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Classic Sermons on the Cross of Christ

A compilation of 12 great sermons on the cross of Christ.

Reviewed by Derek Morris, professor of preaching and pastoral theology, Southern College, Collegedale, Tennessee.

The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians that "the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Cor. 1:19, NIV). In the same letter he also affirmed the Christocentric focus of his preaching: "We preach Christ crucified ... the power of God and the wisdom of God" (verses 23, 24).

Down through the Christian Era, many sermons have been preached on the cross of Christ. Warren Wiersbe has compiled 12 great sermons on this central theme, and this compilation makes a valuable addition to the pastoral library for three reasons. First, reading these sermons from such giants as Spurgeon, Sangster, MacLaren, G. Campbell Morgan, and others enhances the pastor's spiritual formation. He or she can find no greater theme for personal study and contemplation. My own favorite is Spurgeon's "Death of Christ for His People." Second, pastors can find in these sermons useful models to strengthen their preaching on the cross of Christ. Third, in an age when many preachers seek to empty the cross of its power, this book points to the relevancy of the cross.

Wiersbe introduces each sermon with a brief history of the preacher's ministry, but the introduction lacks analysis and critique of the sermon: Why has this sermon made its mark on the history of preaching? What methodology does the preacher employ? How does one discover the exegetical idea in the text and then fashion the homiletical idea? As a result the volume remains inspirational but falls short as a source of homiletical instruction.


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Reviewed by Derek Morris, professor of preaching and pastoral theology, Southern College, Collegedale, Tennessee.

September 1993

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