Preach the Word: Because It Informs Our Worship and Walk

This post was first published in January, 2014. —ed. The modern evangelical quest for relevance has created several rifts in the church, perhaps none more visible than the divide over worship. Deep, biblical understanding of God’s Word and His character is routinely pitted against the euphoria of a vibrant musical experience. But that false dichotomy… Continue reading Preach the Word: Because It Informs Our Worship and Walk

Preach the Word: Because It Brings Depth and Balance in Ministry

This post was first published in January, 2014. —ed. One frequently overlooked benefit of consistent Bible exposition is that the preacher’s faith and practice is tested by every text. Over the long haul, everything I have ever taught has had to survive the scrutiny of the Scriptures. By God’s grace, I’ve been able to teach… Continue reading Preach the Word: Because It Brings Depth and Balance in Ministry

Preach the Word: Because It Promotes Personal Bible Study

This post was first published in January, 2014. —ed. Prior to the Reformation, personal Bible study would have been a foreign concept to all but the religious elite. Churchgoers didn’t have individual access to God’s Word, much less a Bible in their own language. Only the Roman Catholic clergy were able to view Scripture, and even then… Continue reading Preach the Word: Because It Promotes Personal Bible Study

Preach the Word: Because It Makes the Ministry Dependent on God

This post was first published in January, 2014. —ed. You wouldn’t expect to hear a pastor tell his church, “I know better than God.” And yet that’s what many preachers and leaders today communicate when they focus their ministry strategies on market research and consumer response. Chasing popular trends and whims is a sure recipe… Continue reading Preach the Word: Because It Makes the Ministry Dependent on God