A Legacy of Preaching, Volume One---Apostles to the Revivalists

“How did you learn to preach?” is one of the more frequent questions I’m asked. In addition to practice (trial and error!), I can honestly say that I learned much in terms both of what to do and not to do by studying great preachers from the past and present. Virtually all effective preachers will admit that in some sense they stand on the shoulders of someone who has preceded them, from whose method and style and understanding of Scripture they have drawn. That is certainly true of me. These volumes are a treasure trove of homiletical insights from the greatest of preachers in the history of the Christian church. It is a wonderful resource that I am extremely happy to recommend. * SAM STORMS, Bridgeway Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma *
For most pastors---maybe for all---becoming a better preacher is a lifelong quest. And on that quest, few things are more beneficial than spending quality time with more gifted preachers. Reading A Legacy of Preaching affords an unprecedented opportunity for all kinds of pastors to learn from a legion of men and women who are widely regarded as among the best preachers in history, from Peter and Paul to Billy Graham and Gardner Taylor. Hearing their life stories, learning their homiletical theology, and listening to their gospel proclamation will help any pastor fulfill the high calling of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. * PHILIP RYKEN, president, Wheaton College *
It is well-known that the Reformers and their heirs regarded faithful preaching of the Scriptures as a mark of a true church. In these two volumes we have a rich exploration of the way in which God has indeed blessed his people with such preaching ever since the apostolic era. Given the unique biographical focus of these essays, these two volumes also remind us that preaching is always mediated through distinct personalities, hence the differences in exegetically-sound preaching over the years. In sum, what we have here is a treasure trove for all who love the preaching of the Word and for all called to this central task in the church’s life. * MICHAEL A. G. HAYKIN, Professor & Chair of Church History, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary *
Paul said, “follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” Discipleship always works best when the Christian life is modeled for others. The same truth also applies in preaching. My advice to preachers young and old is to stay committed to the Word and learn from those who preach well. Sitting at the feet of history’s greatest preachers is a great honor that will enrich your soul, enliven your flock, and enhance your ministry. If this is your desire, then read this book. It tells the tales of history’s greats and relates to you a legacy that will inspire you to, like Paul, “boldly … proclaim the mysteries of the gospel.” * DR. TONY EVANS, senior pastor, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship; president, The Urban Alternative *
The apostle Paul commanded, “Preach the word.” This book introduces some of the most influential preachers from the first through the eighteenth centuries and offers fascinating studies of how they responded to Paul’s mandate with great diversity of doctrine and methodology. * JOEL R. BEEKE, president, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan *
To be encouraged to put one's own preaching into broad historical context, beginning with the apostles, is a rare treat. This is a book for all preachers and not only those who have a liking for church history. The various authors provide a comprehensive examination of the context and method of preaching through the ages. Those of us who preach---especially those who preach without a carefully examined philosophy of preaching or a constantly reviewed biblical hermeneutics---can only be enriched and encouraged by these studies. * GRAEME L. GOLDSWORTHY, was lecturer in Old Testament and biblical theology at Moore Theological College *
What an incredible work. I was so impressed by the thoughtfulness and care the editors put into their selections. To have so many of Christian history’s great preachers and teachers of God’s Word sampled and collected in one location makes reading these volumes an incredible delight, not to mention an invaluable resource. If you want to be blessed by, and mentored by, some of the most anointed teachers in history, this great work is where to begin! I’m excited to add it to my library and hope every serious student of God’s Word will do the same. * J. D. GREEAR, pastor, The Summit Church, Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina *