Expository Preaching
Exposition should be a part of our preaching in the church. Even when preaching topically, exposition should be used. Though there are various methods of delivering sermons, all biblical preaching will be based on accurate and faithful exposition of the Scripture. The skilled preacher will be versed in various methods, using them carefully and skillfully to best communicate the truth of God’s Word to his hearers.
Lawson’s book is worth reading and hopefully it will stir up some fire for this most excellent method of preaching.
Argument
Therefore, argument is of extreme importance to preachers. It is the preacher’s vocation to be defining, expounding, and defending the propositions of Holy Scripture. For that matter, every Christian is to conscientiously defend and contend for the faith and should be concerned about good argument evaluation and construction.
In this vein, I recommend A Rulebook for Arguments by Anthony Weston. This is a rulebook as the title suggests, but it is concise and readable. The book should be read through one time and then referred to often when analyzing or building arguments. Its brevity is one aspect of its value. You can refer to a section and quickly refresh your memory about some concept. The author does also give some sources for larger works if the reader is interested.
Currently Reading
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When I Don’t Desire God: How to Fight for Joy By John Piper / Crossway Books & Bibles What do you do when you discover that you’re not satisfied in God the way he wants you to be? Joy is more than an afterthought of the Christian life; it is the sustaining fruit of a relationship with God. With a radical passion for Christ’s glory, John Piper helps you find the joy God wants you to have. |
Heathen Missionaries
In Heathendom every true convert becomes at once a Missionary. The changed life, shining out amid the surrounding darkness, is a Gospel in largest Capitals which all can read. Our Islanders, especially, having little to engage or otherwise distract attention, become intense and devoted workers for the Lord Jesus, if once the Divine Passion for souls stirs within them. Many a reader, not making due allowance for these special circumstances, would therefore be tempted to think our estimate of their enthusiasm for the Gospel was overdone; but thoughtful men will easily perceive that Natives, touched with the mighty impulses of Calvary, and undistracted by social pleasures or politics, by literature or business claims, would almost by a moral necessity pour all the currents of their being into Religion, and probably show an apostolic devotion and self-sacrifice too seldom seen, alas, amid the thousand clamouring appeals of Civilization.
A Heathen has been all his days groping after peace of soul in dark superstition and degrading rites. You pour into his soul the light of Revelation. He learns that God is love, that God sent His Son to die for him, and that he is the heir of Life Eternal in and through Jesus Christ. By the blessed enlightenment of the Spirit of the Lord he believes all this. He passes into a third heaven of joy, and he burns to tell every one of the Glad Tidings. Others see the change in his disposition, in his character, in his whole life and actions; and amid such surroundings, every Convert is a burning and a shining light. Even whole populations are thus brought into the Outer Court of the Temple; and Islands, still Heathen and Cannibal, are positively eager for the Missionary to live amongst them, and would guard his life and property now in complete security, where a very few years ago everything would have been instantly sacrificed on touching their shores! They are not Christianized, neither are the Civilized, but the light has been kindled all around them, and though still only shining afar, they cannot but rejoice in its beams.
Missionary Patriarch—The True Story of John G. Paton, James Paton Ed., pp. 388-389
Currently Reading
Viewable at Amazon.com
Or viewable at Christianbookdistributors.com
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God is the Gospel: Meditations on God’s Love as the Gift of Himself By John Piper / Crossway Books & BiblesWhen you ponder what it means to be loved by God, are your thoughts God-centered or self-centered? Best-selling author and pastor Piper reveals that the most loving thing about God is not his making much of us, but his enabling us to make much of him. Paradigm-challenging reflections on the gospel message! 160 pages, hardcover from Crossway Books. |
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The Gospel According to Jesus, Revised and Expanded By John MacArthur, Jr. / ZondervanWhat did Jesus mean when he said, “Follow me”? In this revised and expanded classic, MacArthur warns against the “easy-believism” proclaimed by many today, explains his understanding of biblical faith and works, emphasizes the high cost of discipleship, and reinforces his conviction that there is no eternal life without surrender to the Lordship of Christ. 302 pages, softcover from Zondervan. |
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The Existence and Attributes of God By Stephen Charnock / BakerStephen Charnock was a Puritan theologian, whose hours of daily Bible study contributed to a vast and intimate knowledge of the Scriptures. Though this book was written in the seventeenth century, Charnock’s keen grasp of biblical theology ensures its relevance in all eras, particularly today. His exhaustive discussions on the existence and attributes of God form one of the best general theology books available. His reflections on the Bible clarify for all readers the full implications of understanding God as he was revealed in both the Old and New Testaments. Ever the pragmatist, Charnock focuses his reflections on sustainable, practical application, offering Christians at all times the knowledge that leads to greater obedience and more invigorating worship. The discourses in this book cover such important theological themes as: the existence of God; the failure of practical atheism; the spiritual nature of God; spiritual worship; God’s eternality; God’s immutability; God’s omnipresence; God’s knowledge (omniscience); God’s wisdom; God’s power; God’s holiness; God’s goodness; God’s dominion; God’s patience. Each discourse combines with all others to produce a truly broad, multifaceted look at God and God’s qualities, giving all readers an inspirational, devotional, and scholarly look at Christian theology. Let this seventeenth century classic bring your twenty-first century faith to a whole new level. As you learn more about God, you will begin to reflect more of His character and nature to the world. |
