×

Book Review- Preach the Word

preach-the-word.jpgR. Kent Hughes has faithfully heralded the Scriptures for over four decades. As a result, fifteen of Hughes’ friends and colleagues from across the globe, including J.I. Packer, Wayne Grudem, John MacArthur, Peter Jensen and D.A. Carson, got together and contributed essays on expository preaching to honor the Word of God and encourage men to continue to faithfully herald the text, week in and week out. As a pastor, I am very thankful for Preach the Word.

The contributors hit on a myriad of themes and topics. This becomes a strength and a weakness of the book. It is a strength because of the diversity of topics covered and a weakness in the sense that there is sometimes a lack of development or continuity.

Some of the chapters and themes include, interprative principles, biblical and historcal paradigms, comtemporary aims and challenges to expository preaching, the priority of training (both through the local church and through seminaries).

Some of my favorite essays were D.A. Carson’s chapter on challenges for the 21st Century Pulpit. It is what we have come to expect from Carson, biblical, practical and motivating. In addition, Leland Ryken’s essay on the Bible as Literature made me think and has caused me to be more careful in my handling of the various genres. MacArthur’s chapter entitled, “Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth” was outstanding. It was very practical and therefore helpful.

The essay’s also reached back to the past to highlight faithful men who have been heralding long before our day. Wallace Benn highlighted the ministry of Richard Baxter and J.I. Packer used Charles Simeon as a model for preaching.

Overall this is a flat out encouraging book for preachers or those who enjoy preaching. I really think it should be on every preaching pastor’s bookshelf to serve as an instructive shot in the arm on a regular basis.

Discounted copies are available at Westminster Books (click here).

LOAD MORE
Loading