We faithfully practice expository preaching of the Scriptures.
Grace Bible Fellowship exists by God’s grace and is matured through God’s Word, the Bible (Acts 20:28). To understand the Bible, church leaders must faithfully, accurately, and boldly teach and preach it. The only way to do this is through expository preaching and teaching. “Expository” refers to drawing out (“ex”) the original intention of the text as God inspired human authors (2 Timothy 3:16).
Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching
—2 Timothy 4:2
The word used for “preach” is the Greek word kerusso. It describes an announcement, declaration, and proclamation. It is not dialogue, conversation, or offering opinion. It is the role of a herald who is an official messenger, spokesperson, or ambassador for a king.
The preacher thus carries the responsibility of faithfully proclaiming a message given to him by his superior without any alteration. When Jesus spoke, he faithfully proclaimed the words of His heavenly Father (John 7:16-18).
Thus, expository preaching is not public speaking or picking and choosing whatever statements of the Bible we prefer. Rather, it is to declare the intended meaning of the Bible and press the meaning home to the hearts and minds of modern day hearers.
Expository preaching is the most obedient, mission minded, authoritative, God-glorifying, faithful, theological, logical, growth producing, and effective means of preaching (2 Timothy 4:1-2; John 5:19, 17:16-18; 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 2:1-2; Hebrews 4:12). It operates according to context and verse by verse study so that the reader can plainly see the meaning for themselves. Each sermon and teaching lesson should follow the thought patterns of the text and gather the given principles and ideas pressed upon the reader.
Expository preaching is defined as authoritative proclamation of the Bible, centering on one major propositional truth at a time, demonstrating how the biblical truth is derived by historical, grammatical, and literal interpretation of the biblical text, explaining its feature, content, and message of the text, and finally, with the help of the Holy Spirit,
apply the biblical truth to conform the hearers into the image of Christ for the glory of God. Expository preaching can be described by the following ABCDEF definition:
Expository preaching is Authoritative proclamation of the truth of the Bible
Expository preaching is Bible-based truth derived from proper exegesis
Expository preaching is Centered on one major propositional truth
Expository preaching is Demonstration of how the truth is derived from the Bible
Expository preaching is Explanation of the truth of the biblical text
Expository preaching is Finally, application of the biblical truth to the listeners
Through faithful exposition in the Word of God, the people of God will grow strong in the gospel to the glory of God!
The main character of the gospel is Jesus Christ! He is the only Son of God who died and rose again. He alone is fully God and fully man (Philippians 2:5-11; John 1:1-14; Hebrews 1:3). He is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through him (John 14:6; 1 Peter 3:18).
