Review of The Supremacy of God in Preaching

The Supremacy of God in Preaching by John Piper

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


John Piper writes of the importance of 'blood-earnestness' in preaching. And according to Piper, blood-earnestness is something that is seriously lacking in most preaching today. This intensity comes as an awareness of the magnitude of God and His Word fills the heart of a preacher. Piper gives anecdotal insights from the life and preaching of Jonathan Edwards which pointed to Edward's awe filled awareness of an infinite God. Piper strongly rebukes those preachers who glory in a flippant, humorous, entertainment-showmanship preaching which does not take seriously the gravity of message nor the situation. In contrast, Piper writes, "This is simply stupendous to think about--that when I preach, the everlasting destiny of sinners hangs in the balance! If a person is not made earnest and grave by this fact, people will unconsciously learn that the realities of heaven and hell are not serious" (p. 59). In short, Piper's main thesis is "Gladness and gravity should be woven together in the life and preaching of the preacher in such a way as to sober the careless soul and sweeten burdens of the saints" (p. 55). A short and helpful reminder for preachers, indeed a good book to read and reread from time to time. I wonder what affect this type of 'blood-earnest' intensity might have in the North American Church that is drowning itself in entertainment?



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