This book is a simple, yet well written and presented with a lot of thought provoking issues being highlighted.

It may be considered controversial by some, but I believe, applauded by most God fearing preachers. It gives numerous practical examples to support his views. He makes no apology for his stance on issues that may be controversial for some. I. The need for this book by Dr D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones A. B. C. D. E. II. The need for preaching and preachers Preaching overview Preparation principals Delivery expectations True power in Preaching

What can be gleaned from this book? A. Attitude to preaching B. Attitude to preparation C. Attitude to pulpiteering

Conclusion statement: Dr D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones has written a book from the perspective of a preacher. He answers the questions about the need of true preaching. He looks at the preacher; questions his motives, and reminds the preacher who his audience is. But most importantly of all, he wants the preacher to know that he is Gods man, with Gods message, to be delivered to a lost and dying world. So he advocates preachers to preach with passion and with Gods power!

Minnaar This type of book by Dr D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones is very needful in our modern society

today. That we are in a modern society, we cannot deny. That people are entertainment driven, we cannot deny. That people expect the preacher to be slick and polished and entertaining is the expectation of many today, this is what they are used too. Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones so aptly brings out that preachers are needed more so today, than ever before. He makes very pertinent statements, yet, He makes no apology for his stance on issues that may be considered controversial by some.

Martyn Lloyd- Jones, has brought out a very interesting topic, this not only has to do with the art of preaching, but he takes the holistic look at the preacher, as , according to him, it is that they do go hand in hand. That one cannot divorce the one from the other. His outline touches the primacy of preaching, the relationship between the sermon and preaching, the preacher, the congregation. He includes the character of the sermon, its form and he touches on the matter of illustrations, eloquence, humor and things to avoid. He mentions the issue of invitation, he shares the pros and the cons and he looks at the personal aspect, as he calls it the romance and pitfalls, and he lastly concludes with the demonstration of the Spirit and power which underpins the whole aspect of the act of preaching. His presentation is based upon, and sticks strictly to the issues of preaching and preachers, he does not allow himself to get sidetracked over pastoral issues nor does he allow for any distractions in regards to the activities of the preacher. In fact it can be said that he is very rigid in his stance in this regard. I must admit that I agree with him fully, especially as I am reminded in the Scriptures what the Apostles said about a

Minnaar

similar issue, Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Act 6:2 This is his view about the call to preach ..That to me the work of preaching is the highest and greatest and the most glorious calling to which anyone can be ever called. It is his view that the very issue of people and churches, who question the need for preaching, is indicative for the necessity of it. That the church considers these kinds of questions and thoughts are literally anathema to him. To Him, this is all the more reason to undertake this topic as he had. There is a need for and we should demand, true preachers in our midst. It is his contention when looking at an overview of preaching, that it must be based on doctrine, that its form is to be doctrinally correct in all its aspects, that proper exposition, will always lead to preaching the gospel and as he says . and not preach about the Gospel. . The Business of the preacher is not to present the Gospel academically. We are to involve with it; we are not to look at it as another subject, and to say things about it; it itself is being directly presented and conveyed to the congregation through us. Dr D Martyn Lloyd-Jones then considers the preparation principles; he contends that, although a man may be a great theologian, good at giving advice, if he cannot speak well, according to him, he cannot be a preacher. He then lists certain criteria, for example, general knowledge and life experiences. He speaks of a training of the mind, it is not the form of training, but rather that the mind has been trained, that it can apply itself to the task of a preacher. That the mind is specially trained in the whole counsel of God, he includes some knowledge of original languages, his point is that the

Minnaar preacher should look to being biblically accurate, and simple enough to be understood by all. When one considers the delivery expectation, the example that had been set by Finney and others, it is that, the preacher should demand a decision, he contends that

this is wrong. His point is that many people come out of guilt, pressure and possibly the charisma of the preacher. It is his contention that we should allow the Holy Spirit to move. If the preacher is aware that he is to make an alter call, he is to say that he is available to speak with people after the services. I want to add though, that I believe that Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones has taken this stance, and he makes a strong stance against this appeal for an altar call, because he is a Calvinist. (This goes against his theology), however, he does bring out the fact that it should be done, only upon the prompting of the Holy Spirit (I have to give him credit right there.) The last issue he deals with is the issue of preaching with power. He states that it is God who uses his Word, with the power and unction of the Holy Spirit, through the preacher. The preacher is aware of Gods power, the congregation is also aware of Gods power, and lives are changed forever. You can have knowledge, and you can be meticulous in your preparation; but without the unction of the Holy Spirit you will have no power, and your preaching will not be effective.How does one know it? It gives clarity of thought, clarity of speech, ease of utterance, a great sense of authority and confidence as you are preaching, an awareness of a power not being your own thrilling through your whole being, and an indescribable joy. You are a man possessed, you are taken hold of, and taken up. What then are we to say about this? There is obviously only one conclusion. Seek Him! Seek Him! What can we do without Him?

Minnaar Seek Him Seek Him always. But go beyond seeking Him; expect Him. Do you expect anything to happen when you get up to preach in a pulpit? Are you expecting it to be a

turning point in someones life? Are you expecting to have a climatic experience? This is what preaching is meant to do.

What can be gleaned from this book? I have come to several conclusions, namely: That my attitude to preaching has changed. I have realized that preaching is to take president in the act of worship. That testimony time, the singing of soloists, choir time etc, although seem positive and uplifting are really just forms of entertainment. That it is preaching that is good for the soul and nothing less. Anything that takes preaching time away is not beneficial for the congregation. My attitude to preparation has changed, I used to spend roughly thirteen hours on sermon preparation, I now spend thirty hours. You cannot over prepare. Read Scriptures, study further, increase your knowledge. In other words a preacher is to be well read. Your education doesnt stop when you receive a degree, but it is on going. I have also changed my attitude towards pulpiteering. God did not call stage men or actors or professional, eloquent, charismatic individuals but rather men who follow after Gods own heart. That this idea of psychological gimmicks and stage props and antics are not Gods calling but rather are tricks to win people over. It is better to preach the truth of the Gospel and allow God to do his work among the people, your tasks is not to be clever but obedient in preaching the whole counsel of Gods Word.