From: Preaching and Preachers
A Series of Nine Seminars for Men Led by Stuart Olyott

If we are not clear about this, we will be confused in everything else we discuss.

1. The History of Preaching
   
   There is an inextricable connection between the prosperity of God's cause and the speaking, by human lips, of His revealed truth.  They are Siamese twins.   Whoever is concerned for the cause of God will be interested in the revival and improvement of preaching.
   
2. The Core of Preaching
   
   Preaching rests upon this single conviction - that God reveals Himself by His Word.   In the Bible, preaching rests not just on new revelations today; so our dependence is entirely on the inscripturated Word.
   
3. Four New Testament Terms for Preaching
   
   kerusso = to proclaim as a herald
   euangelizo = to announce good news
   martureo = to bear witness to facts
   didasko = to spell out what the message means practically
   
   In the New Testament, when someone is doing one of these things he is doing all of them.  All preaching is to be marked by these characteristics, wherever it may be done, whoever it may be addressed to.
   
4. Some Key Features of New Testament Preaching
   
   Compulsion: men were moved as they did this work
   Plainness: the New Testament insists on an open statement of the truth
   Christ-centredness: for He is the sum and substance of divine revelation

Questions for Discussion:

1. Are there any other points concerning What Preaching Is which you think should have been included in the introductory address?
2. Seeing that the cause of God and preaching are so obviously married, how is it that preaching has become so devalued - even in our circles?
3. What practical steps can be taken to remedy the situation?
4. Who is entitled to preach?  Can any believer take this work upon himself or is some form of authority required?

First Books on Preaching:

• Preach the Word by Denis Lane.  Evangelical Press
• Truth Apparent by Jay Adams.  Presbyterian & Reformed Publishing Co
• Power Through Prayer by E.M. Bounds.  Whitaker House.
• The Preacher's Portrait by John Stott.  Inter-Varsity Press.