John Piper explains Bible arcing

Learn how to arc via our free, online, video-based tutorial called ARCING 101.

Review of Well Driven Nails by Byron Yawn

Before getting into my review of “Well Driven Nails” by Byron Yawn, I feel that I must point out a couple of details. First, I am reviewing the book of my pastor and I am glad to have the opportunity. Secondly, I review the book having witnessed the difference that this project has made on Byron Yawn as a man, as a pastor, and as an expositor, that preaches the Word of God every week. I would also like to note that this review is being written from a layman’s perspective which is important to note because “Well Driven Nails” is a work aimed at encouraging and exhorting pastors… preachers of the Word. So, why should anyone other than a pastor read “Well Driven Nails”? Well, for starters this reader/reviewer was encouraged and exhorted as a layman. The book also provided wonderful insight into the spiritual life of my pastor, as well as the men he writes about.

Well Driven Nails is the result of Byron Yawn’s D. Min. degree that focused on expository preaching. The idea for the book came from his desire to pinpoint what was missing in his preaching and address the issue head on. Byron proceeded to “pick” the brains of the expositors that he admires most to discover what they found was missing in their delivery. His criteria in selecting the interviewees were clarity, depth, and passion. The result is three great conversations with what the modern evangelical world considers giants of reformed theology, they also happen to enjoy pastorates that span decades for each: more than 100 years of pastoral and expository preaching experience between them. We hear from John MacArthur on clarity, R.C. Sproul on depth, and John Piper on passion. These men share what it is to empty their self as a pastor for the sake of the Gospel. It is not academics, it is life, and it is life and death. It would be impossible for me to relay through this review the depth of wisdom that these three men share in Well Driven Nails. I cannot even begin to express the impact that this project has obviously had on my pastor.

As a layman I recommend Well Driven Nails, first, to any pastor that is in that rut and is tired of going from one “church in a box” program to another. Your congregants will not be affected for Christ when, you, their minister, is living in that box. The time has come to preach the Word with clarity, with depth, with passion to be real for and with your congregation. For the layman, this book will help you to better understand the trials pastor’s experience that is difficult for them to talk about. It is important to take to heart the truths of Well-Driven Nails that will transform your approach to “expository listening”. The Word of God is a connection to the Christian life and pastors pour their own life out for the sake of the Gospel. We all need to thank God for the messages our solid ministers preach by showing them our appreciation by living a transformed life. For my fellow congregants at Community Bible Church, read the book not because Byron wrote it, but because he poured his heart and love for Christ and you into it.