Book Reviewed: Expository Preaching with Word Pictures
Author: Jack Hughes ~ Christian Focus Publications Geanies House, Fearn, Ross-Shire, IV20 1TW, Scotland Published in 2001 and reprinted in 2002
ISBN: 1 857926587 pp. 303
Reviewd By: Pastor Tim Crockett
Summary:
The author takes a refreshing and enlightening approach to homiletics by highlighting a specific area which is not only practical but biblical. That of preaching with word pictures. He utilizes many examples from the Bible and that of the old Puritan Thomas Watson. *
Having read many books by great authors on the subject of homiletics, this particular book was a refreshing read. He wrote with exceptional ease and clarity, he truly learned from his study.
The main thrust of the writer's intent centers around preaching with word pictures. The basis of his thesis was on the preaching with word pictures like that of the old Puritan Thomas Watson. the goal was to get back solid expository preaching which cut to the heart and challenged believers to live right.
* Note: I do not agree with many of the Puritans as far as their Soteriology and Eschatology goes, but their preaching/application on personal holiness is superb. I have personally read many of Thomas Watson's works and have been blessed greatly.
Critique:
The author's aim was to communicate valuable truth and that he did. The layout was easy to follow and I believed he covered areas pertinent to the preaching ministry. He not only shows the importance of sound expositional preaching but takes you on a journey starting with basics of hermeneutics and then the development and employment of word pictures. This is where you see the author's passion and adoration for Thomas Watson coupled with his passion for scriptural word pictures which he goes into great detail on. Much like looking at a diamond from another angle.
Not only is there an extensive subject and person and scripture index, but he goes on to list Watson's works followed by a gallery of quotes. Here are some examples:
Sanctification - It is better ti be a pattern of holiness, than a partner of wickedness. It is better to go to heaven with a few, than to hell in the crowd. We must walk in an opposite course to the men of the world.
Thankfulness - An unthankful person is a monster in nature, a paradox in Christianity. He is the scorn of heaven and the plague of the earth. An ungrateful man never does well except in one thing - that is, when he dies.
Unbeliever - If the devil bids a man to lie or steal, he does not refuse; and, what is worse, he willingly obeys this tyrant. Other slaves are forces against their will: "Israel sighed by reason of their bondage" (Exodus 2:23); but sinners are willing to be slaves, they will not take their freedom; they kiss their fetters.
Personal Response:
I began to apply the principles taught almost immediately. I agree with the author's opening statements that there is a famine in the pulpits today. With technology advancing rapidly the days of sitting and broodig over a text have given way to the internet and readymade sermons and a myriad of other distractions.
This is not the only area of concern either, certainly the folks sitting in the pews need something outside their realm of normaility. In other words what is going to entice them to think about the message and leave aside all worldly care? All too often the cares of this world get a strangle hold on the believers leaving the preacher to contend not only with sin, the devil and the flesh, he now navigates through the hearers minds and attempts to stimulate them to meditate and apply God's word.
This book was an enjoyable read and had a definate impact on my pulpit ministry. I was refreshed and encouraged at the same time. Now when writing messages I try to incorporate word pictures for illustrations with the intent on leaving an indelible mark on the minds of the hearers. This is one addition to my library that will not collect dust.
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