Preaching the Minor Prophets – A Practical Guide

There are many reasons why so little time is spent exploring the Old Testament. Some feel it is just so different and thus too difficult to understand. Others feel it is too hard to apply. Still others find it takes too much time to study. Finally for others, it represents the old covenant, which no longer applies to us as Christians. Each of these reasons is valid, at least to a degree. Studying the OT can be difficult and time-consuming. As a result, while we might hear an occasional sermon on Jonah or Psalm 23, we rarely hear a message from the OT.

But the rewards for paying the price can be extraordinary. Plowing the fertile soil of the OT will enhance your understanding of the Bible. It will produce a depth and breadth of knowing and understanding the attributes of God. Most importantly, it will enhance your knowledge of God, one that results in a deeper level of worship and adoration.

Preaching the Minor Prophets represents an effort to help New Testament Christians rediscover the collection of Old Testament prophets. Churchgoers remain deeply curious about the OT, and are eager to be taught, especially with books like the twelve minor prophets. To help the preacher, each book on the Twelve includes:

• Multiple sermon outlines, for options either to preach the book either in one message or in multiple sermons.
• Suggested topics for sermon introductions
• A thesis/propositional statement that encapsulates the focal point of the text
• Suggested conclusions
• Applications

This book is not designed to write a sermon for the reader. Rather, it is intended to get the reader started in the right direction. In writing this volume, the author prays that while you use it you will be motivated to preach the whole counsel of God.