Thursday, July 15, 2010

The Preached God by Gerhard O. Forde

Forde, Gerhard O. The Preached God: Proclamation in Word and Sacrament. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 2007.

Forde's book is one of the most strikingly powerful books I've read in years.  He starts out with the very bold thesis that the God who gave us Scripture actually speaks and accomplishes his purpose through not just the written Word but also through human messengers.  Forde would consider proclamation of the Gospel to be performative speech.  By the very proclamation of salvation through Christ God accomplishes that salvation, creating faith in the hearts of the hearers.  Forde tracks this idea through multiple topics which are critical in today's society.  The volume concludes with a collection of some of Forde's sermons, evidencing this very powerful proclamation of the Gospel.  This is not an easy read.  It is not for the faint of heart.  But Forde's exposition of the supernatural work of the Spirit through the preached word is one which should inspire courage in any who handle the Scripture.

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Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogger.com


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