Preaching That Changes Lives [Hardcover]

Michael Fabarez (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2002

Certainly there are many books about preaching on the market today, but no author directs his attention to the clear message of changing lives more than Michael Fabarez.

Everything a pastor does must be done with the perspective of changing lives. When a pastor studies, it should be with the anticipation of changing lives. When he is looking for the right illustration, it must be through the lens of changing lives. When he sets forth the spiritual direction for the church, he must have the scope of changing lives in his focus.

All other books dissect the essentials of pastoral ministry, but "Preaching That Changes Lives" takes it one step further!

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

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.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785249141
• ISBN-13: 978-0785249146
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,009,475 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Mike Fabarez is the founding pastor of Compass Bible Church in Aliso Viejo, California. Pastor Mike is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Talbot School of Theology and Westminster Theological Seminary in California. Mike is heard on hundreds of stations across the country on the Focal Point radio program. Mike and his wife Carlynn live in Laguna Hills with their three children, Matthew, John and Stephanie.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Life Changing, November 15, 2002

By 

Keith Krell (Olympia, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Preaching That Changes Lives (Hardcover)

Dr. Fabarez delivers what his title promises. Preaching That Changes Lives is the most challenging and convicting preaching book I've read. At the same time, it remains extremely relevant and practical for every pastor and seminary student. Fabarez's writing style is lucid and potent. The reader will have a most difficult time not reading the entire book in one sitting! The strengths of this book are too many to list. However, the chapter entitled "Pray, Pray, Pray for a Sermon that Will Change Lives" is worth the price of the book. Other chapters that are especially helpful include: "Frame an Outline that Will Your Change Your Audience" and "Provide Tools to Help Your Audience Make Specific Changes." Every preacher should own a copy of this book. I would go so far as to say, if you could only own one book on preaching, make this your sole choice.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must-reading for the seasoned Pastor and the newly called!, August 20, 2004

By 

B. Brooks (West Bloomfield, MI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Preaching That Changes Lives (Hardcover)

This book is phenomenal. For too many years, too many believers have sat through sermons and bible teachings, yet we leave unchanged by what we have heard. Fabarez offers practical wisdom that reminds us that our single purpose in preaching is to be used by God to change lives. I cannot think of anything relative to the topic that he has not considered, yet the book is written on a level virtually anyone can grasp. If you know someone who has been preaching for many years, or someone who has just been called to ministry, encourage him to read this book. He will be forever changed, and his congregants forever blessed by his heeding of the teaching herein.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Changed Me, May 3, 2005

By 

M. Christensen (Colorado) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Preaching That Changes Lives (Hardcover)

There has a been a remarkable plethora of preaching books on the market in recent years, perhaps a sign of a revival of preaching. As a busy pastor, sorting thru which ones are valuable is a daunting task. This one ought to be a the top of the list. It is very practical and helpful. Many books on preaching may inspire you in a general sense, but leave you wondering how to implement the principles tangibly. This book not only inspires but also helps the preacher connect the principles with the reality that hits us each Sunday.

There are 2 points about the book that changed the way I think about my own preaching. First, preaching must connect tangibly with people or they will miss the message and tune out. Expository preaching has the danger of being so focused on the text that we forget the listener. Fabarez calls us to always be thinking about the application of the meaning of the text to those that need to hear it. This seems so obvious and yet it is one of the most difficult aspects of preparing sermons. Preaching must be clear and understandable if it is going to be relevant.

Secondly, Fabarez' emphasis upon systematically praying through every aspect of the sermon, from preparation through delivery and for the reception of it is excellent. Without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit any amount of preparation is useless. 1 Cor. 2:1-5 is a great reminder here.

If you are an expository preacher and want to improve the task God has set before you, this is a book you must give serious consideration to.