Jesus Christ: The Prince of preachers

In his introduction the author observes that while many books have been written on the subject of preaching, few have given attention to the actual preaching of the Lord Jesus. He expresses the concern that, ‘The church has exchanged her preaching birthright for a watered-down stew of PowerPoint presentations, drama, methods, slide shows …’, things, he asserts, that cannot ‘fill the person in the pew with … sound, meaty doctrine, which is critical for healthy Christian living’. Against that background the reader is invited to consider the ministry of the Lord Jesus viewing Him as the true ‘Prince of preachers’.

Within nine chapters attention is given to the priority the Lord placed on preaching, His view of scripture, and the actual content of His preaching, e.g., ‘Jesus preached doctrine’; ‘As a herald’; ‘He preached discipleship’ and ‘for a verdict’. Each chapter is in three sections: first, an exposition from the Gospels of the theme under consideration; secondly, the practical implications of that teaching for ‘pastors, preachers, leaders and elders’; and, finally, a challenge to those who regularly listen to the preaching, to encourage them to desire, expect and give attention to sound teaching. Every chapter concludes with an appendix of authors, articles and websites the writer has quoted, from which it is evident that he has given much thought to, and carefully researched, his subject.

This is an interesting and most helpful book which one hopes will be widely read and used to encourage a return to ‘preaching as Jesus preached’.

[Our thanks to Richard Catchpole, South Norwood, London, for this review]