Embracing the Whole Counsel of God: A Comprehensive Approach to Preaching
As pastors, we are tasked with the monumental responsibility of teaching the entire Word of God to our congregations. With over 1,000 pages of scripture, this can be a daunting task. However, it is essential that we expose our people to as much of the Bible as possible, rather than relying on a limited selection of familiar passages.
The Importance of Long-Term Planning
To achieve this goal, we must proactively plan our preaching schedule for months, if not years, in advance. This allows us to approach the entire Bible with balance and map out a program that includes even the longer and less-well-known books. By doing so, we can ensure that our congregations receive a comprehensive understanding of God’s Word.
Honoring the Form of the Bible
When planning our preaching schedule, it is essential that we honor the form of the Bible as God handed it down to us. This means preaching through complete books of the Bible, rather than cherry-picking individual passages or topics. By doing so, we can preserve the context and content of the scripture, allowing our congregations to gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word.
The Benefits of Expository Preaching
Expository preaching, which involves preaching through a book of the Bible verse by verse, has numerous benefits. It allows us to trust in the sufficiency of the scripture, rather than relying on our own creativity or cleverness. Additionally, it provides a clear and consistent structure for our sermons, making it easier for our congregations to follow along.
Preparing Ourselves and Our Congregations
As we embark on this journey of preaching the whole counsel of God, we must be prepared to be stretched and challenged ourselves. We must also be willing to bring different messages from God into the lives and wills of our people, which requires spiritual, emotional, and mental health. By maintaining good patterns of work and rest, and seeking regular refreshment and sharpening, we can ensure that we are equipped to handle the demands of this task.
The Power of Prayer
Finally, we must not forget the importance of prayer in our planning and preparation. We must pray as we plan, pray as we prepare, and pray as we preach, asking God to use us as effective channels to bring more of His life-giving Word to His people.
By embracing these principles, we can ensure that our congregations receive a comprehensive understanding of God’s Word, and that we, as pastors, are equipped to handle the demands of this noble task.
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