joncoombs.com

Author: Jon

  • The Autograph Book

    The Autograph Book

    Describe an item you were incredibly attached to as a youth. What became of it?

    I still have it.

    It’s tucked away in a box now. In some ways, I’m still attached to it. Logic says there’s no reason to hold onto it, but it’s not the item itself—it’s the memories it carries. It’s the way it triggers snapshots of my youth, moments spent in anticipation and excitement.

    I spent hours with this item. It came with me everywhere. It was always in my bag, ready for the next opportunity. Whenever I had a chance, I’d pull it out and add to it.

    Some people I knew even contributed to it, leaving their mark on its pages. I’ll admit, a few entries were made up—copied from somewhere else just to fill the gaps. But most of it was real, collected during hours of waiting, sometimes long into the night.

    These entries weren’t just ink on paper. They were people—heroes of mine. People I admired and tried to imitate as I practiced their craft. They weren’t just my heroes, either. They were legends for so many others, drawing crowds of thousands who came to watch them do what they did best.

    I’d stand around the boundary, waiting. Outside the changing rooms, I’d wait. I’d write letters with pre-stamped, self-addressed envelopes, hoping for a response. I was determined to get another entry—an autograph I didn’t yet have.

    This item, if you haven’t guessed by now, was my autograph book. A small, colourful book filled with the signatures of sporting heroes. Cricket captains, Australian players, touring sides—anyone who took to the pitch to play.

    Whether it was a Test match or a one-day game, I’d wait after play had finished, hoping to catch a glimpse of the players as they headed to their cars. And if I was lucky, I’d get their signature.

    It’s more than just a book. It’s a collection of memories, a connection to the joy of my youth. And now, as I pull it out to show my kids or take it to a game we’re going to, I’m instilling in them the same excitement and appreciation for heroes, patience, and the moments that stay with you forever.

    When I think about that autograph book, I’m reminded of how much time and effort I put into collecting those signatures. It’s a small picture of the kind of dedication and patience we’re called to in our faith.

    Hebrews 12:1-2 (CSB) says,

    “Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”

    Just as I stood waiting for hours to catch a glimpse of my heroes, we’re called to fix our eyes on Jesus, who is infinitely greater. The effort, time, and love we pour into following Him shape who we are, just as those hours around the boundary shaped my childhood.

  • Mission Possible

    Mission Possible

    What is your mission?

    My mission, if I choose to accept it, is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

    Borrowing from the Westminster Shorter Catechism, this mission aligns the whole of life with its ultimate purpose. As John Piper reframes it: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”

    But we live in a world full of missions. Whether it’s crafting a New Year’s resolution, striving for career success, or parenting through the seasons of childhood, everyone is pursuing something. These missions often shape our daily rhythms and long-term goals.

    For many, crafting a personal mission statement offers clarity and focus. Every few years, I revisit my values and ask whether they align with my daily life and priorities. This exercise helps me focus on what matters most, alongside this it has also taught me something deeper.

    Missions, as we often define them, are like to-do lists. They have a beginning, middle, and end. Once completed, we move on to the next. While this approach works for concrete goals—like finishing a project or achieving a fitness milestone—it can fall short when applied to life’s bigger intentions.

    Take faith, family, or health, for instance. These aren’t tasks to be completed but lifelong priorities. They require ongoing attention, growth, and care. You don’t “finish” being faithful, raising your family, or looking after your body. These are life long responsibilities, not one-off missions.

    Instead of viewing life’s intentions as a series of missions to accomplish, I’ve come to view them as as a set of sustainable priorities. Priorities allow for a lifelong focus, recognising that some tasks will never be fully completed but are worth our time and effort nonetheless.

    If we turn for a moment to our theological understanding of mission, mission isn’t just personal—it’s part of a bigger story. Jesus gave His followers a clear mission in Matthew 28:19-20 (CSB):

    “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

    Similarly, in Acts 1:8 (CSB), Jesus said:

    “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

    This mission—the Great Commission—is ongoing. It’s not something we check off a list but a lifelong call to share the gospel and live as witnesses to Jesus.

    This perspective reframes how we think about mission. It’s not about achieving a specific result but faithfully living out our calling in Christ.

    It’s like building a house. A mission-driven approach might focus on completing individual rooms: the kitchen, the bedrooms, the living space. Each project has a clear endpoint.

    But a priorities-driven approach sees the house as a home—a place that constantly requires attention, care, and investment. It’s not about “finishing” the house but creating a space where life can flourish.

    Similarly, our faith is is a priority that requires daily investment—prayer, scripture, community, and service.

    Central to our faith and its mission is to glorify God. This mission extends beyond church walls and spiritual disciplines into every corner of life. Colossians 3:17 (CSB) reminds us:

    “And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

    Whether we’re at work, raising a family, or simply enjoying the beauty of creation, our mission is to honour God in all we do.

    The beauty of God’s mission is that while it remains unfinished in this life, it’s already fulfilled in Christ. Our call to glorify God and enjoy Him forever is both a present reality and an eternal hope.

    So, what is your mission? Is it a project to complete, or a priority to pursue?

  • The Greatest Gift

    The Greatest Gift

    What is the greatest gift someone could give you?

    How would you answer this question?

    There are so many angles to consider:

    • The angle of need and want in the material world in which we live.
    • The angle of the inner life, what we seek and need for our souls and hearts.
    • The angle of the right here and now, or the long-term perspective of life as a whole.

    I wonder how you would answer?

    For me, the answer is clear.

    I’ve already received the greatest gift.

    This is a gift I was given many years ago. It’s a gift many others have also accepted, and it’s one I hope others will receive too—particularly those I know and love.

    This gift is from God, who seeks to give all people the gift of His love through Jesus Christ.

    As the familiar words of John 3:16 remind us: 

    “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

    This verse highlights God’s deep love for His people and all of creation. It speaks of a gift given so that the world may know true love—divine love—and receive eternal life.

    This is the gift of salvation. It’s the gift of forgiveness for sin. It’s the gift of being present with God. It’s the gift of peace, joy, and hope—those very themes we celebrate at Christmas.

    This is the greatest gift I have ever received, and it will always remain the greatest gift I could ever receive.

    What about you, how would you respond?

    This is a writing response to the WordPress daily prompt.

  • My Top Posts of 2024

    My Top Posts of 2024

    Another year, another blog post recap. 

    As the year wraps up, it’s time to look back and celebrate the posts that have resonated with you, my dear readers. To begin with, this year hasn’t exactly been a literary whirlwind. It’s been more a little bit of randomness and some adaptation of other content I’ve worked on. Evidently there are a few people who appreciate my ramblings though, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to enjoy my writing and share it too. 

    Just like my post on the Top Books of 2024, without further ado, here are the stats and then a summary of the posts that had the most views. 

    Enjoy. 

    THE STATS:

    • Total Views: 8,944 (Clearly, you still like me!)
    • Unique Visitors: 7,058 (Some of you even brought friends—thanks!)
    • Comments: 11 (Keep them coming; I’m lonely over here)
    • Likes: 20 (A number so small, even my posts feel insecure)
    • Posts Published: 14 or 10,645 words (Let’s call it “quality over quantity”)

    THE POSTS:

    1. God’s Love Expressed: Through the Cross

    This post explores the sacrificial love of God, vividly demonstrated through the cross of Christ. Drawing on 1 John 4, it reflects on how God’s love transforms our sin and brokenness into something good through Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. If you’ve ever doubted God’s love or struggled with the weight of sin, this post will remind you of the grace that calls you “perfect” even in your mess.

    2. The Trial of Jesus: A Fulfilment of Prophecy

    Looking at Mark 14:53-65, this post unpacks the unjust trial of Jesus as both a moment of human injustice and a divine fulfilment of prophecy. Jesus’ silence, His declaration of being the Son of Man, and His willingness to endure suffering reveal the depths of God’s plan for salvation. It’s a reflection that leads us to the cross with gratitude and confidence in Christ’s work.

    3. Martin Luther on Complete Forgiveness in Christ

    Inspired by Luther’s Commentary on Galatians, this post delves into his reflections on the complete forgiveness found in Jesus. Luther’s bold and comforting words remind us that forgiveness is not something we earn but something Christ gives freely through His sacrifice.

    4. My Top Books for 2024

    So, after posting about my reading in 2024 and giving some recommendations for the year this post got a little traction. It ended up sneaking into the top 5 within a week. If you’d like to see what I’ve been reading and what books you might like to add to your list this coming year then heading over and have a look.

    5. Adoniram Judson’s Courtship Proposal

    Adoniram Judson’s marriage proposal to Ann Hasseltine is anything but ordinary. This post recounts the radical faith behind his request, as he asked Ann’s parents to release their daughter to a life of missionary hardship—and possibly death. Ann’s courageous response highlights the cost of following Christ and her shared commitment to God’s mission. It’s a love story that’s as inspiring as it is humbling.

    6. Book Review: Adoniram Judson by Jason G. Duesing

    This book review highlights the life and legacy of Adoniram Judson, the father of American missions. Through the lens of Duesing’s collection of essays, this post explores Judson’s faith in God’s sovereignty, his endurance through suffering, and his commitment to long-term service. If you’re looking for a book to inspire your faith and challenge your perspective on missions, this review will convince you to pick it up.

    So there you have it: my greatest hits of 2024. Thanks for reading, sharing, and sticking with me—even through my quieter years. This blog wouldn’t exist without you (well, it would, but it’d feel more like me talking to myself).

    This is something I’ve done in previous years, which you can find here: Top posts for 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015. I also have a collection of writings published elsewhere on the inter-webs, which you can read here.

    Got a favourite post or a burning topic you’d love me to tackle in 2025? Drop me a comment or message.

  • My Top Books of 2024

    My Top Books of 2024

    It’s been two years since I wrote about the books I’ve been reading. Last year I was not in a place that enabled me to write and my dear readers will have noticed that if they were observant enough. However, books and writing about books remain a cornerstone of my personal and ministry rhythm and I’ve been back in the swing of things for a little while now. 

    I find books inspire, challenge, and shape my understanding of the world, ministry, and myself. This year reading remained constant, with numerous books being read at the same time, whether in paper, digital, or audio form. 

    The top books I read this year include those below, they are books I rated 5 stars. From biographies to practical theology to books on leadership and burnout. This year’s reading list has been somewhat diverse, except for all those crime-thriller fiction books I read. 

    Without further ado, here are my top books of 2024: 

    Zeal without Burnout by Christopher Ash

    This is a short book, and it’s full of impact. Anyone in ministry should really read this. Ash reminds us that we are finite and fragile. Through scripture and personal experiences he highlights the importance of sustainable ministry. As Ash addresses the risk of burnout he offers practical, wise, and compassionate advice that is grounded in God. I reckon I’ve read this a few times now. In different seasons it has had more impact. This year it named things I hadn’t realised I was doing or experiencing before, and it has made me more self-aware of my experience in the past 12-18 months. 

    Tiger Woods by Armen Keteyian and Jeff Benedict

    This is a great biography of such an iconic sportsman. The real highlight of this biography is actually the writing, it was such great sports and biographical writing. 

    Woods is the all-time great golfer with unbelievable talent in his profession yet, as we know, is deeply flawed. This book walks through his childhood, his relationship with his father and mother, and seemingly pseudo-friends through his life. It really is a character study on family dynamics and the influence of nurture and nature. It is a captivating read and brings together talent, pressure, and personal struggle surrounded by celebrity and sports.  

    Burnout: A Guide to Identifying Burnout and Pathways to Recovery by Gordon Parker, Gabriela Tavell, and Kerrie Eyers

    This book provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, identifying, and recovering from burnout. It offers strategies for self-care, stress management, and developing resilience to prevent future occurrences. I find this book helpful as it provided me with understanding about something I’d experienced within the year prior to reading it. It’s a clear, compassionate, and actionable book, which is also based on practical research-based approaches. Many of the case studies from various industries are helpful as they confirm that many different people in many different roles in life can hit burnout. 

    The Song of Significance: A New Manifesto for Teams by Seth Godin

    Seth Godin is always a fun read and this one is no exception. I’ve found he just thinks differently, gives great historical background and context about culture, particularly work culture, and then reframes it. In this case, Godin reframes modern work, leadership, and team-based collaboration within business and organisation. It is a call to shift out ‘success metrics’ toward meaning, dignity, and purpose. For those of us who deal in teams, there is the encouragement to collaborate around a shared vision in order to flourish. 

    Pastoral Perseverance by Brian Croft and James Carroll

    I try to read anything Brian Croft writes. He’s a grounded ministry leader who provides plenty of practical experience for pastors. In Pastoral Perseverance the books does what it says in its title, it encourages pastors and provides strategies to help persevere in the ministry. From navigating the complexities of leadership, congregational life, and personal challenges Croft and Carroll offer encouragement and biblical depth to shepherding the flock. 

    Unmasked: My Life Solving America’s Cold Cases by Paul Holes

    I listen to a few of Paul Holes’ podcasts and have followed a few that speak into the Golden State Killer. Holes was the investigator who helped crack the case of GSK after so many years of pursuing him. In this account of his life and career Holes describes the personal, emotional, and career highs and lows in the police force. I found it fascinating but also reminded of the human cost to relentlessly pursuing ones goals. 

    Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation by Ruth Haley Barton

    Ruth Haley Barton has been recommended to me plenty of times in the last year or so and I had never heard of her before this time. I ended up picking this one up and giving it a go, to which I am rather thankful for. This is a book for the soul. There is wisdom and helpful teaching, but also practical spiritual practices that will nurture faith and depth of relationship with God. All the usual spiritual disciples of Word, prayer, silence, solitude, and the like, but in the context of a regular rhythm to life. Again, it is another book this year that focuses on the devotional life of a disciple and also a life that seeks to avoid burnout. 

    Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

    I reckon this is one of the best time management books around. Rather than simply teaching habits and strategies Burkeman makes us realise that these ‘hacks’ won’t actually help us accomplish a life we want to live. Instead, Burkeman is realistic, and highlights that we should be embracing our limitations and constraints in life and time in order to live meaningfully within them. It’s a thought-provoking book, and he’s helpful to listen to one a few podcasts too. Instead of striving for tweaks to life so that we might hit our goals and to-do-lists every so often, it’s about thinking about life in more depth and with deeper purpose in mind. 

    Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence For Every Believer by J. Oswald Sanders

    This is a classic Christian leadership book that continues to be helpful and resonate. It’s quite easy to read because of the short chapters, but each one seems to pack a punch to the gut. Sanders doesn’t sugarcoat the cost and challenges of Christian leadership but also highlights the eternal significance of the work. 

    Pastoral Leadership: For the Care of Souls by Harold L. Senkbeil

    Harold Senkbeil is another one of those authors worth reading. I first came across his book “Care of Souls”, published a few years ago and then came across this one only a few months ago. While there would be some differences between him and I, he’s Lutheran and I’m Baptist for example, the pastoral wisdom is worth the price of any of his books. This is a guide to shepherding God’s people with humility, grace, and courage. It has theological depth and a deep concern for the pastoral care of those in a congregation. Again, there is emphasis on the care of the soul for the pastor as well, which seems to have been a theme in my reading this year. 

    Leading: Learning from Life and My Years at Manchester United by Alex Ferguson

    I was fascinated by listening to Alex Ferguson’s book on leadership. It was really his biography or another way of doing a memoir, but with some leadership principles applied. Evidently, a man who leads Manchester united for so long and with such sporting success will have a few things to say in this area of life. But, it was also a great insight into his life, values, and philosophy to football and leadership. 

    Love in a Time of War: My Years with Robert Fisk by Lara Marlowe

    Robert Fisk is one of the great writers about the Middle East. Evidently he has his demons and this is something that his former wife, Lara Marlowe, speaks into throughout this book. But his work cannot be ignored, nor his continual insight into the people of the Levant and beyond. Pity the Nation was the first book I read of his, which traces lines of history and experience for those who lived in Palestine-Israel and through the Lebanese civil war. This is more a personal memoir from Marlowe, who had known his for so long and worked alongside him in the Middle East and UK. A great read. 

    Well, that’s it for my top books for 2024. I had plenty books which were 4-star rated, and some special mentions of those include: 

    • The Unhurried Pastor by Brian Croft and Ronnie Martin
    • Humility: The Joy of Self-Forgetfulness by Gavin Ortlund
    • Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
    • The Priority of Preaching by Christopher Ash
    • The Harvard Business Review’s Guide To Beating Burnout
    • And any crime thriller novel by Daniel Silva, James Patterson, David Baldacci or Vince Flynn. Always one of these on the go. 

    I’d love to hear what books have shaped you in 2024. Drop your recommendations in the comments—I’m always looking to add to my stack for 2025!

    This now makes it 10 years where I’ve published my favourite books of the year. If you’re keen enough you can go back and have a read of previous years here: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, 2022. 

    If you’d like to see all the books I’ve read in 2024 then head to Goodreads to see a summary.

  • Preaching as Community Building

    Preaching as Community Building

    In this book, The Priority of Preaching, Christopher Ash highlights how preaching isn’t just about personal or individual growth but it is for shaping and growing community. He pushes back against the idea of faith as an individual journey, suggesting instead that preaching is a communal act that draws the church together under God’s Word. He’s already made the point that preaching is to have a sense of urgency. Here Ash argues that preaching isn’t to be a private conversation between the preacher and the individual listener; it’s an act that gathers and unites believers who are strengthened and encouraged together by His grace. 

    At one point Ash writes, “The church is not a collection of individuals who sometimes assemble; it is an assembly whose members may sometimes be dispersed.” This reflects his belief that the church isn’t defined by the scattering of believers during the week but by their gathering regally together to hear the Word preached. Therefore, preaching builds up the church as a whole. It is the reminder that all parts of the body make up the body, when one part is missing then it’s not the whole. This is similar to 1 Corinthians 12:12, “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.”

    The communal nature of preaching can be traced back to the Israelites’ gatherings in the Old Testament. Ash points out that in Deuteronomy, the people didn’t gather as isolated individuals; they assembled as a covenant people, standing together to hear God’s Word (Deuteronomy 31:11-13). This gathering wasn’t just a formality; it was a formative experience where they were reminded of their identity and purpose as God’s people. Preaching today carries the same purpose: it’s an act that brings people together, grounding them in God’s promises and shaping their collective identity as a church.

    What are the implications for today, then? 

    First, it challenges the modern day consumer mentality that can (or has) crept into churches, where people approach a service or gathering as a personal experience. While personal application may well be the outcome of the preaching of the Word, it goes beyond that toward fostering a communal identity and purpose grounded in the gospel. Similarly to Ephesians 4:12-13, where Paul describes the goal of ministry as “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith.” preaching isn’t just about a message delivered; it’s about building up the church as the body in Christ.

    Second, this focus on the communal aspect of preaching is a reminder that the church is firstly a gathering of people who are united in Christ. It’s not merely a place for individual self help but a community built on God’s Word. Preaching, then, serves as a regular reminder of who we are together as a church, connecting each believer’s personal faith to a larger identity and greater story of God’s people. This, hopefully, helps us reflect Christ’s love to the world, not as a scattered group but as a community.

    Third, the reminder that preaching is communal highlights the role it has in culture. Ash suggests that preaching, when done with the gathered church in mind, becomes a point of difference between church and the world. This is not to say that preaching is an exercise in cultural critique, rather it should be for the whole of the church to respond to the whole world from a biblical worldview and gospel understanding. When preaching for community, instead of the individual, it enables gospel response and gospel conviction.

    Fourth, this angle on preaching makes us think about the church as something a little more fluid because of the group aspect, rather than simple Sunday services, or select individuals with large voices or passions. It means making application points toward the group as a whole, not just individual self-help messages. For example, when preaching on forgiveness, this is not just about how individuals can forgive, but how we do that collectively in the church and as a church toward others. 

    In some ways, preaching as building community means the preacher needs to recognise the team or the body aspect of the church. In shaping the church culture the calling for action there becomes a clear ‘we’, rather than ‘you’ posture. It is to do what the people under Ezra and Nehemiah do, hear the Word of God, be attentive to the Word of God, and then turn to worship God under the Word of God (Nehemiah 8). 

    Christopher Ash’s vision of preaching as a communal building act causes us to move beyond thinking about the individual and realise its power in the collective gathering of God’s people. In doing so we are strengthened and bound more deeply together as followers of Jesus.

  • Preaching With Urgency

    Preaching With Urgency

    In The Priority of Preaching, Christopher Ash challenges those of us who preach with the call to urgency. Last time, I highlighted the idea of preaching grace, this time I want to explore how the pulpit isn’t just a platform for explaining scripture, but a place to bring a sense of urgency to the gospel. Ash argues that preaching isn’t simply giving over information, it’s a call to action that seeks a response. 

    Ash tells a story or illustration about “three apprentice devils” training under Satan. The first suggests they convince people there’s no God, but Satan isn’t impressed, noting that even in a secular world, many still feel a pull toward belief. The second proposes they argue there’s no judgment. Again, Satan says this won’t work, as people often sense that actions have consequences. Finally, the third apprentice suggests whispering, “There’s no hurry.” This plan, Satan says, will work because it plants a subtle complacency, pushing people to put off responding to the Word, assuming they’ll get to it someday.

    The point made here is connected to the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 6:2, “Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation”. Responding to the Good News is not something to delay. Preaching, then, needs a sense of urgency to combat the tendency to postpone faith or repentance. Without it, people may listen without ever responding, pushing away a decision that requires action today, not tomorrow.

    This urgency can shape the way we approach sermon content and tone as well. Ash writes, “The urgency of faith means we need to preach with urgent passionate clarity.” In other words, urgency doesn’t mean delivering an emotional message or stirring up an anxious response. It’s about bringing clarity and conviction, preaching with a confidence that God’s message requires immediate attention. 

    A look at biblical preaching shows this same urgency. John the Baptist’s message, for instance, was clear and direct: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 3:2). Jesus Himself speaks with a sense of immediacy, calling people to follow Him without delay (Matthew 4:19-22). The apostles in Acts don’t simply preach for knowledge; they’re actively calling people to repent and believe, with Peter in Acts 2 urging his listeners, “Repent and be baptized…for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). In each of these cases, the call is immediate and direct, a reminder that responding to God’s Word is essential.

    Ash’s perspective on urgency challenges us to recognise that we have a responsibility not only to explain the Word but to call people to respond. There is a place for teaching and a place for exhorting, and urgent preaching holds both together, pointing people in the right direction but also giving a “shove,” as Ash puts it, to get them started. This approach challenges the idea of “neutral” preaching—an invitation to consider a message without pressing toward response. For Ash, that kind of preaching risks becoming little more than a lecture, missing the power and purpose of the pulpit.

    The urgency in preaching is not about creating panic or fear but about presenting the gospel in a way that recognises its eternal weight. Ash writes that preaching is never simply information transfer; it’s always aimed at transformation. This brings to mind the warning in Hebrews 3:15, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” 

    For those of us who preach regularly, this means preparing sermons with the challenge of urgent decision-making, rather than assuming listeners will naturally follow through. Ash’s approach encourages preachers to explicitly call for a response, trusting that God will use the preached Word to reach those who hear. Our role as preachers, then, isn’t just to explain; it’s to invite and challenge people toward an active faith that starts today.

    In the end, Ash’s perspective on urgency in preaching reminds us that the Word of God calls us to act now, not “someday.” This approach is a counterbalance to our tendency to wait, putting off faith decisions until they seem more convenient. Ash’s point is that, as preachers, we are watchmen—our role is to sound the alarm, not to let people stay in spiritual comfort or complacency.

  • Preaching Grace

    Preaching Grace

    In The Priority of Preaching, Christopher Ash writes about that which can get overlooked in our churches: preaching being centred on grace. Ash argues in his book that the preaching of grace is essential, as it keeps the church from turning into what he calls a “club” where people gather around shared interests or personalities rather than a shared commitment to Jesus Christ. Instead, preaching on grace builds a community in humility and binds us together through the Good News rather than individualism. Ash writes, “only the word of grace knocks down our pride.” And it is in this posture we are able to turn back to God, reminding each of us that we are “all one in Christ Jesus”. The playing field is levelled, all of us fall short, and the togetherness of us as believers is on our shared dependence on the mercy of God. 

    This emphasis on grace goes beyond just avoiding pride; it’s also about cultivating a healthy church culture. Without the regular proclamation of grace a church can quickly become an exclusive group that relies on human similarities rather than the gospel to stay connected. This drift can happen subtly, but Ash’s point is that grace is the only foundation strong enough to hold together a diverse community. The church isn’t meant to be a gathering of people who all look, think, and act alike; it’s a people transformed and unified by God’s grace, regardless of background or personality (Romans 12:3-5).

    The challenge to pastors is to make grace a consistent theme in our preaching, a commitment that prevents the church from developing a “club mentality.” Grace-centred preaching doesn’t just speak to an individual heart, it impacts and transforms the whole church. When grace is preached we are reminded of our own limitations, the unnecessary drive to prove ourselves, and a skewed view of success. The focus on grace points us back to the gospel, which calls us to be of one mind and heart, putting others above themselves (Philippians 2:1-14).

    As a flow on effect of this grace-filled preaching the life of the church reaches outside its walls. Well, it should drive us to this. If we are marked by humility and grace, which flows from this kind of preaching, then the culture of the church is to be a place where others are welcomed, even if they don’t seem to ‘fit’. Ash tells us that those churches that preach grace will stand out, drawing others in through the authenticity of the community that is impacted through grace. 

    In practice, this call to preach grace challenges those of us who do preach regularly to focus on the greatness of the gospel, not simply giving our hearers things ‘to do’. While there will be challenging moral and behavioural aspects articulated in preaching, because Scripture is like this too, it does mean framing these things in the context of grace. For example, instead of preaching a “try harder” message, we can emphasise that growth in holiness is an ongoing response to God’s love, not a checklist for approval.

    As Ash explains, grace is the church’s “ tune.” Without it the church will gradually lose its true identity. Grace keeps the church as the body of Christ. By keeping grace at the centre we create a church culture that reflects the gospel, and open ourselves to be a community that is transformed by it.

  • The Priority of Preaching by Christopher Ash

    The Priority of Preaching by Christopher Ash

    In The Priority of Preaching, Christopher Ash argues that preaching is not just another church activity but the foundation upon which the church is formed, sustained, and strengthened. Ash presents preaching as the central means by which God calls His people together, aligning the church under His Word to shape their lives, faith, and identity. While the book is a bit academic in parts, Ash’s use of memorable illustrations and his practical advice on the task of preaching make it worth the read.

    Ash builds his case around Deuteronomy, which he describes as less a “law book” and more a “preaching book.” He points out that in Deuteronomy, Israel gathers under Moses to hear God’s Word, binding them together as His people (Deuteronomy 31:11-13). This gathering isn’t about individuals gaining private insight; rather, it’s a communal moment where the people are shaped under the authority of God’s spoken Word. For Ash, this dynamic continues today. Preaching is a way for the church to gather, listen, and respond together to God.

    A major theme in this book is grace, which Ash argues must be central to preaching. He points out that without regular, grace-centred teaching, churches risk becoming exclusive clubs rather than communities of believers bound by Christ. He writes, “only the word of grace knocks down our pride,” reminding us that the gospel keeps believers grounded in humility and dependent on God (Ephesians 2:8-9). This recurring call to grace is a practical one, as it reinforces that the church’s unity and health are not built on shared interests or human qualities, but on the common need for God’s saving grace. Ash’s emphasis here brings to mind Paul’s words to the Galatians, that we are “one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28), a unity that only grace can sustain.

    Ash insists on the urgency of preaching. He uses an illustration of three apprentice devils who each try a different strategy to prevent people from responding to God’s Word. The final one whispers, “Tell them there’s no hurry.” This tactic succeeds, as people assume they can respond later, just “not today.” For Ash, preaching must challenge this mindset, delivering the message with urgency to avoid spiritual complacency. “The urgency of faith means we need to preach with urgent passionate clarity,” he writes, stressing that preaching should move people to a point of decision. This is a reminder that preaching isn’t just informative; it’s intended to encourage people toward repentance and faith, and “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).

    Another key insight is the way Ash views preaching and community as closely connected. He argues that preaching isn’t just for individual growth but for binding the church together as a people. “The church is not a collection of individuals who sometimes assemble; it is an assembly whose members may sometimes be dispersed,” he says. This means that the assembly under the Word reflects Paul’s description of the church as “one body with many members” (1 Corinthians 12:12). It is a reminder that the church is not simply a place to receive spiritual insight but is a gathering that God shapes and grows collectively through His Word.

    In terms of the role of the pastor, Ash sees the pastor as a shepherd whose primary task is to “feed the flock” through preaching (John 21:17). Drawing on theologians like John Owen, Ash describes preaching as the pastor’s core responsibility, one that must be done with diligence and humility. The pastor’s role is not about personal authority but about humbly stewarding God’s Word to guide the church. 

    The Priority of Preaching is a book that reinforces the essential role of preaching for the church. The book has an academic tone that can make it a slower read in parts, but uses illustrations to enliven the chapters and make it more accessible. Although some sections may be dense, the book’s core ideas around grace, urgency, community, and pastoral responsibility make it a helpful resource for those who preach or lead within the church. With its combination of practical insights and vivid examples, The Priority of Preaching is a four out of five stars book, bringing practical depth and encouragement for the Church and the preacher. 

  • The Great Salvation: A Warning Against Neglect

    The Great Salvation: A Warning Against Neglect

    In my previous post, we explored how Hebrews 1 establishes the supremacy of Jesus over the angels. This understanding sets the foundation for the message in Hebrews 2—a warning not to neglect the great salvation that Jesus offers.

    This isn’t just an ancient admonition; it is also a warning for us today. We live in a world full of distractions, temptations, and trials. It’s easy to lose sight of what’s important, the core of our faith. Hebrews 2 urges us to hold fast, to be anchored, to Jesus, the author of our salvation. In so doing he tells us to be vigilant against the slow drift that can pull us away from Him.

    Do Not Neglect the Great Salvation

    Hebrews 2:1-4 opens with a direct and urgent exhortation:

    “We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”

    The imagery of drifting is helpful.

    Think of a boat tied to a pier, its ropes securely fastened. As long as the knots are tight and the ropes strong, the boat remains anchored, no matter how strong the currents or waves. But if the knots loosen, if the ropes fray, the boat begins to drift, carried away by the unseen pull of the tides. The same is true for our faith. If we are not anchored to Jesus—in other words, ‘if we do not pay careful attention to what we have heard’—we can slowly, almost imperceptibly, drift away from our faith.

    The Danger of Drifting

    This warning isn’t about a sudden, conscious rejection of faith. It’s about the subtle, almost invisible drifting that can occur when we neglect our relationship with God. Some questions worth reflecting on for ourselves, which may help us evaluate where we are at, include:

    • Have you found yourself neglecting the reading of God’s Word, allowing days or weeks to pass without opening your Bible?
    • Have you neglected prayer, letting your conversations with God become infrequent or shallow?
    • Have you been absent from corporate worship, finding excuses to skip gathering with God’s people?
    • Have you neglected using your gifts to serve others, retreating into self-interest instead of investing in a community of faith?

    These are the areas where drifting often begins. The author of Hebrews warns that neglecting this great salvation will have serious consequences. He reminds us that the Law, delivered by angels, was binding and disobedience to it was met with just punishment. How much more severe will the consequences be if we neglect the salvation offered by Jesus, the Son who sits at the right hand of the Majesty (1:4)?.

    Anchoring Ourselves to Salvation

    So, how do we stay anchored?

    The answer is not just to “read your Bible and pray,” though those are essential practices. Staying anchored requires a conscious effort, an intentional commitment, to remain in communion with God. It means recognising our deep need for Him and seeking to deepen our relationship with Him through worship, community, and obedience. This could look like:

    Worship: Engage in both personal and corporate worship, reminding yourself of God’s greatness and your dependence on Him.

    Community: Stay connected with other believers who can encourage, challenge, and support you in your walk with Jesus.

    Obedience: Be diligent in following God’s commands, not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude for the salvation He has given you.

    In a world that constantly tests and tempts, it’s easy to let those ropes loosen and find ourselves drifting. Hebrews reminds us of the greatness of the salvation we have in Jesus—a salvation confirmed by the apostles, witnessed through signs and wonders, and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit. Don’t neglect it. Stay anchored to Jesus and live with confidence in His power and presence.

    Like that securely tied boat, ensure that your faith is firmly anchored, not drifting away with the currents of life. Hold fast to the salvation that comes through Jesus, recognising the seriousness of the warning and the greatness of the gift we’ve been given.

    This is a series through the Letter to the Hebrews, based on sermons I have preached over the course of our sermon series. For other posts in this series please see: