I had numerous reasons for wanting to write a book review on Preaching:
A Biblical Theology by Jason C. Meyer. First, my new position as
apprentice pastor has me preaching regularly and I need all the help I can get.
Secondly, I thoroughly enjoy reading biblical theologies and this book fit the
bill. Finally, and probably most significantly, I wanted to get a feel for what
the guy replacing John Piper is like. Who is this Jason Meyer and what is he
like? Reading a book on preacher by the guy following Piper in the pulpit must
make, for good or ill, some kind of impression!
Jason Meyer has written a compelling and convincing treatise on
expositional preaching in the form of this biblical theology. Meyer comes
across as an individual who is both knowledgeable and passionate about
preaching and conveys both those qualities in a comfortable manner.
Meyer's book is divided into five sections, all of which I found
helpful. The five sections include five chapters giving an overview of what the
Bible says about preaching, eleven chapters of biblical theology that support
part one, three chapters on preaching in today's context, a couple chapters
related to systematic theology, and a final chapter and appendices for
concluding thoughts.
The first section explains and elaborates on Meyer’s
definition of preaching which he provides: Preaching, or ministry of the word
in Scripture, is "stewarding and heralding God's word in such a way that
people encounter God through his word" (21). I enjoyed the author's
unpacking of the three main concepts in this definition and found the
discussion informative and inspiring.
The second section surveyed Bible with respect to stewardship and
heralding of the word while looking for the effects of doing this poorly or well.
There is some depth to this section as Meyer’s thoughts on preaching are discussed
with respect to the details of the Bible. He considers the ministry of the word
as it shifts through ten biblical paradigms starting the covenant of creation
and ending with the pastor of the New Testament. Those who enjoy biblical
theologies will find much to like in this second section.
The third section considers the "what,"
"how," and "why" of expositional preaching in our day.
Meyer is an unabashed believer in expositional preaching and makes strong case
for it which I found very motivating. The authors high view of Scripture was
also glaringly evident in this section; an endearing quality to me and others
who preach and take the call to preach seriously. Meyers shares ideas and
insights that were new to me and that I will make use of in my preparation and
preaching.
The fourth section investigates the connection between preaching
and two significant systematic topics; scripture and sin. It follows these two
chapters with a fair and grounded evaluation of topical preaching. Meyer
provides a balanced and nuanced view of topical preaching suggesting it has its
place in churches and delivers some benefits providing the priority is given to
expository preaching. There are some valuable perspectives on topical preaching
given with some warnings which clearly locates this type of preaching in the
authors philosophy.
The book ends with some concluding thoughts and encouraging words
as well as several appendices.
I found this book well worth the time invested in reading it and
it has affected my opinions on preaching and it will affect the way I preach.
It also gave me some insight into the heir of Piper's pulpit and I think that
the congregation of Bethlehem Baptist Church are in good hands. I recommend
this book.
