Stumbling Over The Cross [Hardcover]

It has never been easy to preach about the cross and resurrection of Jesus, but difficulties today are particularly challenging. Hearers ask tough questions of the church and the Christian faith, and they are not satisfied by formulaic answers. People are often suspicious of doctrine and are attracted to a broad but vague or pluralistic spirituality rather than the classical claims of Christianity. In this climate, preachers often see preaching on the central events of the Christian story, the crucifixion and resurrection, as more of a problem than a possibility, more of a burden than a joy. They wonder not only how to preach the old, old story of cross and resurrection but whether they should preach these themes at all. This book addresses these concerns and shows preachers how to preach the cross and resurrection in fresh, culturally relevant ways that deepen Christian discipleship. Each chapter shows the relevance of preaching the cross for addressing a particular congregational concern. What has ironically become a stumbling block in the pulpit, the stone that preachers often reject--preaching on the cross and resurrection of Jesus--can serve as the cornerstone for building up the congregation for discipleship in our world. Even though Good Friday and Easter are among Christianity's holiest days, many preachers secretly approach them with dread. They can seem like rooms in an old, darkened house filled with the faith's most vexing problems and controversies: debates over atonement theories, dignity-denying views of sacrifice, misunderstandings of bodily resurrection, and more. In this fine book, Joni Sancken pulls back the drapes and opens up all the windows, filling the house with light and air. She faces all of the challenges of preaching on the cross and resurrection of Jesus with generosity, theological wisdom, and practical insight. Preachers who read this book will not only be informed; they will find themselves renewed and eager to proclaim the Goodl£Á