Every time a congregation gathers for worship, many different people, from different points in life, with different needs, and perspectives come together, each refracting messages through their own lenses. Each person processes communication in ways that are influenced by age, gender, race, personality type, ethnicity, education, and social and economic background. Jeter and Allen explore how these factors affect the ways in which members of the congregation receive and process sermons, and how the preacher can optimize the opportunity for each to hear and understand the gospel and one another.

This book combines all the information offered by Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and to some extent Paul in creating an easy to read harmonious account of the One Gospel. The book is divided into 259 chronological pericopes each of which has been ascribed a date and sometimes a day of the week and approximate time. Maps show not only where important events happened, but also the chronological footsteps of the Messiah. Because of the logical arrangement of the data within the account of the One Gospel, it is easy to remember where an event occurred within the four Passovers of Jesus's career. It is also easy to build lists of repetitive events. In doing this it was discovered that John writing about AD 98 added to 14 data lists containing seven events thereby putting his seal on the New Testament because the probability of this happening by chance is one in 30 trillion. The book also has insightful informational and theological notes. Whether you are reading the Gospel for the first or the hundredth time, you are bound to profit by doing so via Ron Banuk's "One Gospel in Clear English." The author's scholarship shines through in his comments on the biblical text on every page, as does his love and appreciation for the Lord, his God, and for His life-giving Word. -Stephen A. Bloom, MA, Fuller Theological Seminary

A detailed analysis of the evidence proving that Matthew rather than Mark, was the first of the canonical gospels to be written.

After three years of work, how did I arrive at this finished book? I wanted to simply merge the story of Jesus into one easy-to-read book rather than the four Gospels and to include Old Testament Messianic prophecies which Jesus fulfilled showing that he was the Messiah.

The NIV Application Commentary helps you communicate and apply biblical text effectively in today's context. To bring the ancient messages of the Bible into today's world, each passage is treated in three sections: Original Meaning. Concise exegesis to help readers understand the original meaning of the biblical text in its historical, literary, and cultural context. Bridging Contexts. A bridge between the world of the Bible and the world of today, built by discerning what is timeless in the timely pages of the Bible. Contemporary Significance. This section identifies comparable situations to those faced in the Bible and explores relevant application of the biblical messages. The author alerts the readers of problems they may encounter when seeking to apply the passage and helps them think through the issues involved. This unique, award-winning commentary is the ideal resource for today's preachers, teachers, and serious students of the Bible, giving them the tools, ideas, and insights they need to communicate God's Word with the same powerful impact it had when it was first written.

Prof. George Wesley Buchanan PhD., Litt.D., D.S.L. Recognized in academic circles for being the first for the following: 1. use of insights from the Dead Sea Scrolls to solve biblical problems. 2. discover midrash (commentary on Scripture) in the First Testament. 3. publish intertextual commentaries both in the First Testament and in the New Testament. 4. discover the northern boundaries of the Promised Land. 5. discover independently (as one of two scholars) the true location of the temple at Zion. 6. discover the method for distinguishing the teachings of Jesus from the additions of the later church. Other scholars have followed Schweitzer in declaring that this could not be done. Other Biographical Data for Prof. Buchanan: Ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, pastor of churches for fourteen years. Horowitz Fellow, Scheuer Fellow, Rosenstiel Fellow, Association of Theological Schools Fellow, Claremont--Society of Biblical Literature Fellow, Recipient of the Alumni Achievement Award, Simpson College, Recipient of Numerous Research Grants

Judges is crisis literature, reflecting a time of violence and confusion very much like our own. Preachers confronted by the Bible's dark side will discover guidance and inspiration for sharing the book's messages with their congregation.

Pastors aren’t superheroes—they have fears and limitations just like everyone else. Zack Eswine knows this from personal experience and has a wealth of wisdom to offer those who feel like they don’t measure up. Written in a compelling memoir style, The Imperfect Pastor is full of insightful stories and theological truths that show how God works unexpectedly through flawed people. By talking honestly about the failure, burnout, pain, and complexities that come along with church ministry, Eswine helps pastors accept their human limitations and experience the freedom of trusting God’s plan for their church and life.