A Brief Book Notice from Books At a Glance
Fred G. Zaspel
I have long had sympathy for Christians who complain that they are not profiting from their pastor’s preaching. I am of course aware that some people are overly critical, and for them I recall Martin Luther’s comment – that Christians ought to be glad they have the great privilege of hearing the Word of God preached in their own language. Still, it’s the pastor’s duty in preaching to feed and inspire and nurture his people by the Word, and for a Christian to go home feeling that “it just wasn’t worth it” is trying. I feel that every week as I prepare to preach. Certainly, the first responsibility lies with the preacher.
And yet …
And yet I have often been struck with the thought that we could listen better than we do. Often the problem is unavoidable distractions – parents with very young children, distractions of others around us, etc. Still, I’m convinced that Christians could and should develop the habit of listening better, and as I’ve had this discussion with congregants I’ve thought that they deserve some clear direction in this regard. Someone needs to provide practical guidance on this level to help.
That, in short, is what Brian Najapfour does for us in this delightful little book, and with it he provides a wonderful service to the church. Buy a bundle of them to distribute to your congregation!
Table of Contents
- Pray as You Listen
- Come Prepared
- Exercise Patience
- Revere the Lord
- Be an Active Listener
- Humble Yourself
- Discern What You Hear
- Listen as an Act of Worship
- Come with Expectations
- Receive the Word with Gratitude
Conclusion
Appendix 1: Five Kinds of Hearers of God’s Word
Appendix 2: How to Criticize a Preacher
Appendix 3: Fifteen Pointers for Preachers
Appendix 4: Two Extremes to Avoid in Preaching
Appendix 5: Respect the Time Your Pastor Needs for Prayer and Sermon Preparation
Endorsements
- Geoff Thomas
“I was hearing a sermon but missed out on the blessing others later spoke of receiving, and it was because I lacked the ears to hear it. Do not be a hearer only, but by the Spirit listen so as to appropriate what God is saying. This book will assist you much in doing so. He that has ears to hear, let him hear!”
- Joel Beeke
“Brian Najapfour’s advice for how to listen to sermons is wise, practical, biblical, and succinct—an excellent guide for how to ‘receive with meekness’ the Word of God, ‘which is able to save your souls’ (James 1:21). Every church member would benefit from reading this well-written little book.”