This little book derives from the author’s spoken contributions to the 2008 Evangelical Ministry Assembly. The Biblical focus is on parts of Moses’ addresses recorded in Deuteronomy. Its origins as Assembly material mean that it is more a structured defence of consecutive expository preaching than an example of it. It also has the style of a transcript but has good readability.
The reader can well imagine how the arguments graciously delivered here would have encouraged listening preachers. There are many insightful moments that will certainly elevate the preacher’s sense of responsibility while, hopefully, keeping him humbled by the Word.
Valuable distinction is made between teaching and preaching. They are not the same thing and teaching, for all its discipling value, cannot be the main agency for winning hearts to the Lord Jesus. The book also offers a strong defence of local church ministry – all over the world the local church is a counter-cultural sign in a fragmented world that reassembly is taking place . . . The podcast is not the point.
Anyone – inside or outside the faith - who has wondered why so many often small local assemblies of believers and enquirers sit listening on a Sunday to a man speaking what appears to be a monologue and puzzle as to its value should read Christopher Ash’s book. It matters more than the world can imagine, more than the world can know (unless it listens).
The Priority of Preaching by Christopher Ash is published by Christian Focus Publications 122pp £7.99
No comments:
Post a Comment