10 of those

A vital book on preaching for our time

Michael Reeves has an uncanny knack for writing books about issues that are on my mind, and this latest book on preaching is exactly that! I have often been frustrated by faithful biblical expository preaching being so dull and lacking in zeal in many evangelical pulpits. Mike Reeves expertly addresses this thorny issue with grace, warmth and humour, as he draws a strong biblical argument supported by prominent theologians throughout church history, calling for a preaching ministry that is both rooted in Scripture and anointed by the Holy Spirit.

Beginning the book by reminding us that God Himself is a preacher whose very word of power created everything, Mike Reeves presents a resounding argument for preaching as the primary means of grace - explaining how teaching and preaching are two distinctly different things, and it is through preaching that Christ speaks to His church. The author uses the helpful analogy of light and heat - the light of God’s glory cannot be separated from the heat of worship, (p60)

The book itself is divided up into eight chapters, each focusing on an important aspect of taking the right approach to preaching. As the author himself points out in the introduction - this is not a “how to” guide, but rather a biblical vision for what preaching should be.

I was particularly challenged by the final chapter “Preaching like Christ” where the author reminds us of the importance of the preacher having a Christ-like character and loving the sheep, without the love of Christ a preaching ministry will be hollow. Mike Reeves also makes the important point that those who are called to preach must “prepare more than sermons, we must prayerfully prepare ourselves.” (p85)

In conclusion, this is a vital book on preaching for our time, those men who are called to preach will be greatly blessed and challenged by it.

Gareth Dicks @biblebookstheology