Articles

Expository Convictions – part 3

Jan 9, 2007 | Preaching

In addition to the biblical evidence, a few theological considerations suggest expository preaching to be the most biblical manner to preach. First, I would propose a “bibliological” justification for expository preaching. The very injunction given to Timothy to “preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2), follows on the heels of a theological statement that the Scriptures are “inspired by God.” The inspiration of the Scriptures suggest that they are without error, completely sufficient for every human need (2 Peter 1:4, 5), and unrivaled in their authority. Why then begin by expositing a secular idea and finding a few biblical verses and secular quotations to illustrate that idea? Beginning with the Scriptures for the content of the message appears to be the best way to demonstrate that the preacher truly believes that the Bible is inspired, without error, sufficient and authoritative. Furthermore, I would suggest a soteriological justification for expository preaching. Expositing the Scriptures, according to 2 Timothy 3:15 is what makes one wise to salvation. Peter states as much when he writes, “for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God . . . and this is the word which was preached to you” (1 Peter 1:23, 25). Just this past Sunday evening, I was told by a woman at the conclusion of our evening service that she believed she embraced Christ because of the expository preaching she was exposed to. She had heard too many topical sermons and basic moral truths throughout her life that left her spiritually empty. After being exposed to a... read more

Expository Convictions – part 2

Jan 8, 2007 | Preaching

My posts on this subject are mere reflections on the subject for what they are worth. However, I have had the privilege of serving as a pastor in three local congregations over the past nineteen years. Every year, I become more committed to expository preaching and more convinced of its necessity and power in the life of the local church and in the individual lives of those who submit themselves to the regular exposition of Scripture. Biblical Justification for Expository Preaching Having defined expository preaching as that form of preaching that begins with the Scriptures and is structured around the Scriptures’ intended meaning and form, what biblical justification can be made for asserting that this kind of preaching is the purest and most proper form of biblical preaching? The clearest biblical injunction to preach in an expository manner is found in 2 Timothy 4:2: “preach the word.” If this exhortation is to be seriously applied, then the sermon must not be derived from a topic, but rather, “the word.” Such, “word” based preaching is also biblically exemplified as well. When Israel returned from Babylonian captivity and began rebuilding the wall and the city, she was freshly exposed to the law of God and subsequent spiritual renewal. How did Israel’s leaders expose the congregation to the law? Nehemiah 8:7, 8 indicates, “. . . the Levites explained the law to the people while the people remained in their place. They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading.” Such verse-by-verse exposition finds few friends among modern day topical... read more

Expository Convictions – part 1

Jan 7, 2007 | Preaching

Pastor Steve Weaver of West Broadway Baptist Church in Lenoir City, Tennesseeseries of posts just completed a on his approach to expository preaching. Steve is a good friend I have come to know through the blogosphere. I had the privilege to meet Steve and have lunch with him last year. I found my own approach to be very similar and was grateful to see his eager approach to faithfully preaching God’s Word. Another such series was written by Pastor Matt Waymeyer. Matt is another friend and fellow graduate of The Master’s Seminary. We used to work on the custodial staff together at Grace Community Church. He is a humble, faithful expositor of the Word. Both of these men share my own heart convictions about the subject of Expository Preaching. Since my conversion and well before I knew it had a technical name I have always yearned to preach and teach the intended meaning of the Bible. This passion is what drove my eight 1/2 years of ministry before seminary. it was this drive that also helped me choose which seminary I was privileged to attend. This same desire has fueled me to pursue further training in expository preaching and is the impetus for my own involvement in helping to train others in expository preaching. In light of my two brothers posting their approach to expository preaching and in light of a message I am about to preach to my own congregation, “Why We Should Love Preaching,” I thought I would throw out a few thoughts of my own. My intention in the next series of posts is to describe... read more

Weaver Preaching

Jan 7, 2007 | Preaching

A beloved brother, Steve Weaver, has completed his series on Expository Preaching.  Excellent resource for the How To’s.  I’ve linked to his posts in the Short Caps previously, but Steve put together a helpful post including all six posts.  You would do well to not only read the series but listen to his preaching for good examples of expository preaching. Pastor Steve Weaver’s Blog: “How I Preach An Expository Sermon”: The... read more

Prayer for Dr. Mohler

Jan 6, 2007 | Miscellaneous

It was reported yesterday that Dr. Mohler had a set back in his health with blood clots in his lungs.  Dr. Russell Moore gives an update that he is responding well and seems to be improving.  Continue to pray. Dr. Mohler Responding Well to... read more

What is a Pastor to Do?

Jan 5, 2007 | Pastoral Ministry

Thabiti Anyabwile, a Southern Baptist pastor in Grand Cayman has written a series of articles worth reading – for both pastor and church member. Defining the duties of a pastor is always a hectic issue. More often than not, the definitions derive not from Scripture as much as from personal expectation and experience. Pastors often tend to define their duties according to what they like and eschew as unnecessary those duties they do not enjoy (I am no exception). Church members have a tendency to expect from pastors what they have experienced in their past, or they define a pastor’s duties purely according to their own personal perception of their own personal needs. Where definitions and expectations differ, struggle and division eventually arise. I appreciate Pastor Thabiti’s discussion of pastoral ministry in direct reference to what God’s word says. These eleven articles are worth not only a good read but thorough consideration. Finding a common, biblical approach to what a good pastor is to give his time and attention to will only strengthen the body and expand the integrity of the church’s evangelistic witness. What a Good Pastor is to Do: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part... read more

Edwards On-line

Jan 5, 2007 | Church History, Jonathan Edwards

By 2012, the Edwards Center at Yale will have all 100,000 pages of Jonathan Edwards materials available online.  25,000 pages are now available.  This is a gold mine! The Jonathan Edwards Center at Yale University: Frequently Asked... read more

How To’s On Preaching – pt 5

Jan 4, 2007 | Preaching

Faithful pastor, Steve Weaver continues his series on how he prepares an expository sermon.  I find some great similarities in our manuscript preparation. Pastor Steve Weaver’s Blog: How I Prepare An Expository Sermon, Part... read more

Happy New Year!

Jan 1, 2007 | Personal

I trust this first day of the new year has been a good one for you. Kelly and I spent the day relaxing and preparing to return to a full schedule. It is my earnest prayer that you will see the goodness of God’s providence and trust His grace day by day in 2007. The year is already shaping up to be a full one in ministry. This year I hope to read through Scripture again (this time through the NET Bible), preach through Romans 4-8 (that is my goal in my Sun PM Preaching this year), memorize significant portions of Scripture, read more than I have in the past, invest myself significantly in our internship ministry and complete my Doctor of Ministry project. Personally, Kelly and I are looking forward to becoming foster parents this year. We have a final walk-through of our home next week. We believe we will be certified and approved to become foster parents soon after the walk-through and then at any time we could be called to receive an infant into our home. We will trust and pray that we can be patient and steadfast through what can and no doubt will be a very emotional time. We are very excited about the possibilities. 2006 was a good and full year. We are looking forward to the life ahead in this new... read more

A President’s Work Habits

Jan 1, 2007 | Presidential History, Time/Life Management

Being a productivity junkie as well as a lover of presidential history, I found this brief article about President Ford’s work routine to be interesting.  I’m not in to cottage cheese and ketchup, but I can relate to the restlessness ’til the work is done syndrome. KESQ NewsChannel 3 Palm Springs, CA: Ford’s White House secretary remembers his routine, and his work... read more

Time Management Triage

Dec 29, 2006 | Time/Life Management

Here is a good article reviewing tips on making the most of your time by making wise decisions those thing to which you will give your most attention.  The article sounds a lot like a portion of Covey’s 7 Habits. Good New Year’s Resolution reading.... read more

Planning Change

Dec 29, 2006 | Pastoral Ministry

Planning any changes in your church for the new year.  Aubrey Malphurs offers a few suggestions on making it a smooth transition. Implementing Church Strategy –... read more

Expository Preaching “How To’s”

Dec 29, 2006 | Preaching

Steve Weaver is a faithful expositor and gives a good review of his own process of producing expository messages.  Excellent stuff, Steve. Pastor Steve Weaver’s Blog: A Break in the Action, Footnotes, and Posting... read more

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C.J., Lig, Al, Mark, et. al. Mark Dever and Company John Piper John MacArthur Phil Johnson and Friends the same says it all.