Dr. Christopher Toote has written a master-preacher guide for pastors and teachers to learn how to outline a sermon, access a biblical text, understand multiple ways to interpret the Bible, and provide applicable meaning in today's world. Dr. Toote understands how to prepare, present, and apply God's word. He brings a scholar's mind and a pastor's heart to his writing. This work is drawn from a deep well of experience in Christian and secular higher education and a lifelong practice of biblical exposition. He's been on both sides of the pulpit- as preacher and parishioner. He has lived out the gospel on campus and preached and taught faithfully in congregations.
This book reflects years of hard work from a student of God's word. He understands what it's like to work throughout the week and be responsible for the work of the word on a weekly basis. When I read preaching textbooks, I would rather read from those who prepare a new sermon regularly rather than a preacher who only speaks occasionally. Dr. Toote knows the weekly process of prayer, reflection, study, and delivery. He knows the experience of struggling through a Saturday night after a busy week with little time to prepare a message. He understands the demands of a congregation, and he has walked with people through life and death. These sermon outlines reflect his pastoral experience.
In this three volume collection, he offers the student of God's word 150 teachable, ready-to-use outlines for teaching on relationships, personal discipleship, and trust in Jesus as Lord. He mines treasures from 36 books of the Bible and over 113 key passages and scripture readings from both the Old and New Testaments. Dr. Toote explains favorite passages clearly and pushes the reader to study unfamiliar passages carefully. His applications are personal, practical, and profound.
Each volume covers a broad sweep of scripture and yet has distinctive themes that emerge. Volume one teaches us how to use the Bible to deepen and develop our relationship with the church, our families and our parents. The second volume deals with discipleship: how to grow personally in our walks with the Lord. The third volume focuses on Lordship: how to trust Jesus in all spheres of life.
William D. Shiell, Ph.D. President Professor of Pastoral Theology and Preaching Northern Seminary Lisle, Illinois