This is neither a how-to manual, nor a full theology of preaching, but it does make a definite contribution to the field.  The book is divided in two parts.  The first part is a series of lectures Piper gave at Gordon-Conwell Seminary on the subject of preaching.  The second part is a series of lectures given at Wheaton College, focused on Jonathan Edwards; his life, theology and preaching.

In his typical style, Piper diagnoses the problem of the church as one which can be remedied by a prescription for the pulpit.  “People are starving for the greatness of God.”  What people need is God, whether or not they want Him as the focus of the preaching.  This kind of “God-entranced preaching” can only flourish in churches where the Bible is esteemed as inspired and inerrant.  Piper calls for preaching that holds in dynamic tension the greatness of God through preaching with gravity, and at the same time a glorious gladness that comes from the gospel.  Such preaching requires that the preacher be diligent in steady, constant and frequent Bible study.

Piper followed advice he was given in seminary, to find one great evangelical theologian and immerse himself in that man’s writings and life.  He chose Jonathan Edwards and so the second part of the book provides a brief summary of that study as it relates to preaching.  After a brief biography and theological review, his final chapter delineates ten principle lessons from Edwards on the subject of preaching.

This book is short and a quick read, but worthwhile.  The main themes of the book are definitely worth taking on board, although if taken to an extreme the reader would feel obliged to throw out every lesson in preaching and communication that has been learned in the centuries since Edwards.  Piper writes as a response to problems he perceives in the contemporary pulpit, so at times his pendulum is swung too far the other way.  However, the basic premise is spot on, people need preaching that is both grave and glad in its presentation of our greatest need, God Himself.

If you have never read Piper, then by all means get a taste here.  If you have read Piper and found each book to be more of the same, then this is still worth reading because of its specific focus on preaching.  Read, enjoy the motivation, accept any rebuke that is deserved and prayerfully consider before God how to integrate this book into your personal philosophy and practice of preaching.