Recent years have seen an explosion of good books on preaching come out. With the resurgence of conversation about the Gospel and biblical theology publishers have taken notice and provided the people of God with many resources across the board to help them understand the storyline and message of the Bible. One of the most helpful books I’ve read in that vein of thought geared towards ministry leaders is Preaching A Biblical Theology by Dr. Jason Meyer. What makes this book unique is the approach of the author to trace the storyline of the Bible for the purpose of helping preachers develop a biblical theology of preaching. Being that almost whenever a new book on preaching comes out I read it to gain and profit from it I can tell you that this book is genuinely unique. Yet, before I tell you about why I think that let me give you some idea of what is in this book.

Preaching A Biblical Theology is broken up into five parts. Part one explores a biblical theology of the ministry of Word through “what and how of preaching”, the link between structure and story, the role of the Word in the drama of Scripture. Part two examines creation, promise, law, stewardship in the books of History, Prophets, Wisdom literature and the New Testament. Part three explains the what, how and why of expository preaching. Part four explores preaching and Scripture, preaching and sin and the issue of topical preaching. Part five looks at the importance of stewardship for today. The book concludes with three appendixes—looking at the heart behind the book, how this book is different and the available literature on preaching today.

In the opening of this review I noted that I read almost every available preaching book that comes out. While I’ve read broadly in the literature on preaching what makes this book unique is how Dr. Meyer approaches the topic of preaching. Most books on preaching focus on “how” to preach, and others on exegesis. Given the rise of the Gospel-centered and biblical theology movements in the evangelicalism what Preaching A Biblical Theology does is help the reader to learn how preaching is to be grounded in the Word of God. Furthermore, the author helps his readers to see that the task of preaching is a holy endeavor not just some activity but a means God uses to awaken the dead to new life. This means preaching is a holy task given by God to the Church and her officers to wield with great care.

Since every Christian is a theologian every Christian ought to know about the importance of preaching. This is precisely why Preaching a Biblical Theology is so important—it takes the storyline of the Bible and helps new and seasoned preachers and teachers understand not just the importance of preaching but why grounding our preaching and teaching in the Bible is so vital to the healthy and grow of the Church.

Lastly, what I appreciate about this book is it is not only deep but is also eminently practical. The author guides his reader through the Bible and along the way shows the reader how his reading of the Word affects one’s view of preaching and thus of teaching and caring for the people of God. It is this trifecta of biblical fidelity, Gospel-centeredness and practical help that makes Preaching: A Biblical Theology one of the most helpful books on preaching I’ve read in quite some years. Preaching should be required reading in seminary classes on the topic of preaching along with Christ-Centered Preaching by Dr. Bryan Chappel.

Preaching A Biblical Theology is as Dr. M. Lloyd-Jones said in his book Preaching and Preachers, “theology on fire”. It is for this reason and many others that I heartily recommend Preaching A Biblical Theology— whether you are new to the task of preaching or you’ve been preaching for quite some time or you just enjoy reading books on preaching this book will help you by teaching you the truth of God’s Word. I pray the Lord uses this book by Dr. Meyer in powerful ways to awaken new preachers to the truth of biblical preaching and refreshes seasoned preachers to the importance of biblical preaching.

Title: Preaching: A Biblical Theology

Author: Jason Meyer

Publisher: Crossway  (2013)

I received this for free from Crossway book review program for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”