want this book to reveal preaching as a dialogue of hope—a verbal rendezvous between the Spirit and the listener.3 In writing this book I have taken aim at the oft held supposition that preaching textbooks are written so that boring preachers can read, heed, and become fascinating. Preaching has a calling far greater than just making sermons interesting. Preaching exists to create the kingdom. Merely getting and keeping attention is too small a job description for this critical, redeeming art. Preaching