Resources on Preaching
Each preacher has to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of preaching without notes, with notes, or with a manuscript. In a letter to a young minister, Thomas Charles of Wales counsels: “You must be the best judge whether you had better preach extempore or not, as you find liberty and ease in the work. If you cannot deliver your thoughts distinctly, clearly, accurately and fluently, I think you had better read, or at least use notes.” Nevertheless, about the value of writing the sermon Charles is dogmatic: “As to writing your sermons, however you may deliver them, I think there can be no demur about that: and always write every sermon, or whatever else you may write, with all the care and…
Read MoreBiographer T.H.L. Parker provides a good definition of expository preaching when he summarizes Calvin’s method: “Expository preaching consists in the explanation and application of a passage of Scripture. Without explanation it is not expository; without application it is not preaching.” – R. Albert Mohler Jr., “Expository Preaching: Center of Christian Worship” in Give Praise to God: A Vision for Reforming Worship (ed. Philip Graham Ryken et al: Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R, 2003), 112.
Read More“Far better no pulpit at all than a pulpit that did not, as its chief business, solemnly address men as lost sinners, summon them to repentance, faith, and humility, and entreat them, in Christ’s stead, to be reconciled to God.” – William G. Blaikie, For the Work of the Ministry. 1896 (Solid Ground, 2005), 5.
Read More“It is much easier to lay down the law from the pulpit than to exemplify it in the home. We find it simpler to give directions about the way than to lead others in the way ourselves. . . . . God’s most powerful visual aid in the education of mankind is a consistent Christian.” – John R.W. Stott, The Preacher’s Portrait (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1961), 97.
Read MoreToday is the 115th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, a pulpit giant of the 20th century. In his mid-20s he left a promising medical career to enter the Christian ministry. During his twenty-nine year pastorate at Westminster Chapel in London, he became one of the most prominent evangelical leaders in Britain. Read a biographical trust at MLJ Trust. Thirty-five years ago my father passed along a cassette tape of this sermon on Ephesians 2:1-10. Seldom had I heard the gospel proclaimed with such clarity, compelling logic, and spiritual authority. MLJ Trust has 1600 sermons available for listening and downloading.
Read MoreIn this 2009 interview, Eric Alexander reflects on his conversion to Christ, and his many years of ministry in the Church of Scotland. His commitment to pastoral ministry in the local church, expository preaching, and prayer have been an encouragement to many ministers. Many thanks to my friend David Irving for pointing me to this interview.
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