I don't think I'd ever heard preaching until I heard Paul Blackham. I'd heard a thousand exhortations. I'd heard hundreds of expositions. I'd heard autobiographical apologies and inspirational tales and world-weary battle-plans and state-of-the-nation addresses but not preaching. Not a heralding of the living Christ.
And then I saw Paul Blackham climb into the All Souls, Langham Place pulpit. He was younger then than I am now, but he opened his mouth like a prophet of old and said "In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..." Then something unprecedented happened. He preached as if he actually believed his introduction. He spoke as one speaking the very words of God (1 Peter 4:11). He didn't weary me with the debates of the commentators, he didn't show off his knowledge of the original languages, he didn't waste my time trying to appear culturally relevant, he just - amazing to say it - he just preached.
I'd never, ever, heard anything like it. And I rarely hear the like of it today.
Paul's preaching is declarative in tone, doctrinal in content, devotional in aim. In Old Testament or New, he is crystal clear that Christ is the point. His life, His work, His blood, His glory. This is the fire in his bones which he cannot hold in (Jeremiah 20:9).
I know that none of us are going to match his gifting - but can we please aim for these characteristics. Otherwise, really, why bother.
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Some Classics:
Why isn’t good, good enough (Philippians 3) - video audio.
Jesus Christ: Hope of the Ages (Genesis 3) – video audio.
What of those who have never heard? (Colossians 1) audio.
To A City That Repented (Jonah) audio.
Preaching at the party (Luke 7) audio
Romansfest – 15 talks on Romans with Tom Parson audio
Fear (Psalm 34) audio
All Sermons from All Souls, Langham Place
All Sermons from Tarleton Farm Fellowship
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Yes! I, too, would list Paul Blackham twice as my favorite preacher. I'd have to save one of the spots, though, for Dick Lucas!
"Dick Lucas is such a legend." ~Paul Blackham in a comment on Christ The Truth.
when you come to Romsey, do PREACH from Isaiah, that'll serve us better than exposition or exhortation ever could!
Thanks John - yes my iPod is rarely without a clutch of Dick Lucas sermons.
Dave - I'll be picking Paul's brain on Isaiah all next week! :)
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Hi Glen, I know it's not important, but any chance you remember what that first sermon you heard was?
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