Preaching That Changes Lives

Fabarez, a California pastor, challenges his fellow preachers to transform the way they preach in this impassioned call for life-altering ministry. A well-written and moving sermon isn't""real preaching,"" Fabarez argues: real preaching""brings about changes that conform a person to the image of Christ."" With in-depth analysis, quotes from theologians from Martin Luther to John MacArthur (who pens this volume's foreword) and a range of Bible verses to back up his claims, Fabarez makes his case that many pastors in fail to preach as Jesus exemplified. His solution to the problem? Give sermons that are Christ-centered and applicable to everyday life, and that unabashedly hold the congregants accountable for their sins while simultaneously encouraging them to be more committed to the church. Fabarez admits that such strong standards will make some churchgoers uncomfortable, but he is unapologetic: ""We work for their good,"" he reminds his colleagues,""not for their pleasure and comfort."" He demonstrates the crucial principle of application with stories from his own experience, and outlines several ways (through prayer, study habits, sermon tools, etc.) that doctrine can be intertwined with exhortations for change. Fabarez is also quick to remind his peers that while they're working at changing the lives of their parishioners, they must first be about the business of changing, transforming and renewing their own lives and their commitment to God.