As a pastor I have often been asked, “Why does the church in America today seem to
be so ineffective in people’s lives and in the culture?” The answer is very simple; there
is virtually no confidence in the sufficiency of God’s Word to change hearts and minds.
The focus of the pulpit is on what is relevant, with a corresponding neglect of revelation.
This prevailing attitude is typified in the following quotes:
“Unchurched people today are the ultimate consumers. We may not like it, but for every sermon
we preach, they are asking, “Am I interested in that subject or not?” If they aren’t, it doesn’t matter
how effective our delivery is; their minds will check out.” Bill Hybels, Mastering Contemporary
Preaching, 27.
“The wise interpreter begins with a human need today, and chooses a passage that will enable
him to meet that need.” Andrew W. Blackwood, Expository Preaching for Today, 13.
Much of the church has attempted to cater to this consumer mind-set, with the result
that preaching centers on what people want to hear rather than what God wants
proclaimed (2 Timothy 4:3). Our commitment to expository preaching is grounded in the
apostle Paul’s command to “preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:1-5), and in the confidence
that God’s Word is still living and active ( Jeremiah 23:29; Hebrews 4:12) and is the
means God uses to draw sinners to Himself, sanctify His saints, and grow His church
(John 17:17; 2Timothy 3:16).
A great deal of Bible study is prefaced with the question, “What does this mean to me?”
In biblical exposition, the preacher begins with the question, “What did this text mean to
the original author and the original recipients?” The preacher studies the historical and
grammatical context of a passage so he can correctly interpret the author’s intended
meaning to the original recipients. He then clearly communicates this meaning to a
contemporary audience in an engaging manner so that they too understand the meaning (Ezra 7:10; Nehemiah 8:8; Acts 20:26, 27).
The true meaning of Scripture is Scripture. If one does not have the true meaning, then
one does not have Scripture, and consequently the message has no life transforming
power. Many books can influence a person’s life, but only one Book can transform a
person’s life. We believe that when Scripture is accurately interpreted (2 Timothy 2:15)
and faithfully proclaimed (Colossians 1:25; Acts 20:26, 27), the Holy Spirit will work
through His word to transform hearts and minds and equip believers to serve others for
His glory (Jeremiah 23:29; 1 Corinthians 1:17-2:5).