Preaching and Hearing God’s Word

If you are a preacher, you need to read this book. If you are a listener, you need to read this book. The God ordained method for the proclamation of the gospel and instruction in biblical truth is through preaching. Not everything that calls itself preaching comes even close to fitting the biblical pattern. True preaching is necessarily tightly tied to the text of Holy Scripture. It is an interpretation and explanation of the Word of God that leads to necessary implications and compelling applications, but it all starts with Divine Revelation. James Coates understands this, and he has wonderfully articulated the priority and centrality of biblical preaching. He also understands that as important as preaching is, so important is listening. Throughout Scripture we are told to hear the Word of the Lord. Skilled preaching deserves skilled listening. James has captured both of these in his forceful book and cleared away the fog that surrounds so much preaching today (and perhaps most listening). Since God’s ordained method of communicating His truth is through preaching, his ordained method of responding to truth has to be through thoughtful listening. These things come together in a fresh way in this book. It is a must read for all who preach and all who listen.

—John MacArthur, Pastor, Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, California; Chancellor, The Master’s University and Seminary

Lloyd-Jones once stated that the most important work in the world is the preaching of God’s Word. He was right. In these pages, the flame of that conviction blazes. James Coates has done exemplary work in showing that preaching is not first a manoriented work; preaching is first a God-centered work. It involves all the humility and hard work a man can muster by the power of the Spirit, but it is still more a divine task than an earthly one. As such, it is inestimably glorious and impossibly exciting. Whether you’re a preacher or a hearer of the Word, read this text, be encouraged by it, and give thanks to God for James Coates, a faithful servant of Christ, a young hero of the faith, and an excellent preacher of the Word.

—Owen Strachan, Provost, Grace Bible Theological Seminary; author, Christianity and Wokeness

The health and strength of a local church is directly connected to that church’s commitment to God’s Word. The need of the hour is not ecclesiastical entrepreneurs or marketing strategists to lead the church onward. The need of the hour is for bold men of God to take their stand on Scripture and passionately shepherd souls and defend the faith. This book by James Coates is a refreshing read filled with doctrinal and practical truths that will encourage you in the faith.

—Josh Buice, Pastor, Pray’s Mill Baptist Church; Founder and President of G3 Ministries