“Spirit-Led Preaching” by Greg Heisler (Book Review)

Dr. Greg Heisler (Ph.D., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY) serves as assistant professor of preaching at the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. His passion for the nature of preaching is quite clear:

Our students need to see the complementary relationship between the Word and the Spirit and to understand the proper function of sermon mechanics and sermon dynamics for preaching. They need to have as much zeal for the theological realities as they do for the dependence on the Holy Spirit (15).

He states this because the previous generations of homiletics professors and their works only offer a “passing reference to the Spirit” (11). In this volume, Heisler admirably makes the case in how the Holy Spirit must not be an afterthought in sermon preparation and delivery, but he must stand in the forefront in every step of the process of constructing a sermon as well as a holy life.

The preacher will appreciate Heisler’s chapter on “What is Spirit-Led Preaching?” He illustrates two differing models of expository preaching: “text-driven preaching” (18) in which the focus is on presenting the biblical text correctly, with the Spirit’s role seen as implicit; and “spirit-driven preaching” in which the focus is “on the dynamic of the Spirit and the Spirit’s text” with the result being a “Christological witness and Spirit-filled living” (19). He uses a picturesque illustration to drive home this concept:

I imagine the Holy Spirit’s power touching down on the tracks of the biblical text, and suddenly the combination of Word and Spirit together ignite into sermonic propulsion. The preacher’s responsibility is not to push the train in his own strength; nor it is the preacher’s responsibility to build new tracks to new places. The preacher’s responsibility is to keep the train on the tracks (19)!

Preachers would do well to internalize this concept and embrace this powerful picture.

Heisler rightly reinforces the complementary relationship between the Scriptures and the Spirit in Chapter Five. Given the problematic theology of the charismatic movement who puts the Spirit and the Word against one another, Heisler gives a strong argument demonstrating the harmony between the two.

Together Word and Spirit form the powerful catalyst that serves as the theological foundation for Spirit-led preaching. The Word activates the Spirit, and the Spirit authenticates the Word. The Word is the instrument of the Spirit, and the Spirit is the implement of the Word. The Word is the written witness, and the Spirit is the inward witness. In terms of preaching, the Word is the source and substance of our preaching, and the Spirit is the supernatural power of our preaching (62).

He rightly notes how the three testimonies of preaching (Scripture, the Spirit, and the Preacher) come together toward a Christological witness. “The Spirit’s ministry is a continuation of Jesus’ ministry, as the Spirit stands in place of Jesus until Christ’s triumphant return” (57). Heisler is correct when he says that preaching which claims to be Spirit-filled and Spirit-led but fails to preach Christ-centered sermons are not Spirit-led sermons.

The strongest chapter in this volume is Chapter Seven where Heisler addresses “The Preacher and the Spirit.” Heisler makes a stunning statement that the preacher must absorb:

I believe that the passion and confidence the prophet of God experiences in his preaching ministry are directly proportional to the daily obedience and surrender to the call of God on the preacher’s life. . . . It’s as if God has subpoenaed us to stand before him, not in a courtroom in front of a jury but in a pulpit in from of his people. We are there by divine calling, and we are there by divine authority (72).

Heisler sounds a clarion call for ministers to incorporate the Spirit into their personal lives before they attempt to incorporate him into areas of their professional lives such as preparation, presentation, and delivery. Personal obedience to Christ and preaching the Word of Christ must coincide.

The only weakness found in this work is the lack of conciseness in Heisler’s working definitions. For instance, when he presents his definition of expository preaching, he states:

Expository preaching is the Spirit-empowered proclamation of biblical trust derived from the illuminating guidance of the Holy Spirit by means of a verse-by-verse exposition of the Spirit-inspired text, with a view to applying the text by means of the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, first to the preacher’s heart, and then to the hearts of those who hear, culminating in an authentic and powerful witness to the living Word, Jesus Christ, and obedient, Spirit-filled living (21).

While the construct of this definition reminds one of the Greek sentence construct of the Apostle Paul (see Ephesians 1:3-14), this structure does not allow for the reader to absorb the definition easily. Breaking this sentence down into two, three, even four sentences would be helpful. His vision of teaching homiletics commits the same faux pas — to which he readily admits (75).

Even so, this reviewer plans on using this book as a textbook in training expository preachers in his local church setting. The evangelical world in general and preachers specifically should be grateful to Greg Heisler for re-introducing the Spirit to expository preaching. Along with this volume, Arturo G. Azurdia’s book on Spirit-Empowered Preaching serves as an excellent compliment. Praise God for raising up Spirit-led preachers in our present age.

Heisler, Greg. Spirit-Led Preaching: The Holy Spirit’s Role in Sermon Preparation and Delivery. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishing Group, 2007. 156 pp. $17.99.

“Spirit-Led Preaching” by Greg Heisler (Book Review)

Dr. Greg Heisler (Ph.D., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY) serves as assistant professor of preaching at the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. His passion for the nature of preaching is quite clear:

Our students need to see the complementary relationship between the Word and the Spirit and to understand the proper function of sermon mechanics and sermon dynamics for preaching. They need to have as much zeal for the theological realities as they do for the dependence on the Holy Spirit (15).

He states this because the previous generations of homiletics professors and their works only offer a “passing reference to the Spirit” (11). In this volume, Heisler admirably makes the case in how the Holy Spirit must not be an afterthought in sermon preparation and delivery, but he must stand in the forefront in every step of the process of constructing a sermon as well as a holy life.

The preacher will appreciate Heisler’s chapter on “What is Spirit-Led Preaching?” He illustrates two differing models of expository preaching: “text-driven preaching” (18) in which the focus is on presenting the biblical text correctly, with the Spirit’s role seen as implicit; and “spirit-driven preaching” in which the focus is “on the dynamic of the Spirit and the Spirit’s text” with the result being a “Christological witness and Spirit-filled living” (19). He uses a picturesque illustration to drive home this concept:

I imagine the Holy Spirit’s power touching down on the tracks of the biblical text, and suddenly the combination of Word and Spirit together ignite into sermonic propulsion. The preacher’s responsibility is not to push the train in his own strength; nor it is the preacher’s responsibility to build new tracks to new places. The preacher’s responsibility is to keep the train on the tracks (19)!

Preachers would do well to internalize this concept and embrace this powerful picture.

Heisler rightly reinforces the complementary relationship between the Scriptures and the Spirit in Chapter Five. Given the problematic theology of the charismatic movement who puts the Spirit and the Word against one another, Heisler gives a strong argument demonstrating the harmony between the two.

Together Word and Spirit form the powerful catalyst that serves as the theological foundation for Spirit-led preaching. The Word activates the Spirit, and the Spirit authenticates the Word. The Word is the instrument of the Spirit, and the Spirit is the implement of the Word. The Word is the written witness, and the Spirit is the inward witness. In terms of preaching, the Word is the source and substance of our preaching, and the Spirit is the supernatural power of our preaching (62).

He rightly notes how the three testimonies of preaching (Scripture, the Spirit, and the Preacher) come together toward a Christological witness. “The Spirit’s ministry is a continuation of Jesus’ ministry, as the Spirit stands in place of Jesus until Christ’s triumphant return” (57). Heisler is correct when he says that preaching which claims to be Spirit-filled and Spirit-led but fails to preach Christ-centered sermons are not Spirit-led sermons.

The strongest chapter in this volume is Chapter Seven where Heisler addresses “The Preacher and the Spirit.” Heisler makes a stunning statement that the preacher must absorb:

I believe that the passion and confidence the prophet of God experiences in his preaching ministry are directly proportional to the daily obedience and surrender to the call of God on the preacher’s life. . . . It’s as if God has subpoenaed us to stand before him, not in a courtroom in front of a jury but in a pulpit in from of his people. We are there by divine calling, and we are there by divine authority (72).

Heisler sounds a clarion call for ministers to incorporate the Spirit into their personal lives before they attempt to incorporate him into areas of their professional lives such as preparation, presentation, and delivery. Personal obedience to Christ and preaching the Word of Christ must coincide.

The only weakness found in this work is the lack of conciseness in Heisler’s working definitions. For instance, when he presents his definition of expository preaching, he states:

Expository preaching is the Spirit-empowered proclamation of biblical trust derived from the illuminating guidance of the Holy Spirit by means of a verse-by-verse exposition of the Spirit-inspired text, with a view to applying the text by means of the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, first to the preacher’s heart, and then to the hearts of those who hear, culminating in an authentic and powerful witness to the living Word, Jesus Christ, and obedient, Spirit-filled living (21).

While the construct of this definition reminds one of the Greek sentence construct of the Apostle Paul (see Ephesians 1:3-14), this structure does not allow for the reader to absorb the definition easily. Breaking this sentence down into two, three, even four sentences would be helpful. His vision of teaching homiletics commits the same faux pas — to which he readily admits (75).

Even so, this reviewer plans on using this book as a textbook in training expository preachers in his local church setting. The evangelical world in general and preachers specifically should be grateful to Greg Heisler for re-introducing the Spirit to expository preaching. Along with this volume, Arturo G. Azurdia’s book on Spirit-Empowered Preaching serves as an excellent compliment. Praise God for raising up Spirit-led preachers in our present age.

Heisler, Greg. Spirit-Led Preaching: The Holy Spirit’s Role in Sermon Preparation and Delivery. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishing Group, 2007. 156 pp. $17.99.

Four Marks of a Joyful Spirit (Part IV: Share The Joy)

(This sermon was preached on Sunday, November 25, 2007, at the Boone’s Creek Baptist Church, Lexington, KY. It’s based on Luke 1:39-56. You can listen to the sermon in its entirety by clicking here.  To read the previous three parts click on these:  Part I, Part II, and Part III.)

This is the last stage for this morning, but must be an ongoing stage in our Christian lives. I have heard it said that with a Christian family, sorrows are cut in half and joys are doubled.

Getting back to the beginning of this — don’t you believe that Mary and Elizabeth helped strengthen one another by sharing this joy with one another? They both had received incredible and yet terrifying news of what was to happen. Yet you know that they encouraged one another to persevere and by sharing that joy, they shared Jesus with each other as well.

We here at Boone’s Creek had better make sure we are creating an atmosphere of joy in Christ — not based on circumstances or the amount of money in the general fund or on outreach and missions and discipleship and fellowship ministries taking place. We had better not place our joy in circumstances but in our Lord and Savior.

After hearing some folks talk about some things, something occurred to me about our churches. We lament and are concerned and shake our heads at some of our young people who grow in up our churches, only to leave our churches when they get in college. Why is that? We tend to give excuses such as lack of time, social temptations, or any number of issues.

But friends, could we have something to do with it? Could it be that our churches are breeding an atmosphere where joy in Jesus is not something to be stoked and fanned into flame — but rather we say by our actions, “Joy is not welcomed here! And if it is, please keep it to yourself— for we are a serious and orderly bunch.” Do we by our actions and our cutting remarks and looks steal joy from those who are joyful in Jesus — or do we rejoice with those who are joyful? Romans 12:14-17 tells us:

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. [15] Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. [16] Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited. [17] Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.

Conclusion

As a third-century man was anticipating death, he penned these last words to a friend: “It’s a bad world, an incredibly bad world. But I have discovered in the midst of it a quiet and holy people who have learned a great secret. They have found a joy which is a thousand times better than any pleasure of our sinful life. They are despised and persecuted, but they care not. They are masters of their souls. They have overcome the world. These people are the Christians–and I am one of them.”

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Four Marks of a Joyful Spirit (Part III: Secure the Joy)

(This sermon was preached on Sunday, November 25, 2007, at the Boone’s Creek Baptist Church, Lexington, KY. It’s based on Luke 1:39-56. You can listen to the sermon in its entirety by clicking here.)

Chuck Swindoll in his book Living Above the Level of Mediocrity notes:

The world system is committed to at least four major objectives, which I can summarize in four words: fortune, fame, power, pleasure. First and foremost: Fortune, money. The world system is driven by money; it feeds on materialism. Second: Fame. That is another word for popularity. Fame is the longing to be known, to be somebody in someone else’s eyes. Third: Power. This is having influence, maintaining control over individuals or groups or companies or whatever. It is the desire to manipulate and maneuver others to do something for one’s own benefit. Fourth: Pleasure. At its basic level, pleasure has to do with fulfilling one’s sensual desires. It’s the same mindset that’s behind the slogan: “If it feels good, do it.”

One you seize the joy (that is, Jesus!), and once you center the joy (putting Jesus and His Kingdom first), then you must baton down the hatches and secure the joy. Why? Because there will always be something or someone that comes along to try to steal the joy you have in Jesus. Why is this? Why would this happen?

For one (and this is the main one), you are choosing to identify with someone that the world absolutely hates! John 15:18-20

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. [19] If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. [20] Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.”

Our culture hates the fact that Jesus is seen as the only Savior. And in fact, I will go so far to say that they absolutely hate the grace of God that He offers. Let me tell you why — one word — PRIDE.

I was listening to Tim Keller, a pastor out of New York. He was witnessing to this woman who was trying to process what Keller was saying about God’s grace. Keller noted that so often we need one who is a non-Christian to help us understand certain areas better. Yet this woman understood. She said, “If I am saved by my own works, then there is a limit to what God could ask of me. I could flash my credentials and say, ‘God, I got myself this far on my own, thank you very much.’ But if I am saved completely and totally by His grace and all I have in salvation is of him, then there is nothing that he couldn’t ask of me. I am all his only because of him.”

Look at Mary’s prayer. As I read through this entire prayer, notice what Mary says about the proud, then about the humble — the haves and the have-nots, if you will. Read with me if you will Luke 1:46-55

And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
[47] and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
[48] for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
[49] for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
[50] And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
[51] He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
[52] he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
[53] he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent empty away.
[54] He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
[55] as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Is there nothing he could ask of us? No, nothing. Mary understood as did all of those through church history who understood this from 1 Peter and James: James 4:6 “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Many who call themselves Christians are not humble at all — when they are saved, they live their lives as if the way to be a solid Christian is to read the Bible, pray, go to church, and simply do good ‘spiritual things.’ What happens is, we begin to think we are better than other people because we do these things and hold it over their heads by showing them our checked off checklist.

What do we do? We become aware of the people and circumstances that surround us and run to our soul anchor, Jesus Christ, in order to stay disciplined, steady, and focused on him and him alone. Baton down the hatches! Secure the joy! Stay faithful! Don’t let the thorns of this world choke the joy!

From the GOP Debate: Do You Believe the Bible?

Four Marks of a Joyful Spirit (Part II: Center the Joy)

(This sermon was preached on Sunday, November 25, 2007, at the Boone’s Creek Baptist Church, Lexington, KY. It’s based on Luke 1:39-56. You can listen to the sermon in its entirety by clicking here. You can read the previous post in this series here.)

Once you seize this joy found in Christ and His Word, you must center this joy. You must put this joy front and center and let nothing transplant this. Easier said than done, I know. It takes effort and sacrifice. Yet, some want all the benefits and the blessings that come with Christ without wanting to pay the price and sacrifice. My dad always told me, “There’s nothing worth having that’s not worth working for.” In centering this joy found in all that Christ is and all that He brings, we must make a decided effort in this task.

Look with me at Luke 1:39-40: “In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.” Why did Mary move in haste? She heard not only about what God was going to do in and through her, but she also heard about what God had already done in Elizabeth! This was not a day trip. This “city of Judah” was around 80-100 miles away. Who knows if she even told her parents where she was going! But she had to go and see what God was doing. Remember, Elizabeth was six months along and showing. I’m sure she was a sight to behold. Though aged, I’m sure she was aglow as any new mother would be.

Now, let’s notice the reaction:

And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. [45] And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

Listen to me carefully: the only way one can have their joy centered is through the work of the Holy Spirit. Some denominations believe that we should pursue the Holy Spirit because of all the gifts he gives and all the blessings he bestows — and soon we begin seeking the blessings more than we do the one who blesses. Yet, I must tell you that the purpose of the Holy Spirit is to point people to Jesus. And the Spirit is all over here.

Notice a few things. First, did you notice that Mary did not give any explanation as to her arrival? All the Scripture says was that she merely greeted Elizabeth. Yet, when Mary said this, the baby leaped in her womb! Don’t you dare tell me that’s not a viable life in there. Don’t tell me that there is nothing going on in that womb — or in any other womb for that matter. That child was receptive to the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:30) and could respond! And remember what that child was supposed to do — point to Christ! Already, he was fulfilling his purpose — joy in Christ!

Secondly, did you notice that Elizabeth was filled with (that’s right) the Holy Spirit and started speaking a prophecy? Luke 1:42-45 again says:

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! [43] And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? [44] For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. [45] And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

I know when Theophilus heard this, he likely marveled. “You mean God could speak and use a woman in this way as well?” Don’t miss that! Don’t just call this women’s intuition — this is the Spirit of God speaking through this blessed woman! The Spirit revealed that Mary and her Child were blessed — and that she was the mother of this human Jesus coming into the world. And she recognized that God had strengthened Mary for obedience in believing what the world would say was absolutely preposterous.

Do our situations, circumstances, or even our friends and family take center stage when we consider God’s will for our lives? Do customs and traditions in our culture — even in our churches — take precedence over the path God has for us?

Tomorrow, we shall look at how we secure the joy in the midst of those who try to steal our joy in Jesus.

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Four Marks of a Joyful Spirit (Part I: Seize The Joy)

(This sermon was preached on Sunday, November 25, 2007, at the Boone’s Creek Baptist Church, Lexington, KY. It’s based on Luke 1:39-56. You can listen to the sermon in its entirety by clicking here.)

A conference at a Presbyterian church in Omaha. People were given helium filled balloons and told to release them at some point in the service when they felt like expressing the joy in their hearts. Since they were Presbyterians, they weren’t free to say “Hallelujah, Praise the Lord.” All through the service balloons ascended, but when it was over 1/3 of the balloons were unreleased.

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., was a member of the U.S. Supreme Court for 30 years. His mind, wit and work earned him the unofficial title of “the greatest justice since John Marshall.” At one point in his life, Justice Holmes explained his choice of a career by saying: “I might have entered the ministry if certain clergymen I knew had not looked and acted so much like undertakers.”

The issue of joy is nothing new to Christians — at least in theory. From Psalm 100 which says, “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” (Psalm 100:1-2, ESV) to when the Apostle Paul exhorts the Philippian church to “Rejoice in the LORD always — and again I say REJOICE!” Even when Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit, joy is nestled in as the second on the list right behind love.

What is joy? Merriam-Webster describes joy as:

1 a: the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires : delight b: the expression or exhibition of such emotion : gaiety2: a state of happiness or felicity : bliss3: a source or cause of delight.

That’s a very interesting definition, isn’t it?

If joy is a command of God all through the Scriptures, and it erupts from the “prospect of possessing what one desires” and is a “source or cause of delight,” how come we find so little expressed joy among God’s people?

1. Seize the joy!

Now when I say this to you, what do you think? There is really no shortage of people out in our culture, on our TVs, on the Internet, and in our bookstores (even Christian ones) telling you what you should do to bring yourself joy. Some write books to tell you that once you discover your true purpose in life, then you will live a life of happiness and joy. The majority of our books that are out now under the banner of Christianity would make you believe that if you see yourself in a better light then God will bless you. Some will even say that if you smile, put yourself last, and live a life of excellence, think positively about yourself.

Others believe that joy is simply an emotion to be found. Some Christians live their lives this way — going from one emotional experience to another (and from one church to another) hunting for the next spiritual high — making them more interested in the spiritual experience than being a committed follower of Christ.

So is joy simply finding your purpose in life so you can live your dreams and feel better about yourself? Is joy simply an emotional to be had? Or is it more?

In order for you to seize the joy, you have to know where to look! Remember last week when we saw Mary’s reaction to the angel’s message about her having not just any child, but the Christ Child? She was a virgin and a teenage kid. Her response was simple: “Let it be to me according to your Word.” For Mary, seizing the joy was steeped in obedience to the Word of God. And the centerpiece of the Word of God was the One whom Mary would bring into the world, Jesus Christ. So if you truly want to seize the joy, seize Christ who is our joy. Listen to the words of Martin Janus, whom J.S. Bach put to music:

Jesu, joy of man’s desiring,
Holy wisdom, love most bright;
Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring
Soar to uncreated light.
Word of God, our flesh that fashioned,
With the fire of life impassioned,
Striving still to truth unknown,
Soaring, dying round Thy throne.
Through the way where hope is guiding,
Hark, what peaceful music rings;
Where the flock, in Thee confiding,
Drink of joy from deathless springs.
Theirs is beauty’s fairest pleasure;
Theirs is wisdom’s holiest treasure.
Thou dost ever lead Thine own
In the love of joys unknown.

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