HOMI 820 Expository Preaching and Teaching and the Old Testament

This course is designed to prepare students to preach from the Old Testament. Special attention will be given to genres and theological themes that arise from the Old Testament text.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Believers in all walks of life need the ability to interpret God’s Word correctly. Pastors, teachers, and other leaders need these abilities to develop expository sermons and lessons. Every believer could benefit from the ability to integrate biblical truths with the principles and theories of others. Every believer needs hermeneutical skills to identify and defend against errors in doctrine and to grow in Christian faith. Believers also need to recognize that there may be more than one plausible interpretation of a biblical passage and be willing to show respect when others interpret Scripture differently than they do. As a result, we must “hold our theories tentatively” so that we are willing to change our opinions when new biblical data would warrant doing so.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. The student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be 500–600 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to two other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words. Any sources used must be cited in current Turabian format. (CLO’s: A, B, C)

Grand Narrative of the Bible Assignment

The student will complete a worksheet that describes a biblical theology of the Old Testament and discerns the themes of kingdom and covenant found throughout the Scriptures. (CLO’s: A, B)

Book Critique Assignments (2)

The student will write 2 book critiques for this course. Each will be 1000-1200 words and follow current Turabian format. The first will cover The Homiletical Plot, and the second will cover Preaching Christ from the Old Testament. Each book critique must include a summary of the main idea and content of the book as well as a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the book. (CLO’s: B, D)

Exegetical Paper Assignment

The student will write a 12–15-page exegetical paper based on 1 Samuel 15. This paper will include an historical, contextual, analytical, and theological analysis of the chapter. This paper must be written in current Turabian format and must include at least 25 footnotes using the course textbooks and other resources. (CLO’s: A, D)

Sermon Outline Assignment

The student will complete a homiletical sermon outline for 1 Samuel 15 using the worksheet provided. (CLO’s: A, D)

Legacy of Preachers Analysis Assignment

The student will choose eight preachers listed in the Legacy of Preaching, 2 volume series and compose a two page (double-spaced, Turabian style) homiletical analysis of each preacher. The preachers should represent the different historical eras of preaching history. For each preacher, give 1–2 paragraphs of biographical background, 1–2 paragraphs on preaching methodology, and a summary of the unique contribution this preacher has made to the field of preaching (1 paragraph). Find and examine an Old Testament sermon from each preacher. Share significant highlights from the sermon (1–2 paragraphs). (CLO: E)

Sermon Manuscript Assignment

The student will write a 12–15-page sermon manuscript from 1 Samuel 15 using the template provided. The manuscript will be written as if it will be used during a preaching event and will follow current Turabian format. The sermon will include: Title Page, Introduction, Divisions, and Conclusion. (CLO’s: A, B, C, D)