What is the difference between a lecture and preaching?

There is a vast difference between simply conveying information to people, which can be cold and ineffectual, and true preaching and witness.

We have a long-standing friend who was once driving in the north of Scotland with our fellow countryman the late professor John Murray of Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia. Professor Murray decided to turn the journey into a quiz! He asked a question: “What is the difference between a lecture and preaching?”

Our friend tried his best to come up with a good answer. But Professor Murray was not satisfied.

“Well, Professor Murray,” our friend eventually conceded, “What is the answer? What is the difference between a lecture and preaching?”

“This is what it is:” said John Murray, “Preaching is a personal, passionate plea.”

Our friend again replied, “But what is the personal passionate plea?”

Quick as a flash, Professor Murray responded in Paul’s words: “We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”42

That’s it!

Alistair Begg and Sinclair B. Ferguson, Name above All Names (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2013).

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