GroshLink

Thank-you to my friend Kevin for passing along Recovering a bold vision for preaching by Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr., the ninth president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. At one point in the article, Mohler asks: 

Should the preacher seek to preach a biblical text through an expository sermon? Or, should the preacher direct the sermon to the "felt needs" and perceived concerns of the hearers?

Mohler strongly affirms expository preaching.  Although I would give space for addressing felt needs at particular times in the life of a congregation, the focus on immersing the congregation in the Word of God, taught in a manner which brings clarity to the purposes of God and life as a People in relationship to God, is necessary for the People of God to live a life of obedience through the spectacles of faith. 

As such, I was encouraged to read of Willow Creek repenting of its failures.  Weekly Sunday morning outreach meetings are not the basis for a transformative, worshipping community.  Yes, their model provides other forums, such as Wednesday night trainers, small groups, prayer gatherings, to deepen one's relationship with God and journey with the People of God in our fallen world . . . BUT a community's shared life in obedience to the Word of God, by the grace of the Spirit of God and informed by those which have gone before us guides us and leads to accountability in our daily life. The teaching of the Word of God enables us to become more Christ-like and be the fragrance of Christ. 

Although interaction with the culture and philosophies of today may provide understanding in how to apply what we learn from the Word, they are NOT to frame our understanding of and interaction with the world, God, people.  May each of us, and our local congregations, immerse be immersed in the Word and Reality of God today, this week, and for an eternity.  To the praise of His glory.

Blessed is the man
       who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
       or stand in the way of sinners
       or sit in the seat of mockers.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
       and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
       which yields its fruit in season
       and whose leaf does not wither.
       Whatever he does prospers . . . -- Psalm 1