Steve: > Good preachers also use illustrations of various types (and I'm not talking > about pictures). Speaking of good preachers - I have been privileged since Christ called me to himself in 1973 to hear a great deal of preaching that is first-class. There have been many times, perhaps most memorably at the Bunyan Conference (and also PCRT), when I was so captivated by the passionate and dramatic proclamation and exposition of the Word that I could not even think of taking notes, tears were flowing from my eyes, and when it was over and I could find my voice again all I could say was, "Praise the Lord, that is what I call preaching!" Other times all I could get out to my wife next to me to express what the message had done to me was, "Wow!" One of my pastors, in particular, (Nate Osborne) was an impressive example of the power of preaching. I still remember how he impacted myself, my wife and my children the first time I ever heard him and every time after that. He was very active in the pulpit, used dramatic gestures and innovative ways of gaining and keeping your attention focused on the expository point he was making. I could not get over the rapt attention of all of my 6 children in the pew with my wife and I that first Lord's Day from the beginning of the sermon right up until the very end. This is the kind of preaching that John Piper talks about when he speaks of "preaching as expository exultation". When it is done in the Spirit and faithfully to the Word by a man gifted by God all age groups are caught up in the worship event that every sermon should be. Another fine example is James Montgomery Boice. He was someone I always admired not only for his ability to expound the Word in a way that would profit any and all believers, but also for his careful and articulate use of gestures and body language to punctuate each clause. There always seemed to be a subtle power that never came across as "staged" or "showy", but was just right for the point he was making. I could almost call it "holistic preaching", as the whole man was deeply involved in communicating the message of the Word. The King has spoken, and has sent men to herald forth his proclamations, and they dare not be still or silent, nor can they be lukewarm or halfhearted in their heralding! His message must be shouted from the rooftops and cried out in the square with urgency, passion, fervency and fire! No one should be able to be distracted or to doze off when the messengers of the King of kings are heralding forth his Word! All should tremble, and wonder, and worship, and weep, and praise! Soli Deo Gloria, John T. "Jack" Jeffery -- Read the Sound of Grace pages at http://www.soundofgrace.com To unsubscribe, send ANY message to: soundofgrace-unsubscribe@... To view our online archive go to our web page at http://www.associate.com/groups/soundofgrace