preaching, and preachers should read them all, but I guarantee that preachers who read this book will be greatly helped. Like cream, this one rises to the top. I only wish it had been printed fifty years ago!”
Derek W. H. Thomas, Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic and Pastoral Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries

“It is so easy for our preaching to go stale. That is why we need a book like this. In this book by Joel Beeke and Paul Smalley, we do not have just another book on preaching. The emphasis here is experiential preaching. You cannot miss it in the way the authors describe the theology of preaching and the place they give to prayer, sermon application, and the Holy Spirit. Do you want a renewed freshness in your preaching? Read this book!”
Conrad Mbewe, Pastor, Kabwata Baptist Church, Lusaka, Zambia; Vice-Chancellor, African Christian University

“John Murray, the renowned Scottish biblical theologian, once asked a young minister, ‘What are the elements of faithful, God-honoring preaching?’ The young man replied, ‘Careful exposition and practical application.’ Murray replied, ‘What about passion?’ Joel Beeke not only agrees with Murray, he has modeled such preaching, by God’s grace, throughout his long ministry. It is therefore a pleasure to commend this latest volume from Joel Beeke and Paul Smalley. In these pages there is wisdom to guide, encourage, and challenge preachers to become better preachers (and hearers to become better hearers). But even more importantly, there is a palpable passion for the glory of God that pervades every page of this vital work. May it be the means of transforming the preaching of many to the nourishing and energizing of many congregations.”
Ian Hamilton, President, The Paton Society; Professor of Historical and Pastoral Theology, Westminster Seminary, UK

“Beeke and Smalley make a significant contribution to reverse the downward trend in contemporary preaching. This book instructs preachers in both the why and the how of biblical proclamation. After setting forth a theology of biblical, Reformed, experiential, and practical preaching, the authors reflect on how to prepare expository messages, with a special emphasis on developing applications for hearers in various spiritual states and conditions. They then focus on how to deliver sermons. There is much here that can profit every theological student and preacher, from beginners to seasoned pulpiteers.”
Michael P. V. Barrett, Professor of Old Testament, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan