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The relevance of preaching
110 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 1977
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 30, 2019
Short and potent, defending the Reformed understanding of preaching. Why did it take me so long to finish it...? 😬
July 27, 2018
This is a fantastic book to read alongside "The Priority of Preaching" by Christopher Ash. Both share a certain understanding of the preached Word as the primary way that Christ administers to His Church. Their elevated view of preaching is perhaps an uncomfortable leap for some to make; (many would agree that the written Word is the primary way...) but Marcel and Ash make compelling arguments from Scripture that this Spirit-filled action of preaching holds a special position in Christ's ministry to His people.
Marcel offers four characteristics of relevant preaching: 1) Opportuneness 2) Forcefulness 3) Simplicity and 4) Vitality
His section on the vitality of preaching particularly challenged me, as it warns against quenching the Spirit in the act of preaching. As someone who manuscripts, am I allowing the act of preaching on a Sunday morning/evening be a Spirit-filled act? I'm not quite sure how I feel about this yet, but the question was put forth by Marcel, who by no means is an advocate of impromptu sermonizing, but would like to prevent people from reading straight from their notes.
His second chapter in the book introduced a familiar concept in an unfamiliar way, by highlighting the necessary efficacy of the preacher and the necessary receptivity of the hearer. The preacher needs to do a good job. And yet, the best job done by the preacher is meaningless unless the Spirit works receptivity in the hearts of the listener. I appreciated the jargon he used in this section.
Great book, I'll need to buy it some day.
Marcel offers four characteristics of relevant preaching: 1) Opportuneness 2) Forcefulness 3) Simplicity and 4) Vitality
His section on the vitality of preaching particularly challenged me, as it warns against quenching the Spirit in the act of preaching. As someone who manuscripts, am I allowing the act of preaching on a Sunday morning/evening be a Spirit-filled act? I'm not quite sure how I feel about this yet, but the question was put forth by Marcel, who by no means is an advocate of impromptu sermonizing, but would like to prevent people from reading straight from their notes.
His second chapter in the book introduced a familiar concept in an unfamiliar way, by highlighting the necessary efficacy of the preacher and the necessary receptivity of the hearer. The preacher needs to do a good job. And yet, the best job done by the preacher is meaningless unless the Spirit works receptivity in the hearts of the listener. I appreciated the jargon he used in this section.
Great book, I'll need to buy it some day.
December 31, 2018
Outstanding and desperately need instruction in the art preaching with purpose and relevance to the glory of God and the salvation of man.
January 26, 2026
An excellent, short shot in the arm that reminds pastors and congregants of the power of preaching and the connection between preaching the Holy Spirit. Highly recommended.
Read in 2024 and again in 2026. In 2026 I was interested in reading one section, but ended up rereading the whole thing. Not much to add to what I said above. Marcel can be challenging in places, but he is rewarding. One thing that stuck out to me is how when Jesus sent his messengers in the Gospels he expected men to receive their word as His word. A rejection of His messengers was a rejection of Christ. And so it is today. Christ rules through His preached Word. A rejection of His preached Word is a rejection of Him.
Read in 2024 and again in 2026. In 2026 I was interested in reading one section, but ended up rereading the whole thing. Not much to add to what I said above. Marcel can be challenging in places, but he is rewarding. One thing that stuck out to me is how when Jesus sent his messengers in the Gospels he expected men to receive their word as His word. A rejection of His messengers was a rejection of Christ. And so it is today. Christ rules through His preached Word. A rejection of His preached Word is a rejection of Him.
January 22, 2016
Good book. Basic reformed theology with solid quotes that breathe fresh air into thoughts on preaching.
January 11, 2017
Succinct, clear, and brilliant. I have little-to-no critique of this work. Commendations all around. Worthy of multiple readings!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews