There is a significant problem with trying to review a John Piper book. He is one of the most well known American pastors. Almost every single evangelical is likely to have an opinion on Piper whether positive or negative. Personally I have had a complicated relationship with Piper. He was instrumental in my early development as a Christian, but in recent years I have found myself rolling my eyes at him more and more.

So now we come to this book. This is the 3rd revision of this book. The book was short before, but even with an additional four chapters it still is only around 170 pages. The additional chapters are written from the perspective of Piper looking back over his preaching ministry. He adds another chapter about Jonathan Edwards, a chapter on how preaching must be tethered to the Bible, a chapter on what he calls concept creation instead of contextualization, and finally a chapter with just 30 reasons why it is great to be a pastor.

I think this book is Piper at his best. It is focused on how preaching should be focused on the greatness of God. He writes a lot about Edwards, he writes about Calvinism, and in true Piper form he does very little application. But reading this book is encouraging. It gives a sense of grandeur and wonder to what preaching is. I left the book encouraged and challenged by the beauty of getting to preach about God. I wish that it was more applicational and down to earth. I wish that he had moments where he explained how he actually did the things that he talked about. I know that Piper usually

Who should read this: If you love Piper, Jonathan Edwards, and a preacher then this book is for you. If you are not a preacher, but just love Piper and thinking about preaching then you will also enjoy this.

Who should not read this: If you don't like Piper, or are annoyed by reformed theology then you probably want to skip this. Also if you are looking for a preaching book that will give you direct tips on conclusions, where to find illustrations, etc, then probably don't read this.

I read an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley.

This treasure by John Piper, which has been revised twice and expanded once over the years -- is now being re-issued as a hardback for the first time -- by Crossway. This is such a great idea, as the incredible and God-centered insights about preaching that John Piper has put into this amazing book deserve to be read by every pastor over and over again. The breadth of coverage and the depth of Scriptural wisdom given in this book make it one to keep on one's desk for encouragement, instruction, and confirmation to all who proclaim the Word of God to others. This book is definitely a 'must-have' resourced. I cannot recommend it too highly.

Piper makes a very compelling case that understanding God's sovereignty and character provides a compelling vision for the spiritual life that nothing else can provide, even "more therapeutic" concepts.