These words from Ray Stedman in the foreword to Stephen F. Olford's booklet, Preaching the Word of God, should fill us with both hope and alarm. In recognizing the majestic possibilities that can occur when this divine tool is used properly, we can approach our pulpits with awe and anticipation that God will make a difference in the lives of those who fear His Word proclaimed. But we are also left with the disappointing reality that, all too often, too many of us do not grasp this Sword with both hands and wield it with skill.
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Dr. Olford firmly believes that great preaching must be expository preaching, which he defines as "the historical, grammatical and contextual examination and presentation of Scripture, in the power of the Holy Spirit, with a homiletical pattern and an evangelical purpose." In his booklet, he constructs a method of biblical exposition based on the model of the post-resurrection Jesus as He opened the Scriptures to his companions on the road to Emmaus:
The Reading of the Text of Scripture
Your people need to hear the actual words of the Bible. We should never underestimate the power of the Word of God to change lives on its own. Further, being able to recite the Scriptures from memory provides an added benefit because it underscores your personal conviction regarding the importance of knowing God's Word.
The Revealing of the Truth of Scripture
The biblical expositor is to restate the truth, showing its relevance to the Lord Jesus. For, ultimately, the mosaic of all revelation is totalized in Jesus Christ. Four hermeneutical principles enable the preacher to unlock the treasures of Scripture:
Source: Parsonage.org
Dr. H.B. London served as the Vice President of Pastoral Ministries for Focus on the Family for 20 years and retired in the summer of 2011. He is the author of numerous books on and for pastors. He served as a Nazarene pastor for over 30 years in several churches in Oregon and California. He and his wife, Beverley, have two sons and four grandchildren.
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