Being convinced that the Bible is the inspired word of God leads me to a devotion to expositional preaching. This devotion to expose and explain the content of the Scriptures is best carried out in verse-by-verse, book-by-book studies. At this time, I have taught through John, Genesis, Revelation, Ephesians, 1 John, Jude, Colossians, Romans, part of 1 Corinthians, Galatians, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and more. My desire is to bring an understanding which will result in lives being transformed by the word of God. Therefore, I spend large amounts of time in study in preparation for preaching; much prayer and much careful thought goes into these times.
Faithful preaching must be focused on “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1Cor.2:2). Paul says he determined to know nothing but this among the Corinthians, and this challenging goal is my aim. Every word of mine is to be for the purpose of making Jesus known (and not just in the pulpit). When I preach I am kept from wandering by the polestar of Jesus Christ.
Preaching can entail Proclamation (Lk.4:19, Phil.1:16-18), Declaration (Col.1:25,26, 4:3), Clarification (Col.4:4, Eph.6:20), Illustration (Matt.11:16,17, Lk.13:20,21), Application (Eccl.12:13,14, 1Pet.4:7), Pleading (2Cor.5:20, Rom.12:4), Enticing (2Cor.2:15, Mt.11:28-30), and Doxology (Jude 24, Rom.16:27).
We learn in Acts 5:42 that preaching and teaching are not identical. As we consider the aims in gospel ministry of explaining (Neh.8:8, 2Cor.1:13), equipping (Eph.4:11-13, 1Pet.2:5) and feeding (Jn.21:15-17, 1Pet.5:2), these seem to fall under the category of teaching. On the other hand, the aims of encouraging (Rom.15:4-6, 1Thess.5:17), exhorting (Heb.3:13, Eph.6:10), and evangelizing (Rom.1:16, Mk.1:15) more properly fall under the heading of preaching. In my view, preaching and teaching belong together in the pulpit.
As alluded earlier, the content of my preaching is always mainly the Scripture. I say “mainly” because bridges must be built from what is written to the experiences, thoughts and feelings of the congregation such that the word of God bears the fruit of God among the people of God. Hearts, minds and wills must become subject to the authority of Jesus Christ. These bridges involve relating the Scriptures to current events, explaining with contemporary illustrations and seeking to cause the eternal word to land with weight on those who hear.
Pastor Steve Ross 