This is an excellent collection of essays by the greatest preachers in the Reformed tradition today. Some of the topics include The Primacy of Preaching (Mohler), The Teaching Pastor (Sproul), Evangelistic Preaching (Alexander), and The Foolishness of Preaching (Boice). John Piper's essay on Preaching to Suffering People is one of the best things he has ever written and by itself is worth the price of the book ten times over. Derek Thomas' essay on Expository Preaching is full of very good instruction. Joel Beakes' contribution on Experimental Preaching is also excellent. I highly recommend this book for pastors. If you are not a pastor, consider purchasing it for your pastor as a gift. He will be appreciative.

The Fact that this book is excellent should be no surprise, merely take a glance at the authors. This book will probably offend pastors who are in to the modern pop pyschology, but then they probably wouldn't be reading it anyway. Granted, that was probably unfair but...
Naturally some chapters are better than others, here are a few:

"The Lasting Effect of Experimental Preaching"--the essay on spiritual formation--worth the price of the book.

"The Primacy of Preaching"--by Albert Mohler--very good, a wake up call to the church.

"Expository Preaching"--good and bad examples of expository preaching, very fun chapter.

"Preaching to Suffering People"--by John Piper. It is by Piper, enough said.

"A reminder to Shepherds"--By John Macarthur, a fitting close to a fine book.

Absolutely essential reading for upcomming (as well as seasoned) preachers. A true gem, very informative, and a must for all who proclaim God's Word.

This book is an introduction to the various views of spirituality and sanctification within Christianity. The five views presented are Lutheran, Reformed, Wesleyan, Pentecostal, and the Contemplative. The Lutheran and Reformed views are in accord with the Bible; the Wesleyan, Pentecostal, and Contemplative views depart from the Bible. Below is an examination of the five views:

1. Lutheran (Gerhard Forde):

Very grace oriented. Sees sanctification as an art of getting used to justification (p. 13). Argues strongly and persuasively for faith alone. Forde also believes that believers are "simultaneously just and sinner" (p. 23), which is the correct view of Christian anthropology and sanctification. 5 stars.

2. Reformed (S. Ferguson):

Excellent essay and good presentation of the traditional Reformed view of sanctification. Also argues persuasively for faith alone and Christ's full imputation of His righteousness to the believer. Ferguson believes that sanctification results from the believer's personal union with Christ (after justification by faith alone). Also advocates the view that believers are simultaneously saint and sinner. However, I do disagree with his view of the Mosaic Law in relation to sanctification. 5 stars.

3. Wesleyan (Laurence Wood):

Not convincing, though gives us a standard treatment of the traditional Wesleyan view of sanctification. Quotes too heavily from Wesley and views sanctification too experientially (love being the ultimate test of sanctification). Also, Wood believes in perfectionism (contrary to 1 John 1:8) and dividing sins into intentional and unintentional categories, the latter not being classified as sin (contrary to James 2:10). Finally, Wood advocates a position between tradition Protestantism and Romanism in regards to salvation. He states: "Consequently, in the end we will be justified if through faith and obedience we have so conducted our life" (p. 38, in response to Forde). This clearly shows that Wesleyan-Arminians are compromisers of the Gospel of grace and don't deserve the title of Protestant and Evangelical. Shows the theological problems of Wesleyanism. 0 Stars.

4. Pentecostal (Russell Spittler):

Another problematic essay. Believes that "speaking in tongues" is an initial sign of salvation. Also, Spittler separates "baptism of the Spirit" with "sealing of the Spirit" (a view contrary to the Bible). Essay spends too much space comparing the views of traditional Pentecostals and modern Charismatics. Finally, Spittler views sanctification too experientially and personally at the expense of theological orthodoxy. 0 Stars.

5. Contemplative (E. Glenn Hinson):

A very mystical and almost New Age like view of sanctification. Quotes from various poems and proses from various "Christian" mystics, but hardly any Biblical references to support his claims. Sees sanctification as being closed in a room and trying to unite with God (p. 176). Almost sounds paganistic. The worst essay by far. 0 Stars.

For those wanting to know more about proper Christian spirituality, read only the essays by Forde and Ferguson. The other three lead to spiritual disaster. (5+5+0+0+0)/5=2 Stars (average rating of book).

Do you realize that the terms justification and sanctification are as confusing as they sound? How many debates over these issues have molded and effected church history? Books like these can analyze such views putting them side by side. How often have people who stood behind the pulpit made an undistinguishable clatter which have left their congregations with an obscure reference on how they ought to live. I was excited to see this book and I hope that more ministers will read it and glean the truths seen in it. We live in a day where the paradigm shift from living by feeling, opinion and sentimentality have dominated our so called expostions. We declare that we want to meet the needs of our people. What is their need? To walk as Christ walked. I am tired of the old nobody's perfect, lets lower the standard chorus from soceity and the so called church. Let us be holy. What a worthy subject for study in a thoughtlessly benign era.

Having been fascinated for years by the mystery of the Amber Room, I was really disappointed with this book. The title itself is completely misleading - there's not much about the Amber Room (or very little that anyone reading a few history books couldn't find out for themselves). Instead, what do we get - a lot of detail about some medieval chalice in Poland and a lot of discussion about religion and faith - fine in their place, but not a reason to buy this book. Completely agree with your previous reviewer, Sandra Juqua - I also had to struggle to finish the book. To conclude, there is a book that remains to be written about the Amber Room - however, this is NOT it!

I Love this book, in fact the Priceless trilogy is indeed just that - Priceless. The real treasure in this book has nothing to do with amber - the best find of a lifetime is a relationship with God. T. Davis Bunn is a fabulous writer. This book has intrigue, romance and is very enjoyable.

This was a very interesing book with a plot that kept me on the edge of my seat. Obviously, the other reviewers weren't looking for a good Christain novel. T. Davis Bunn is a Christian author, therefore you should expect all of his books to be very religious. Bunn is one of the best Christian novelists I have ever read!