Written by preachers for preachers, this instructive work details the value of proclaiming God’s Word -- as it is written -- without ceding to the temptation to modernize or minimize what it says. It also addresses what makes preaching effective and what must be avoided. As with any compilation, some chapters are more helpful than others, but the whole volume remains a benefit to those called to preach (or to those wondering what biblical preaching entails).

Notice that [in Romans 10:14-15] Paul does not ask how they shall hear about Christ, but how they shall hear Him without a preacher! Do you see what Paul is saying here? When the faithful minister is properly exegeting the Word of God, it is God Himself who is speaking to His people, drawing them to Himself! Failure to hear the faithful minister is a failure to hear God Himself! [120]

Preachers are not called to give opinions; they are supposed to give the people the very mind of God. The people love it when no one is in charge. They love it when the pastor is on the same level as they are. They love it when they share authority as peers. However, they don’t love it when pastors preach. At any other time in a preacher’s life, he is on the same level as his people; but when he mounts the pulpit, he becomes something else entirely – a voice of authority. [120]

Thinking and reflecting are good things, but action is needed in the end. God never gave us His Word to simply think about, but to obey. [121]

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While I wholeheartedly agree with the premise that reading the works of the Puritans is exceedingly helpful and important, the format of Kistler’s booklet is lacking. This reads more like a catalog for the publisher, and contains far too many quotes and excerpts for such a short booklet. Though he lays out some solid reasons for investigating Puritan work, the tone falls short of inviting. In sum: skip this one, but please do read the Puritans.

One of the reasons we think so poorly is because we read so little. Reading helps us to think; and we live in a photographic culture now instead of a typographic culture. Most communicating is done through pictures, videos, and movies. The work of thinking is all done for us, and therefore we are not forced to wrestle with concepts. Someone else interprets the matter for us in pictures. In the Puritan days, words were frozen on a page and forced you to deal with the thoughts expressed. [2]

God, who created the soul, and who died to redeem the soul, best knows how to treat the soul. And those men who are most acquainted with God are best able to provide cures for the soul. [8]

Sin is worse than suffering; but people will do everything they can to avoid suffering, but almost nothing to avoid sin. [8]

God never gave us His Word for our opinion or for us to think about. He gave us His Word to obey. [17]

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