The Holy Spirit and Preaching by James Forbes - Book Report/Review Example

 Book Review – The Holy Spirit and Preaching by James A. Forbes ‎[Author]‎ ‎[Institution]‎ 1. What were the main ideas presented in the book, which related to sermon preparation or presentation? Sermon preparation is one of the most sacred steps in the prayers. The book depicts the establishment of wide range of sermon development exercises. The sessions were categorized for several tasks so that every exercise would be given a considerable number of times. The first session had the focus on how to go through reading the text. Succeeding session was focused on how to proceed from the text and the other one was focused that how to recognize the sermonic theme. An overwhelming attention was given to resolve the types of exegeses; this would give a lot of help in the sessions1. Scripting is also one of the vital parts of sermons. In this phase the focus was primarily spotlighted that how to write sermons, determine where the action is vital with respect to the word spoken. Delivery aspect was highly considered and enormous amount of time was spent on this vital aspect. Effective reading concept was a critical phase and it requires practice and rehearsals. This aspect was not left and the focus on reading with great care was made certain. Sermon preparation and presentation is a very sacred action so no error in this regard should be made sure. Reading the text by heart intrinsically motivates an individual and the listeners also get involved in the prayers as well. This not only depicts the seriousness of reader but also emphasize that each and every word is holy and element of respect must be given to it. The qualities of a good preacher include that he must spoke the words from heart and highlight the words of sheer importance and consideration. Spiritual relationship is basically the name of the game and a good preacher must be spiritually strong. The impact of words on the listener is only visible if the words spoken by the preacher are delivered by heart. Those words in fact carry weight and minds can be moulded through them. Bringing the people to the right track is the intention of every preacher but the techniques and tactics required for this purpose must be acquired. Spirituality is thus the strong base for the preparation of sermons and presentations2. The first step preachers must take is to open them to the ministry of Holy Spirit. It is the core base of sermon preparation. If a preacher is not spiritually sound than how come his words would have impact on the audience. It is observed that preachers these days neglect this vital issue and thus we observe that people are not turning towards the religion. Sermons must not be taken easy at any cost as it’s the foundation of preaching and to build the foundation strong, spirituality must play into act3. Did the ideas in this book correspond to what you read in the main textbooks? If so, how? If not, what are the contrasts? The ideas presented in this book are a bit different from which we read in the textbooks. This book focuses on how a preacher must actively involve himself in the preparation and presentation of sermons. The element of spirituality is discussed the most. According to my understanding after going through the textbooks and reference books; spirituality is what distinguishes an ordinary preacher to a learned one. Textbook mostly refers on the traditional preparation of sermons. No new idea or innovative practical implementation is discussed, however in this, more influential behaviour of a preacher is discussed bluntly and the core issues are discussed which can up bring a preacher from floor to sky. In the current era, spirituality is neglected and preachers don’t often involve themselves in this holy practice. The reason of demise of the religion is also due to no concentration on spirituality. Reading and memorizing must not be the focus of a preacher; spiritual involvement must be attained first. Sermonic themes are focused without the intention of going through the meaning of the words which is a sad, the concept of biblical words are more than just delivering the words- it’s the involvement of an individual to seek the right path. Some of the ideas prevailed in this book however correspond to what we have learned in the textbooks but mostly the theme is about bringing massive change in the society. The life experiences of a preacher are the backbone of the book and how he learned through various legendary preachers is commendable and respectful. Engaging one with the words of Bible is the best part and getting on the right track is the intention. Sermonize people without the proper understanding of words is what the main contrast of the book is. Educating and bringing preachers and fellow Christians is the purpose and objective of the writer. This not only makes a strong bonding of an individual with Bible but also emphasize that success in this world remains in the propagation of the teachings of Holy Bible and the path of sensation is spirituality. Did you read anything of particular interest that you believe can improve a) your sermon preparation, b) your delivery, or c) you as a preacher? If not, why not? The book carries various eminent messages for a preacher and I found various interesting reading materials which I never experienced in life. Some pictures of the preaching are blurred and in order to make them visible, spirituality is the trail. Various steps of sermon preparation to delivery were discussed, which as a preacher I believe carry immense intellectual weight. The concept of sermon preparation was revolutionized by gauging the relevance of certain vital issues which are not addressed in the traditional teachings. Sermon preparation is basically the essential step what a preacher has to take in his services at the church. Overall propagating the message of God and Jesus cannot be delivered without knowing the roots of spirituality. Various quotations from the Holy Bible were narrated which illustrated the core competency of spirit. Jesus Christ also utilized the power of spirit which took them to the path of ultimate success and triumph. The concept of spirit cannot be understood if we neglect the teachings of Jesus Christ. He was the one who actually showed how to attain success in the world and hereafter by believing in spirit. Spirituality can take a man to a next level where his understanding of religious and worldly concepts is crystal clear. As a preacher I am moved after going through the eminent chapters of the book which discuss spirituality. Referencing from the Holy Bible makes the understanding more powerful and divine. The victory of a preacher and an ordinary man lie in the true belief and practice of spirituality. Preacher in order to spread the message honestly and candidly must get involve in spiritualism. Holy Bible is the book of divinity and spirituality is the main aspect which comes into play when the true meaning and understanding of the book is required. Successful preachers around the globe have served their lives in being spiritually strong and the sermons and presentations which they delivered were tremendous and heart touching. People got themselves involved in the true Christian teaching and left the wrong path. Hence from sermon preparation till the presentation session, spirituality is the decisive corridor of accomplishment. Work Cited Forbes, James. The Holy Spirit & Preaching . London: Abingdon Press, 2010. Read More