Jesus Christ: The Prince of Preachers: Learning from the Teaching Ministry of Jesus

One of the freebies given out at this year's Shepherd's Conference was this gem from Mike Abendroth. He writes a short but powerful work, pointing preachers to learn directly from the teaching ministry of Jesus. This is excellent material, a true encouragement for those committed to expository preaching, in season and out of season. Abendroth writes, "The ultimate priority for the revived church is preaching. The pulpit lies at the heart of the church." And if the pulpit lies at the heart of the church, then where should the church and the preacher turn to find the standard for preaching? Abendroth answers: "While there are many definitions and descriptions of preaching today, Jesus' preaching must be the unchanging standard for all who dare teach the Bible. Preaching fads come and go, yet the manner and method of the Lord's preaching is always relevant, and worthy to be emulated." Throughout the book, the living influences of Abendroth are easy to spot and appreciate): Bryan Chapell, John Piper, John MacArthur, Danny Akin, Al Mohler, Steve Lawson, and Hershael York. And what Abendroth leads us to admire about the writings of these men is that they challenge us toward a Christ-centered, Christ-emulating method of preaching in our own pulpits. Where Abendroth brings zesty fresh thought is in the close of each chapter where he gives action-oriented application to the principles of the chapter. What is outstanding is that he provides ideas for both preachers and congregations. How should a preacher preach? How should a congregation hear? Abendroth gives answers for both group. He truly desires for this book to be read by both pastor and people in the pew. Do not miss getting a copy of this book.

here is an increased emphasis within various communities today upon the words and actions of Jesus. We are told by folks within varied theological camps to be like Jesus in his treatment of others. This priority is something that even conservatives and liberals can agree upon. There is, however, an element of Jesus' life and ministry that is curiously absent from much of the conversation. This element is his preaching. What did Jesus say? Why did he say it? How did he say it? And how does this intersect with the lives of those who aim to follow him? Mike Abendroth aims to give Jesus the mic, or at least the pulpit in his new book, Jesus Christ: The Prince of Preachers. Mike is the Senior Pastor of Bethlehem Bible Church in West Boylston, Massachusetts. In addition to being a good friend Mike is also one of my favorite preachers. In his first book Mike tackles two of his prevailing passions, Jesus and preaching. For those unfamiliar to Mike, the endorsements for the book help the reader understand something of the passionate community of heralds to which Mike belongs. There are endorsements from John MacArthur (who also wrote the forward), Steve Lawson, Danny Aiken, James White, Rick Holland, Alex Montoya, and Don Whitney. Abendroth starts off the book by discussing "ecclesiological triage." "The professing evangelical church is in a state of emergency. She is alive, but very sick. The health of the church today in in trouble, in spite of swelling numbers, mega-buildings, and expanding `borders.' She has been in a head-on collision with the eighteen-wheel semi-truck of postmodernity. The problems are so large and plentiful, nothing less than ecclesiological triage will sift through the myriad of problems and begin to lend spiritual attention to the top priorities." So what is the solution to the problem? How do we treat this? "We must preach, and we must do so as Jesus, the Prince of preachers, did....The ultimate priority for the revived church is preaching. The pulpit lies at the heart of the church. Preaching pumps the lifeblood of God's Word into the arteries, veins and capillaries of the local church's vital organs." Mike then examines the preaching ministry of Jesus in the following 8 chapters: Jesus viewed preaching as Preeminent Jesus preached with a high view of Scripture Jesus preached Christ and Him Crucified Jesus preached Doctrine Jesus preached as a Herald Jesus preached Discipleship Jesus preached for a Verdict Jesus preached Expositionally As a pastor I really enjoyed this book. In each chapter Abendroth dug into a text and supported his premise textually even syntactically. You could tell that many of these chapters flowed out of sermons that he, himself has preached. Additionally, Mike's writing style is vivid and engaging. You are in a conversation with him. The book is littered with everyday illustrations to drive home his points. And where he lets up and steps aside,