This research examines the importance of embracing the preaching mandate to bring it home each time the sermon is constructed. It examines why preaching often misses the mark for both the preacher and the listener. The project is useful to any preacher who wants to honor the mandate to bring it home each time a sermon is developed and delivered. It is also of value to congregations that desire to hear preaching that impacts their lives in the same manner that Jesus' preaching impacted the lives of those who were in need of "good news." The results of this study provide preachers with a starting place to fulfill the preaching mandate to bring it home. It will also show that designing the sermon in this manner reconstitutes the aim of preaching. Furthermore, this research project will influence the pedagogical methods used by homiletics instructors to the extent that the inclusion of studies on the mandate of preaching to bring it home is evaluated alongside theology, exegesis, hermeneutics, etc.
